PREVALENCE OF ACNE KELOIDALIS NUCHAE IN FOOTBALL PLAYERS

Background: Acne mechanica (AM) is common in football players. Severe cases of nuchal AM map precede acne keloidalis nuchae (AKN). Factors t hat may be associated with the progression of nuchal AM to AKN are unk nown. The prevalence of AKN in football players has not been reported. Objective: We investigated the frequency of nuchal AM and AKN within a susceptible population and attempted to identify factors that may be associated with AKN. Methods: Four hundred fifty-three high school, c ollegiate, and professional football players were examined for the pre sence of nuchal AM or AKN. Those with positive findings completed a qu estionnaire regarding their disease. Results: Nuchal AM was more preva lent in high school players (15.5%) than older players (1.2%). AKN was more frequent in players beyond the high school level and was found e xclusively in blacks. AKN was not associated with a positive family hi story of AKN nor a positive personal or family history of keloid forma tion. Conclusion: AKN occurs almost exclusively in blacks. The level o f football play may be associated with the development of AKN. Positiv e family history of AKN and positive family or personal history of kel oids is not associated with AKN development.