Hair disorders: acne keloidalis nuchae: practice question

A Dermatology question in the style of the NEET PG paper. Answer it first, then read why the right option is right and why each of the others is wrong.

Try it

Dermatology · Hair disorders: acne keloidalis nuchae

Sample item

A young man has firm dome-shaped papules and keloid-like plaques on the nape of the neck, with pustules and tufted hairs, aggravated by close haircuts and shirt collars. What is the diagnosis?

Original practice item, not a recalled exam question. Nothing here is recorded.

The answer and the reasoning

B. Acne keloidalis nuchae

Acne keloidalis nuchae is a chronic folliculitis with scarring and keloid-like papules on the posterior neck and occiput, mainly in men with curly hair. Friction from collars and close shaving aggravate it. Management includes potent topical steroids, retinoids, antibiotics and surgical excision for advanced lesions.

Option by option

  • A. Tinea capitis

    Tinea capitis presents with scaling and broken hairs.

  • B. Acne keloidalis nuchae (correct)

    Correct. Nape keloidal papules in a man indicate acne keloidalis nuchae.

  • C. Sarcoidosis

    Sarcoidosis gives firm red-brown papules without follicular pustules.

  • D. Hypertrophic lichen planus

    Hypertrophic lichen planus favours the shins.

Source note: Original NextPrep sample item — pending expert review. This item is original practice material awaiting independent expert review, so confirm important facts in a standard textbook.

More Dermatology questions

Questions about this Dermatology question

What is the answer to this Dermatology question?

The best answer is B, Acne keloidalis nuchae. Acne keloidalis nuchae is a chronic folliculitis with scarring and keloid-like papules on the posterior neck and occiput, mainly in men with curly hair.

Why is "Tinea capitis" not the answer?

Tinea capitis presents with scaling and broken hairs.

Why is "Sarcoidosis" not the answer?

Sarcoidosis gives firm red-brown papules without follicular pustules.

Why is "Hypertrophic lichen planus" not the answer?

Hypertrophic lichen planus favours the shins.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Hair disorders: acne keloidalis nuchae in Dermatology. Friction from collars and close shaving aggravate it. Management includes potent topical steroids, retinoids, antibiotics and surgical excision for advanced lesions.

How hard is this question?

We tag it as an application question: it asks you to use a fact on a patient or a finding. The tag is our own editorial judgement, not an official difficulty rating, so read the reason for every option, not only the answer.

How should I study Hair disorders: acne keloidalis nuchae?

Learn each condition by its primary lesion, site and signature sign. Then use the flashcards and the other Dermatology questions on this site to test what stuck.

Is this a real NEET PG question?

No. It is an original practice item (editorial status: sample, version 1). NextPrep does not publish recalled or leaked questions, and independent faculty review of this item has not been completed yet, so confirm important facts in a standard textbook.