How effective is steroid injection into the skin for acne keloidalis nuchae?

A clinician places corticosteroid medicine directly into selected bumps or thickened scars at the back of the neck and scalp. The medicine can calm inflammation and soften raised tissue, which may ease discomfort and reduce the size of established lesions. It does not remove every trigger, such as friction, close shaving, or ongoing follicle inflammation. Several appointments may be needed, and treatment is often combined with changes to hair-cutting habits or another dermatology treatment.

Tell the clinician about medicines, allergies, diabetes, skin infections, and previous reactions to steroid injections. Follow aftercare instructions, keep the injection sites clean, and avoid rubbing, picking, tight collars, and very close shaving while the skin settles. Do not squeeze draining bumps. Details about the procedure are available under [Steroid Injection Into The Skin](/treatments/injectables/intralesional-steroid-injection/).

Seek advice for increasing warmth, spreading redness, pus, fever, severe pain, or swelling after an injection. Report a dent, pale patch, visible thinning of the skin, or a change in nearby hair growth. Arrange review if lesions continue to enlarge, form draining tunnels, or restrict neck movement, because the treatment plan may need adjustment.

Ask which bumps are suitable for injection, how many sessions may be considered, when improvement should be assessed, and how skin thinning will be avoided. Discuss hair-care changes and options for persistent or scarred areas.