Help, I have bumps on the back of the head?

Dear Dr Tareen,
Several years ago my barber cut the back of my head with clippers that seemed too sharp. The back of my head broke out and various treatments have only had temporary and minimum affect. I  have tried everything but the bumps always come back with a vengence. Please help


Dear Reader
Thank you for your inquiry. It sounds as if you have developed a condition called acne keloidalis nuchae (AKN). This is more common in ethnic skin and typically occurs after some trauma to the area (such as the cut that you described). The bumps that develop are due to ingrown hairs. They can sometimes be successfully treated with simple acne medications (such as over the counter benzoyl peroxide wash) or prescription acne products (such as Retin-A). Occasionally injections of cortisone or surgical/ laser removal may be necessary. Consult a dermatologist as this may be a recurrent problem.

In addition, please contact the common skin conditions page of desidermatology.com. There you can read about the condition called pseudofolliculitis barbae (PFB) which is the same skin problem as AKN, just located in a different area (beard area). http://www.desidermatology.com/common_skin_conditions.html#Razor_Bumps_in_ethnic_skin