Prevalence of acne keloidalis nuchae in Nigerians.
BACKGROUND
The prevalence of acne keloidalis nuchae (AKN), a chronic inflammatory process of the hair follicles resulting in keloidal papules and plaques at the nape of the neck, is increasing in our environment.


METHODS
A prospective hospital-based observational study was conducted at the adult medical dermatologic outpatient department of Irrua specialist teaching hospital, Edo State, Nigeria. All patients referred to the dermatology clinic with symptoms and signs of AKN were recruited.


RESULTS
Thirty patients presented to the adult dermatologic unit with AKN over a period of 22 months, giving a gross incidence of 9.4% of dermatologic consultations. The common etiologic factor was secondary to trauma from an electric razor whilst having a haircut, followed by spread of keloid from the beard area.


CONCLUSIONS
Minimization of trauma during hair cutting or shaving and personalization of haircare instruments may reduce the recently increased incidence of this condition in our environment.
Salami
Taofik
T
Department of Medicine and Medical Microbiology, College of Medicine, Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma, Edo State, Nigeria. tatsalami@yahoo.com
Omeife
Henry
H
Samuel
Samuel
S
D000153:Acne Keloid / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000209:etiology / Q000473:pathology; D000328:Adult; D006801:Humans; D015994:Incidence; D008297:Male; D009549:Nigeria / Q000453:epidemiology; D010045:Outpatients / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D015995:Prevalence; D011446:Prospective Studies; D012867:Skin / Q000293:injuries; D014947:Wounds and Injuries / Q000150:complications