folliculitis nuchae

Question 1

What is folliculitis keloidalis?

Answer 1

Folliculitis keloidalis is an unusual form of chronic folliculitis (inflammation of the hair follicle unit) and cicatricial alopecia (scarring hair loss) that affects the nape of the neck.

Question 2

What is the initial treatment for active, pustular stages of folliculitis keloidalis nuchae?

Answer 2

Use doxycycline 100 mg twice daily for 2 weeks up to one month, followed by doxycycline 100 mg once daily for 2 weeks up to one month or longer, or other long-term antibiotics according to sensitivity tests.

Question 3

What surgical option is available for folliculitis keloidalis nuchae, and what is a possible outcome?

Answer 3

Excision of scars, with or without skin grafting, can be performed. Recurrence of keloid is possible but occurs less often when skin grafts are not performed and the wound is allowed to heal per secundam, leaving an atrophic scar.

Question 4

How can keloids in folliculitis keloidalis nuchae be treated with injections?

Answer 4

Keloids may respond to injections of steroid suspension, such as triamcinolone acetonide, 10 mg diluted 1:3 to 1:5 with a local anesthetic, every 2 to 4 weeks for several months.

Question 5

What topical treatment can be used for lesions in folliculitis keloidalis nuchae?

Answer 5

Apply a strong steroid, such as betamethasone ointment, twice daily on lesions.

Question 6

What other surgical methods may be helpful in managing folliculitis keloidalis nuchae?

Answer 6

Cryosurgery or laser surgery may be helpful.