Fibrosing Folliculitis of the Neck (FFN) and Associated Factors: A Prospective Study of 37 Cases

Introduction: The objective of this study was to describe FFN and associated factors.

Methodology: Prospective study conducted in the dermatology department of Aristide Le Dantec Hospital, identifying all cases of FFN and associated factors. The diagnosis of FFN was clinical.

Results: We collected 37 patients with FFN, all phototype VI and male. The average age of our patients was 34.45 years (19 to 55 years). Pruritus was noted in 17 cases and pain in 6 cases. The average duration of evolution was 6 years with extremes from 1 year to 10 years. Family history of FFN was noted in 3 cases. The type of shaving was clippers in 35 cases (94.6%) and razor blades in 2 cases. Patients shaved one to five times per month (48.65%), with an average of three shaves. The clinical lesional aspects were dominated by papules in 37 cases and nodules in 32 cases. A high frequency of diabetes and obesity were found to be associated with FFN. Diabetes was noted in 10 cases and three patients had a lipid imbalance. A statistically significant association between the use of comb and the presence of nodule (P < 0.001) was found.

Conclusion: FFN is not rare in dark skin male. A high frequency of diabetes and obesity was noted. A high frequency of diabetes and obesity were found to be associated with FFN.