After years of living with bumps on the back of the head, which is also known as folliculitis keloidalis nuchae, Anwar finally reached the stage where the diseased tissue had been removed. But the hardest part wasn’t over yet.
This condition often gets misidentified as ringworm or even a minor scalp infection, so reaching this point of clarity and intervention had already been a long road.
The question now was how to close a large wound on a scalp that barely stretches. Every decision affects the long-term peace of mind for someone dealing with ongoing burning patches and chronic inflammation.
Traditional closure techniques like balloon expansion were an option. They work by inserting a balloon beneath the skin and gradually stretching healthy scalp tissue until there’s enough to close the wound.
But to Anwar and Dr. Umar, that method felt like trading one trauma for another. The process is invasive, painful, and risky—especially for tissue already on the edge of inflammation, prone to crusting and oozing when stressed.
Medical illustration showing how the balloon expansion method stretches surrounding scalp skin, causing significant trauma.
Dr. Sanusi Umar, known as The Bumpinator, wanted a gentler, smarter path—one that aligned with the goal many patients search for when dealing with painful scalp spots and patches of hair loss with redness: finding ways to protect remaining follicles without triggering more damage.
That’s why he utilized the Athena Suture Kit, a tool that redefined what’s possible in scalp closure. Unlike balloon expansion, Athena doesn’t force the scalp to stretch unnaturally. It stabilizes the wound under controlled tension, allowing natural healing without adding stress or trauma to healthy tissue.
In Dr. Umar’s research, the visible lesion is often just the tip of a deeper problem. The tissue surrounding the scalp infection is frequently pre-diseased, a quiet zone waiting to flare with the slightest trigger. Techniques like balloon expansion can awaken that inflammation and restart the cycle. Athena was created to prevent that.
By minimizing trauma and protecting nearby tissue, the Athena method shortened Anwar’s recovery and reduced the risk of recurrence. It didn’t just close a wound—it preserved scalp health and peace of mind.
Dr. Umar describes how trauma from balloon expansion can trigger new inflammation in Folliculitis Decalvans patients.
For Anwar, healing meant more than regaining smooth skin. It meant regaining trust in his body—the quiet confidence that comes when science, compassion, and innovation work together to offer a true long-term plan for calming scalp inflammation and protecting what’s left.
For medical details of this case, visit dru.com.
Watch Anwar’s Story
🎥 Watch the chapter eight part two of Anwar’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.
