Ao. George et al., CLINICAL, BIOCHEMICAL AND MORPHOLOGIC FEATURES OF ACNE KELOIDALIS IN A BLACK-POPULATION, International journal of dermatology, 32(10), 1993, pp. 714-716
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.