CLINICAL, BIOCHEMICAL AND MORPHOLOGIC FEATURES OF ACNE KELOIDALIS IN A BLACK-POPULATION

Background. Acne keloidalis (AK) is an important cause of morbidity in Nigeria and accounts for 1.3% of patients with skin conditions in a N igerian dermatology clinic. Treatment is usually unsatisfactory becaus e the etiopathogenesis is unclear. Methods. A prospective clinico-path ological study was carried out to identify predisposing factors, viabl e treatment modalities, and prognostic indicators. Results. The study suggested that AK is associated with the male gender seborrheic consti tution, early reproductive years, and increased fasting blood testoste rone concentration. Features that may predispose to the vastly predomi nant occipital location of the lesions include increased mast cell den sity and dilatation of dermal capillaries. Management. The main aims a re diagnosis of early papules and avoidance of physical and chemical t raumatizing agents. Retinoic acid analogs and antiandrogens may be hel pful. Conclusions. The widespread use of irritating physical and chemi cal traditional treatment remedies and delay in seeking medical attent ion-AK is typically asymptomatic-contribute to the relatively advanced nature of the disease at the time of presentation to the specialist.