Acne Keloidalis Nuchae (AKN) is often confused with keloids, leading to years of incorrect treatment for many patients. If you’ve lived with scalp bumps, inflammation, or recurring lesions, it might not be what you think. This is the story of Fred*, whose 16-year misdiagnosis left him in pain, until he met Dr. Sanusi Umar, a world-renowned AKN specialist.

Misdiagnosed for 16 Years: Living with the Pain of Untreated AKN
For more than a decade, Fred lived with a growing mass on the back of his scalp. Many patients in similar situations have taken steroids, injectables, antibiotics, and other first-line therapies to treat what they thought was a large keloid. Our patient has even undergone surgery, but the scalp bump just kept coming back. This caused him a lot of misery and hopelessness about living a normal, pain-free life. “They didn’t even take time to figure out what it was,” Fred shared. “I have been misdiagnosed a lot of times.”
Fred’s story isn’t rare; many AKN patients are dismissed or misdiagnosed, living with pain and stigma. What set Dr. Umar apart was not just his medical skill, but his ability to recognize the problem within minutes and act with compassion.

A Turning Point: Finding Dr. Sanusi Umar, AKN Specialist
Despite the failures of his previous treatments and his growing distrust of doctors, Fred still yearned to live without the painful mass. “I did a lot of research, and Dr. Pimple Popper referred me to Dr. Umar,” he said. After their first consultation, Fred was relieved to know that Dr. Umar could recognize his condition and give him AKN treatment to his chronic skin inflammation. “It was kind of funny to me because the other doctors, they act like they had never seen anything like it before,” he shared. “Within minutes of dealing with Dr. Umar, it was just like, ‘okay, I know exactly what this is.’”

Dr. Umar’s Specialized Surgical Treatment for Acne Keloidalis Nuchae
Dr. Umar recommended surgical excision of the large AKN lesion, followed by wound closure using his patented Athena Suture Kit™. This approach is designed to reduce skin tension and promote clean healing, especially critical in AKN-prone areas like the nape of the neck.

Benefits of Dr. Umar’s Surgical AKN Approach:
- No post-surgery injections, antibiotics, or creams required
- Minimal scarring due to gradual wound closure
- Natural-looking results with restored hairline
- One-time treatment with 6 to 12 months of post-surgery maintenance
Life After AKN
With his scalp bump removed and his wound healed, Fred feels like he can finally live the life he had been dreaming of. “Right after the surgery, I felt much better. Just being able to move freely has been a blessing.” He was grateful not only to Dr. Umar, who had been able to put a name to his 16-year-old struggle, but also to the clinic’s staff, who showed him kindness and patience during the most difficult time of his life. “The nurse would be here to check on me. He made sure that I was comfortable,” he said. “Not only him, his staff, and his office, but everybody is very understanding, and it has been a very good experience here. They are not only good doctors, but good people.”

You Don’t Have to Live with Scalp Bumps
If you or someone you know is struggling with painful or recurring scalp bumps, don’t settle for guesswork. Many so-called keloids are actually Acne Keloidalis Nuchae, and they require expert care. The Dr. U Skin and Hair Clinic has helped countless patients overcome their struggles and find solutions for their AKN. Start your journey with a free online consultation with Dr. Umar today.
Check out our YouTube short on Fred’s case:
>AKN Solved After 16 Years, No Second Treatment Needed>>
Individual results may vary. This story reflects one patient’s personal experience with Acne Keloidalis Nuchae (AKN) and treatment with Dr. Umar. Consult with a qualified physician for personalized advice.
*Name has been changed to protect the identity of our patient.