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Pseudofolliculitis Barbae and Acne Keloidalis Nuchae

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Skin of Color

Abstract

This chapter discusses the epidemiology, pathogenesis, etiology, differential diagnosis, and laboratory investigations of pseudofolliculitis barbae and acne keloidalis nuchae. Pseudofolliculitis barbae (PFB) is an inflammatory disorder characterized by papules and pustules in the beard area. It represents a foreign-body inflammatory response to ingrown hairs, and the prevalence is reported to be between 45% and 83% in black men. Acne keloidalis nuchae (AKN) is a chronic inflammatory follicular disorder of the occipital scalp and posterior neck that primarily affects men of African descent. It was first described by Kaposi in 1869 and has since been referred to by various names including dermatitis papillaris capillitii and folliculitis keloidalis. Especially in severe cases, AKN is associated with considerable psychological effects and impaired quality of life.

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Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Dermatology, SUNY Downstate Medical Center, 450 Clarkson Avenue, 11203, Brooklyn, NY, USA

    Marcelyn K. Coley M.D.

  2. Division of Dermatology, Charles Drew University of Medicine and Science, Former King/Drew Medical Center, The David Geffen School of Medicine, 2983 Burdeck Drive, 94602, Oakland, CA, USA

    A. Paul Kelly M.D.

  3. Skin of Color Center, Department of Dermatology, St. Luke’s Roosevelt Hospital and Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons, New York, NY, USA

    Andrew F. Alexis M.PH., M.D.

Authors
  1. Marcelyn K. Coley M.D.
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  2. A. Paul Kelly M.D.
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  3. Andrew F. Alexis M.PH., M.D.
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Corresponding author

Correspondence to Andrew F. Alexis M.PH., M.D. .

Editor information

Editors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Dermatology, St. Luke’s Roosevelt Hospital, Skin of Color Center, New York, 10025, New York, USA

    Andrew F. Alexis

  2. Rush University, Department of Dermatology, Chicago, 60602, Illinois, USA

    Victoria H. Barbosa

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Coley, M.K., Kelly, A.P., Alexis, A.F. (2013). Pseudofolliculitis Barbae and Acne Keloidalis Nuchae. In: Alexis, A., Barbosa, V. (eds) Skin of Color. Springer, New York, NY. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-0-387-84929-4_7

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-0-387-84929-4_7

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