Q. Can Acne Keloidalis Nuchae Be Treated Naturally?
It is quite understandable that patients with Acne Keloidalis Nuchae would want natural forms of treatment for their condition. Dr. Sanusi Umar, a world leading AKN surgeon, advocates that with any disorder, causal factors must be addressed. And in cases like Acne Keloidalis Nuchae, where the exact causes are not always clear, surgery would be the most effective route.Based on this rule of thumb, individuals suffering from the condition would be able to develop more realistic expectations for their treatment options.
Razor Bumps Versus Acne Keloidalis Nuchae
When suspiciously large, itchy bumps develop specifically on the back of the neck, one can assume that this issue is not basic acne. What may have manifested are razor bumps. And these can often be resolved by letting the hair grow.
However, it is still imperative for individuals to see a qualified dermatologist right away. The physician should be able to perform a tissue biopsy to determine whether the bumps are an early manifestation of Acne Keloidalis Nuchae.
Dr. Umar who regularly treats individuals with large AKN lesions highly recommends immediate medical attention to avoid the discomfort and social embarrassment that his patients face once the bumps have fused into a large mass of tissue.
Do Natural Cures Exist for Acne Keloidalis Nuchae
Countless individuals across the globe are making the move towards natural products for a wide range of health areas. But does this mean that there are actual solutions within this realm for treating AKN?
Common ingredients which are being peddled as treatments for Acne Keloidalis Nuchae include:
- tea tree oil which can fight bacteria and promote new tissue growth
- beeswax which can help with cell turnover and reconstruction due to its vitamin A content
- Cederwood Himalayan Oil which deflects irritants
- Peppermint Oil for soreness and itchiness
- Jojoba oil for soothing damaged skin
- bentonite clay which removes impurities
- zinc oxide which has anti-inflammatory properties
- magnesium oxide which supports normal collagen synthesis
While these natural ingredients may certainly help reduce discomfort associated with AKN, they would do nothing to reduce or take away the lesions. But anyone who has the condition would be most interested in getting rid of the bumps and lesions once and for all. Therefore, laser or surgical treatment should be considered for definitive treatment and improvement.
Choosing the Best Treatment For Acne Keloidalis Nuchae
According to Dr. Umar’s general advice on knowing what treatment to choose, it would be important to first be clear on the cause of the particular condition.
Acne Keloidalis Nuchae is likely to be based on genetic predisposition. At the moment, gene therapy does not exist for AKN. However, in many patients, ingrown hair shafts can trigger an extremely aggressive attack from the immune system that creates the particular histology (tissue characteristics) associated with Acne Keloidalis Nuchae.
If the early bump stage of the the condition is primarily caused by troublesome shafts, the hair can be epilated through the use of the Nd:YAG 1040nm laser. This can flatten the appearance and soften the texture of the lesions.
Some people believe that Acne Keloidalis Nuchae is caused by bacteria which infects the follicles and causes inflammation. Natural remedies with antibacterial properties may be able to alleviate discomfort associated with the microbes. And others may help reduce the inflammation. There effect however is minimal and they are relatively ineffective.
There is more support for bacteria being a secondary effect, rather than an actual cause.
Drainage may accumulate as a result of inflammation due to the immune response. And this will create a moist environment for bacteria to multiply.
The scars which emerge from Acne Keloidalis Nuchae are made from collagen fibers which are produced by fibroblasts in the skin. Therefore, this thickened tissue is actually an inherent part of the skin’s fabric. Although unsightly, this collagen is produced for repair and strengthening purposes.
Those who are curious about the effects of ingredients like the ones listed above may want to speak to their doctor to best guide their usage. However, this should be considered within the context of a larger medical treatment plan. A physician would be able to provide proper guidance on using prescription drugs, undergoing laser procedures or choosing surgical removal.