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After a laser head bump treatment with Dr. U in Los Angeles, this patient reported the complete disappearance of the irritating "barber's rash" on the back of the head.*

Research on Treating Ingrown Hair on Back of Head with Lasers

The causes of Acne Keloidalis Nuchae are not conclusive. Many experts believe that the condition results from hair growing back into the skin, provoking an inflammatory response where the body will attack the hair follicle.

Acne Keloidalis Nuchae may be triggered by ingrown, curly hair. But other contributors may give rise to the condition as well. In this patient, surgical excision was applied to remove the AKN mass. Alternatively, laser may offer some promise for earlier stages in cases where it is clear that the condition is primarily caused by ingrown hair.
Acne Keloidalis Nuchae may be triggered by ingrown, curly hair. But other contributors may give rise to the condition as well. In this patient, surgical excision was applied to remove the AKN mass. Alternatively, laser may offer some promise for earlier stages in cases where it is clear that the condition is primarily caused by ingrown hair.*

Does Laser Work As A Treatment for Acne Keloidalis Nuchae?

The possibility of ingrown hairs as a cause for AKN  seems to be supported through the use of the Nd:YAG laser to treat Acne Keloidalis Nuchae. The laser uses the 1064nm wavelength which can be used on patients of all skin types.

The wavelength energy from this laser will be absorbed by the melanin pigment that colors the problematic hair shafts. In order for laser beams to enter the body, it needs to be pulled in by a target such as melanin or oxygenated hemoglobin.

What Research Shows about Ingrown Hairs on Back of Head

A 2009 study performed at the University of Cairo tested the effects of the ND:YAG as an AKN laser on 25 subjects. All of them were male. In addition, all participants showed various forms of AKN ranging, from mild to moderate.

The goal of the procedures was to perform a type of laser hair removal procedure, causing the follicles to release the shafts.

The results of these studies were quite positive. The Acne Keloidalis Nuchae bumps reduced by about 90%. Also, the scars become smaller and softer in texture. And the AKN did not return.

Most patients with Acne Keloidalis Nuchae are young men of color. Therefore these individuals have very curly hair which will easily grow back into the skin. The area in the back of the neck may have a high concentration of mast cells which are responsible for the inflammatory reaction that perpetuates this condition.

The idea of curly ingrown hairs as being a cause of Acne Keloidalis Nuchae seems to be supported by the results of this study.

However, there are also many examples of patients of other ethnicities who have straight hair. And the likelihood of hair growing back into the skin is probably much slimmer than patients of African descent.

The exact causes of Acne Keloidalis Nuchae are most likely different for different individuals.

Video: Laser Treatment for Ingrown Hair on Back of Head (AKN)

Below is a patient of Los Angeles dermatologist Dr. Sanusi Umar. The patients AKN lesions were successfully treated with laser therapy. Watch the video below to hear the patient’s testimony.

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