John’s experience with hairline bumps began in the adolescent years, at the beginning of puberty. His sister remembers John was almost an adolescent, around puberty, when the first bumps appeared on the back of his head.
She also mentions that during this same time frame, the bumps seemed easily explained by either normal acne or irritation due to frequent haircuts. As the years went by, the initial bumps gradually formed a chronic, persistent condition that would never seem to go away despite all of John’s attempts to treat it.
In addition to developing AKN, John later developed Cutis Verticis Gyrata (CVG), which resulted in large, deep scalp folds; and Dissecting Cellulitis, which caused extremely painful swellings and draining bumps.
Both of these additional conditions further complicated John’s experience with each condition adding more layers of frustration, discomfort and emotional burden.
Years of Mislabelled and Unanswered Questions
Most of John’s youth was spent without identifying his condition, while he continued to search for answers to the bumps forming on the back of his head. Actually, the first person to call attention to the condition was a barber, during a haircut.
His sister described the years of searching through dermatologists, attempting different treatments such as topical creams, oral medications and temporary solutions for what most believed were simple scalp bumps.
With each new attempt there was always some small degree of optimism, only to be disappointed again with each subsequent failure.
As time passed, the inflammation increased, and the non-healing bumps evolved into deep cysts on scalp patterns he currently endures. The repeated misdiagnoses forced John to endure years of waiting and seeking out a specialist who could accurately identify his condition.
A Diagnosis That Finally Provided Clarity
When John met with Dr. Sanusi Umar, something significant happened for the first time. Dr. Umar immediately identified the pattern of the hard lump under skin and the hairline bumps without questioning, guessing or mislabeling.
At last, after years of being told the wrong names for his condition, John had the correct diagnosis and subsequently the correct treatment plan. The process of naming his condition provided John with a sense of clarity, a sense of direction, and a belief that he finally found a medical professional that understood the biological basis for his condition.
According to John’s family, he returned home that day feeling relieved, motivated and optimistic. He finally knew what was causing his problems and therefore felt empowered to take action against them.
Under the care of Dr. Umar, utilizing weight loss strategies, scalp mapping, controlling the inflammation, and multi-staged treatment, John is now able to follow a treatment plan that will address the causative factors of his conditions.
For medical details of this case, visit dru.com.
Watch John’s Story
🎥 Watch the eight chapter of John’s transformation here:
Take the Next Step
If you or someone you love is facing Folliculitis Decalvans (FD), don’t lose heart.
Early, expert attention can change the trajectory of your journey. Watch Anwar’s story, learn more at dru.com, and explore your own next steps toward healing.
At The Bumpinator and The BaldCast, every patient is a hero.
Disclaimer:
This story reflects one patient’s personal experience and treatment by Dr. Sanusi Umar. Individual results vary. Always consult a qualified physician for personalized advice.
