Acne keloidalis

Dr.,
I am of Asian-american decent and have a bad case of acne keloidalis on the back of my head.  I am a 29 year old male and first came down with it 5 years ago when I went to boot camp in the Navy.  When I went to the dermatology doctors in the Navy, they said that my condition was only subject to African-americans and they have never seen an Asian with this.  The doctors treatment was to do the normal acne reduction medicine and also attempted to cut them out.  Right now I am a civilian and the keloids are an embarrassment for me.  Is there any treatment I can seek to have these removed to improve my self-esteem???  Right now I have a complex in regards to anyone walking behind me and if someone does attempt to I either let them pass or walk sideways to avoid those people seeing the back of my neck.

Please help!!!

[Alan Rockoff, MD]

This condition is indeed more common in African-Americans, though not exclusive to them.  Keloids can be treated by injecting them with cortisone.  More than one monthly seesion may be needed, but the procedure is safe and is likely to help your body and mind a lot.

Best.

Dr. Rockoff

[Ish]

I have Acne Keloidalis and I am a 31 y.o. Mexican American. I have been using the cream Ultravate (Topical steroid). It works really well for me. Other treatments I've recieved were the Corisodial shots to the affected area. It wasn't as affective as this cream. I've also tried other creams and this one works the best. It reduces the swelling of the bumps overnite. I know keep my hair long in the back because of this condition and am embarrased to get my hair cut because I don't want anyone to be discusted with my condition. I too was in the military and was but was in the Army. I don't know how I got this condition but it itches like crazy and I can't stand the freakness of it. Good luck on your end. Let me know if you ever get better.