FOLLICULITIS KELOIDALIS

Folliculitis Keloidalis is a common and chronic skin disorder affecting nape of men who are prone to ingrowing hair. The tendency to develop ingrown hair is genetically determined, hence only those genetically prone will develop FK. This hypothesis is supported by increased frequency of occurrence of shaver’s rash (Pseudofolliculitis Barbae) in FK patients.
FK manifest at initial stage with papular rashes that resembles pimples at the nape (lower area of back of the scalp), at this stage it is easy to see ingrown hair in the lesions on examination. If medical attention is delayed the condition will progress to development of keloidal lesions which are harder to treat. For some unknown reasons there is increased tendency to developing keloidal reaction in FK even in those who are not naturally prone to keloid formation.
Treatment of FK depends of the stage of the disease. In the early stage topical treatment alone may suffice particularly if patient stops the habit of barbing skin cut. In the later stage treatment becomes more difficult with poorer response. At this stage the modalities of treatment include intralesional injections, cryotherapy, excisional surgery and repair or combination of these modalities.
From above information it is clear that in order to prevent FK or ensure the cure of this chronic condition the following advice should be followed:

• Early medical attention should be seeked from skin specialist in order to commence treatment at the early stage of the disease.
• Anyone who is prone to FK should avoid scraping of hair during barbing particularly at the nape.