For Juan, acne keloidalis nuchae has shaped more than his experience with a scalp condition. In a conversation with Dr. Sanusi Umar, he describes how an unsuccessful early treatment and years of feeling insecure changed the way he positions himself around other people.
One Early Attempt at Treatment
Dr. Umar begins by asking Juan how long he has lived with the condition. Juan says it started in his early 20s and confirms that he is now 38. When asked whether he had sought treatment, he recalls just one attempt, very early on.
A doctor gave him a steroid injection, but Juan says it “literally didn’t do anything.” He was told he needed to see a specialist. Without an answer at that point, and already feeling insecure, he says he stopped pursuing care.
When Coping Became Second Nature
Dr. Umar then asks a different question: how has Juan coped over the years? Juan explains that he had to change the way he behaved. Some things he stopped doing; other things he began doing more often.
His example is specific. In a room with other people, he positions himself against a wall, faces everyone and keeps his distance. “I distance myself,” he says. These choices are no longer something he has to consciously plan. They happen instinctively.
The Impact Beyond the Visible Condition
Juan’s account shows how an inflammatory scalp disease can affect everyday interactions. His concern is not presented as a new clinical symptom or a treatment outcome. It is his own description of the habits he developed while living with the condition.
By asking about coping rather than focusing only on previous treatment, Dr. Umar makes room for a part of Juan’s experience that could otherwise go unspoken. Juan’s answer reveals how deeply his routines have adapted over time.
What Juan’s Story Opens Up
This chapter does not establish what treatment Juan will receive next or how his condition will respond. Instead, it offers a clearer understanding of where he is starting: one early treatment attempt, years without further care, and habits that have become automatic.
The next chapter of The Bumpinator continues Juan’s story. For now, his words offer an important reminder that understanding a patient includes asking how a condition has affected daily life.
Watch the Chapter
YouTube: YouTube
Instagram: Instagram
TikTok: TikTok
Take the Next Step
Explore more stories from Dr. U: Explore more stories from Dr. U
Free Consultationhttps://dru.com/akn-treatment/
Medical Disclaimer
This article shares an individual patient’s experience and is for informational purposes only. It is not medical advice or a prediction of treatment results. Consult a qualified medical professional for personalized evaluation and care.
Further Reading
- https://dru.com/juan-acne-keloidalis-nuchae-chapter-00/
- Umar, S., & Sila, C. R. (2021). Acne keloidalis nuchae: A role for low-dose radiotherapy. JAAD Case Reports, 13, 90–93. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jdcr.2021.05.008
