International Journal of Medicine and Health Development (Jan 2002)

A review of acne keloidalis nuchae at the university of nigeria teaching hospital, Enugu, Nigeria

  • E N Nnoruka

Journal volume & issue
Vol. 7, no. 1
pp. 47 – 49

Abstract

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Aim: To determine the profile of acne keloidalis nuchae amongst Nigerians and to document the various treatment modalities undertaken by these patients prior to presentation at our dermatology clinic. Patients and Methods: A retrospective study of patients with acne keloidalis nuchae (AKN) at the University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital Enugu, from 1993 to 1998 was undertaken. This was supplemented by a further prospective study on 23 patients to clarify issues not documented or highlighted by patients' folders. Results: 203 out of 7.861 new patients with skin disorders seen within the study period had AKN. The prevalence was 2.6%. The rash was discovered accidentally in 43% of cases. 89.9% discovered the rashes between the ages of 15-40 years. 3 (1.5%) affected females had in addition irregular menstrual cycles and infertility. Acneiform eruptions occurred in 63.2% whilst the lesions were already fibotic with keloid-like papules/plaques in 76.3%. The eruptions were distributed commonly in a band- like pattern along the posterior hairline in 97.3% and 19.7% had keloids elsewhere whilst seborrhea was a common finding in 63.5%. The treatment with the use of native concoctions, caustic chemicals and traumatic physical modalities was a common observation. Conclusion: The pattern of acne keloidalis nuchae in Nigerians is similar to that reported in the western literature, except for significant proportion of males presenting at the fibrotic phase with massive keloids initially. Crude local treatment is to be discouraged to reduce secondary infection and keloid formation.

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