"Barber's Rash" on back of neck lasting for years?

Hope somebody can help... Over a year ago I got my hair cut, just a normal trim - the razor only being used on the back of my neck.  On the walk home, my neck was really itchy but that's pretty normal after a haircut so I ignored it.  A few days later the itch hadn't gone away and I'd noticed painful bumps in the area, I couldn't see them obviously so I took a picture and saw that the top of my neck was really red and irritated, covered in little red bumps.  I googled it and found something called "barber's rash," which sounded like a common, temporary problem.  I decided I'd just stop scratching and maybe they'd go away.

Fast forward to today, the bumps no longer itch unless I bother them but they're STILL present!  I try to ignore them because my hair is so long now (I've only cut it myself a couple times since) that no one notices, but every few weeks I start worrying because I know they're not normal so I take another picture and the sight is almost the same as it was a year ago (not as red because I don't scratch them anymore but still the bumps are all there).

I know I should probably go see someone about them but I haven't had any problems aside from the embarrassment.

What is this and what can be done?

I'd really appreciate some feedback, please.

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,
It can be acne keloidalis nuchae. It occurs when hairs on the back of the head and neck grow into the skin, become inflamed, and cause scar tissue. These ingrown hairs usually occur following a short haircut on the back of the head and nape of the neck.

Treatment of AKN includes suppression of the inflammation with antibiotics and steroid gels or intralesional steroid injections.So apply antibiotic cream like Neosporin or bactroban.If the symptoms persist then oral antibiotics and steroids may be needed.Pls consult a dermatologist in that case.

Larger bumps of AKN present for a while or if not responding to treatments may need surgical removal.
It is very difficult to precisely confirm a diagnosis without examination and investigations and the answer is based on the medical information provided. For exact diagnosis, you are requested to consult your doctor. I sincerely hope that helps. Take care and please do keep me posted on how you are doing.

[Mr_Bubby]

I first started getting those bumps when I was around 19 & I'm 41 years of age now! I tried everything! You name it & I tried it! Dermatologists, antibiotics, diet change, letting hair grow longer, you name it & I tried it! I had an extremely bad case of it! Diagnosed as AKN! Well I'm finally free of them! I tried so many things that I cannot pin point exactly which treatment resolved my issue but I can share exactly what I do now!
     A coworker pulled me to the side a few years ago & told me to ask my doctor for a prescription of "sulfoxyl". He actually gave me the cut lid of the yellow, white & black box! He told me his neck was worse than mine at one time. I couldn't believe him because his head/neck was looking clean & smooth!
     Fast forward to today! I actually shave my head daily because I began loosing my hair as I aged! My wife just recently said, "remember you used to have those bumps on the back of your head?" I told her that they were sensitive times! I always wash my scalp with a shampoo containing green tea prior to shaving! There are numerous brands I've used but I have my favorites!  I use shaving cream instead of gel and again I have my favorites! Finally, I periodically use African Shea Butter as a post shave; not really needed but I love the way my head looks & feels following it!
     Feel free to call me & I can send pix of my head if you want! I'll also let you know the brands that I use as well!

Charlie: 215-668-5951
     I'm a firefighter so if I miss your call & you get the answering machine, ignore the message its the right number!