Clinical description of a rare dermatological disease, acne Keloidalis Nuchae, and successful homoeopathic management: A case report

Abstract

Acne Keloidalis Nuchae (AKN), also known as Folliculitis Keloidalis Nuchae (FKN), is a rare dermatological disease characterised by persistent folliculitis at the nape of the neck that forms keloid like scars and finally leads to cicatricial alopecia, and mainly affects the African ethnic group ranging from 0.45 to 9% prevalence rate. The exact aetiology is indistinct, but it is supposed to be triggered by chronic irritation or occlusion of the hair follicles due to different causes, which leads to the inflammation of the affected parts. If untreated, fibrosis and keloid formation can be evident, presented with chronic scarring and/or scarring alopecia without active inflammation. Pruritis, pain, contact bleeding and alopecia are some of the clinical presentations of this illness. If the secondary bacterial infection is present, pustules, sinuses and abscesses may be seen. Conventional medical management includes topical or oral antibiotics, corticosteroids, retinoids, topical fusidic acid and topical urea, intralesional injection of triamcinolone, surgical excision, electrosurgery, cryotherapy, light and laser therapy. This article aims to deliver all the relevant information of AKN presented in literary works and present the successful case treated with Calcarea Phosphoricum and individualised Homoeopathic medicine. This article will highlight the need for the Individualisation of a case, althoughrare, required to treat any named ailment with the help of Homoeopathy.