For 27 years, Robert carried more than just the physical burden of giant scalp keloids. The painful, itchy lesions dominated his scalp and sideburns, folding into thick ridges that twisted his hair into unsightly clumps. His diagnosis? A combination of Acne Keloidalis Nuchae (AKN) and Cutis Verticis Gyrata (CVG), a pairing that caused both inflammation and deep folds in his scalp. The giant scalp bumps not only weighed heavily on his head, but on his spirit as well. Growing up, Robert never knew what it felt like to be “normal.” What started as small bumps on his neck evolved into a condition so disfiguring that it changed the course of his entire life.
Growing Up With Scalp Bumps
Robert first noticed the bumps in childhood, disguising them with high collars and shaggy hair. But as puberty hit, the lesions grew larger, more painful, and harder to hide. The diseased skin began folding in on itself. But something happened that he couldn’t have expected: the diseased skin started to fold in on itself, causing grooves and ridges to develop. His hair clumped up into tufts and bumps formed on his sideburns, making him feel like a freak who had to hide away.
Because the bumps spread across his entire head, he couldn’t even hide them anymore. He couldn’t wear glasses because of the physical hindrance the AKN posed, and he had to start sleeping on his stomach, on black pillow cases, just so he wouldn’t stain his sheets with blood and other bodily fluids. But the worst part wasn’t physical. It was emotional. He felt like a “freak.” He avoided mirrors, skipped church, and shut out the world.
His Unreachable Dreams
Robert has dreamed of having a simple life, one that includes a home of his own, a career he loves, and a family he can take care of. But his severe scalp keloids had always stopped him from turning those dreams into a reality. Job opportunities were sparse: he worried about interacting with others, didn’t feel comfortable during interviews, and worried about the medical liabilities HR departments would see when they saw his scalp bumps.
He decided to pursue trucking since it was easy to hide his condition and he didn’t have to deal with other people. But being a trucker can be lonely, and this career just wasn’t conducive to his aspirations of starting a family and building a home. It wasn’t after persistent badgering from his family that he finally sought out help that would change his life.
Finding Dr. Sanusi Umar on Social Media
One day, Robert’s mother Laura was doing some research on her son’s condition when she stumbled upon Dr. Sanusi Umar’s YouTube videos. As the world’s top AKN specialist, his social media was filled with patient stories that made Laura hopeful for her son. She shared them with the rest of the family, and together they encouraged Robert to reach out. At first, Robert hesitated. He had tried treatments before, and none had worked. But something about Dr. Umar was different. He listened. He understood. And for the first time in decades, Robert felt something unfamiliar: hope.
Treating A Severe Case Of Giant Scalp Keloids
Dr. Umar admitted that he had never seen AKN this severe, and he had Robert try conservative treatments at first to manage the bumps while he came up with a treatment plan that would help Robert the most in the long run. Robert had his doubts, but seeing his doctor feel positive about his treatment eased his mind and kept him going. He underwent radiation therapy, which helped ease the pain of his scalp bumps, and he eventually went under the knife with Dr. Umar to remove them permanently. The surgery was a success, and in an emotional moment after Robert woke up, Laura shared a baby photo of Robert with the team, a reminder of the little boy they were fighting to bring back. That moment stayed with everyone.
Five Years After AKN Removal Surgery
Now that Robert is free from his scalp bumps, he’s been able to focus on himself and build the life he wants to live. He now works at an aquarium, where he interacts with people, most especially children, and enjoys sharing his knowledge on marine life. He’s been going to church regularly since he feels better about going out and being around people, and he’s even on a journey to lose weight and get healthy. Some days are still hard, but he just reminds himself of where he used to be to feel better about where he is now.
Final Reflections
It was through the hopes of his family that Robert is finally able to live the life he had always dreamt about. He is grateful for their love and support, and grateful for the care that Dr. Umar and his team showed him during his journey to get rid of AKN. Now, he is honestly and unapologetically pursuing the life he wants to live.
Watch Robert’s Story
🎥 Watch The Baldcast episode of Robert’s transformation here:
Take the Next Step
If you or someone you know is struggling with Acne Keloidalis Nuchae (AKN), don’t wait. Early intervention and expert care can change lives.
Fill out our free online consultation form to have your case personally reviewed by Dr. Sanusi Umar.
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.
