Folliculitis Decalvans - Bumpinator

John’s Road Back

Dr. Umar — Mon, 22 Jun 2026 21:52:24 +0000

For years, John Picone lived with a scalp condition that seemed determined to take more and more from him.

What began as bumps on the back of his head gradually evolved into severe inflammation, painful nodules, drainage, and extensive scalp changes. Simple activities became difficult. Confidence faded. Social interactions became something to avoid rather than enjoy.

The condition affected far more than his scalp.

It affected how he moved through life.

Compounding those challenges was the emotional aftermath of a serious car accident years earlier. By the time John met Dr. U, he was carrying both physical and emotional burdens that had accumulated over decades.

When the Condition Takes Over Daily Life

John’s case was unusually complex.

During his evaluation, Dr. U identified multiple advanced scalp disorders occurring at the same time, including acne keloidalis nuchae (AKN), folliculitis decalvans (FD), and cutis verticis gyrata (CVG).

Years of inflammation had created painful lesions, recurring drainage, and significant changes to the scalp.

Previous treatments, including antibiotics, topical medications, and visits with multiple specialists, had failed to provide lasting improvement.

The discomfort affected his sleep.

The appearance of the lesions affected his confidence.

The emotional weight affected nearly every part of his life.

Severe acne keloidalis nuchae, folliculitis decalvans, and cutis verticis gyrata affecting the back of John’s scalp before treatment.

Finding Someone Who Saw the Whole Picture

For many years, John searched for answers.

He was often told he had infections, ingrown hairs, or scalp keloids. Treatments came and went. The symptoms remained.

By the time he arrived at Dr. U’s clinic, he was looking for more than another temporary solution.

He wanted understanding.

He wanted a plan.

Dr. U’s evaluation extended beyond the visible scalp disease. Laboratory testing revealed that John was also at increased risk for developing type 2 diabetes.

Instead of rushing directly into surgery, the focus shifted to improving his overall health first.

Through careful planning, medical management, and support from the Hair Peace Foundation, John finally had access to a comprehensive treatment strategy designed around his specific needs.

Dr. U examines John’s severe scalp disease while discussing a personalized treatment plan and long-term recovery goals.

The Work That Happened Before Surgery

The next chapter required patience.

After beginning semaglutide therapy and making significant lifestyle changes, John committed himself to improving his health.

He adjusted his diet.

He increased physical activity.

He remained focused on the goal ahead.

Month after month, the progress continued.

By the time he returned for reassessment, John had lost approximately 72 pounds and met the surgical readiness criteria established by the clinical team.

The achievement represented more than a number on a scale.

It demonstrated determination, discipline, and a commitment to creating the best possible conditions for treatment.

John walking on a treadmill after significant weight loss while preparing for acne keloidalis nuchae surgery.

The Day Everything Changed

When surgery day arrived, John’s sister was by his side.

There was relief.

There were nerves.

And there was hope.

For the first time in years, John felt he was moving toward a solution grounded in careful evaluation and evidence-guided care.

Dr. U performed surgery to remove the chronic inflammatory scalp lesion while addressing the underlying disease process responsible for years of symptoms. To support healing, nanofat enriched with regenerative cells from John’s own tissue was applied during the procedure.

The operation was completed successfully.

But perhaps the most important outcome was what came afterward.

A renewed sense of possibility.

John sits beside his sister before surgery, surrounded by family support and hope for a new beginning.

A Future Bigger Than the Condition

After surgery, John began looking forward again.

The condition that had shaped so many years of his life no longer occupied the center of every thought.

Instead, he focused on the future.

On reconnecting with people.

On rebuilding confidence.

On returning to the outgoing personality his family knew so well.

His story is not simply about surgery.

It is about perseverance.

It is about refusing to stop searching for answers.

And it is about discovering that healing often begins when someone finally sees the whole person, not just the condition.

For medical details of this case, visit dru.com.

Watch John’s Story

Watch John’s journey and see how determination, family support, and personalized care helped him reclaim hope for the future.

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Take the Next Step

If you are living with folliculitis decalvans, acne keloidalis nuchae, or another chronic scalp condition, early evaluation can make a meaningful difference. Learn more about John’s story on dru.com and consult a qualified physician for personalized guidance.

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.

The post John’s Road Back first appeared on Bumpinator.

The post John’s Road Back appeared first on Bumpinator.

Reclaiming the Scalp: John’s Turning Point

Dr. Umar — Thu, 05 Mar 2026 15:54:32 +0000

By the time John Picone walked into the clinic, his complex scalp condition was telling a complicated story.

Deep folds carved across the top of his head. Boil-like lesions scattered throughout. Years of inflammation layered over years of scarring.

It was not just one condition. It was multiple overlapping problems that had quietly shaped his daily life. Sleeping was uncomfortable. Haircuts felt exposing. Mirrors became something to avoid. Over time, the physical pain blended into something heavier. A steady loss of comfort. A quiet erosion of confidence.

John was not looking for a quick fix.

He was looking for clarity.

The Moment Everything Slowed Down

John met Dr. Sanusi Umar at the Bumpinator clinic to have his scalp assessed.

When he met Dr. Sanusi Umar, known to many as Dr. U, the first step was not treatment. It was understanding.

Before anything could be done, his entire scalp had to be evaluated. In complex cases like John’s, the scalp cannot be treated as one surface. It must be divided into sections so each region can be assessed individually and staged properly.

So they mapped it.

Region by region.

Breaking the Problem Into Pieces

John’s condition which shows the bumps on the back of the head and scalp boils.

The process required patience and precision.

Each section was carefully studied to determine where disease remained active, where tissue had hardened into scar, and how far the damage had spread. Some areas showed ongoing inflammation. Others had progressed into thickened scar tissue. The distinction mattered.

This was not cosmetic guesswork. It was a medical strategy.

With a detailed scalp map in place, a clear pathway began to form. Certain sections would require surgical removal. Other regions needed stabilization first to reduce active disease before any intervention. Every decision was guided by what the map revealed.

For John, seeing it outlined this way was sobering. It made the problem real.

But it also made it treatable.

A Plan Built for One Person

The goal was never simply to remove damaged tissue. It was to restore function. To bring back comfort. To give John agency over his own scalp again.

Measured steps. Evidence-guided care. A treatment plan tailored to his anatomy and stage of disease.

For the first time in years, John was no longer reacting to what was happening on his head. He was participating in the solution.

Stepping Back Into Confidence

Healing did not begin with a dramatic moment.

It began with clarity.

Sometimes the first act of courage is allowing someone to see the full picture.

Sometimes healing begins with something simple.

A map.

Dr. Sanusi Umar explains the intertwined condition of John’s complex scalp condition.

For medical details of this case, visit dru.com.

The post Reclaiming the Scalp: John’s Turning Point first appeared on Bumpinator.

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Sixteen Years Later: Anwar’s Breakthrough From Severe Scalp Bumps

Dr. Umar — Wed, 04 Mar 2026 21:51:14 +0000

For sixteen years, Anwar lived with pain that most people could not see. It began with scalp bumps. Tender. Persistent. The kind that many dismiss as irritation. But these were different. They grew. Spread. Merged into plaques that felt hot and alive beneath the skin.

The diagnosis was folliculitis decalvans, one of the most severe inflammatory scalp conditions known for destroying hair follicles and leaving permanent scarring. Many patients experience patches of hair loss or small oozing sores.

Anwar’s case went far beyond that.

Large sections of his scalp were overtaken by thick, keloid like plaques and crusted inflammation. The disease was not just cosmetic. It affected how he slept. How he worked. How he felt walking into a room.

Sixteen years is a long time to wait for relief.

Beyond the Textbook

By the time Anwar arrived at the clinic of Dr. Sanusi Umar, known to many as The Bumpinator, his disease had already defied standard treatment.

Most cases of folliculitis decalvans present with tufted hairs and localized inflammation. Anwar’s scalp told a different story. The inflammation was extensive. The scarring was deep. The follicular destruction was advanced.

Dr. U recognized immediately that this was not a situation for routine protocols.

Instead of relying solely on traditional methods, he developed an individualized strategy. The focus was clear. Calm the inflammatory activity. Support healthier surrounding tissue. Create the right environment for precise surgical intervention.

This was not about chasing temporary improvement.

It was about regaining control of a disease that had dominated nearly two decades of Anwar’s life.

A close-up look on Anwar’s developing painful scalp spots, which has been growing for over 16 years.

The Turning Point in the Operating Room

During surgery, Dr. Umar carefully removed the diseased tissue responsible for the deep inflammatory plaques and scarring alopecia. The goal was to eliminate the chronically active areas that had resisted treatment for years.

For Anwar, this moment carried weight.

Sixteen years of failed therapies. Sixteen years of discomfort. Sixteen years of watching his scalp change in ways he could not stop.

Now, there was action grounded in evidence and precision. The surgery marked a shift from managing symptoms to directly addressing the structural damage caused by the disease.

Dr. Sanusi Umar has successfully removed the diseased portion of Anwar’s scalp using a non-traditional approach.

A New Reflection

Healing did not happen overnight. But as the scalp recovered, something remarkable emerged. The aggressive inflammation quieted. The thick plaques were gone. The surface of his scalp looked calmer, healthier, more stable.

For the first time in years, Anwar could run his hand across his head without feeling the uneven, inflamed terrain that once defined it.

His case stands as a reminder that severe scalp infections and inflammatory diseases do not always respond to standardized approaches. Sometimes they require creativity anchored in science. Sometimes they require courage from both patient and surgeon.

And sometimes, even after sixteen years, meaningful recovery is still possible.

Anwar’s scalp has successfully healed after the surgery, and he is ready to show the excellent progress of his now healthy scalp.

For medical details of this case, visit dru.com.

Watch Anwar’s Story

Watch the update of Anwar’s transformation here:

• Also available on Instagram and TikTok

Take the Next Step

If you or someone you know is struggling with Folliculitis Decalvans (FD), 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 Folliculitis Decalvans (FD) and treatment with Dr. Umar. Consult with a qualified physician for personalized advice.

The post Sixteen Years Later: Anwar’s Breakthrough From Severe Scalp Bumps first appeared on Bumpinator.

The post Sixteen Years Later: Anwar’s Breakthrough From Severe Scalp Bumps appeared first on Bumpinator.

Athena: Engineered for the Folliculitis Decalvans (Part 2)

Dr. Umar — Wed, 04 Feb 2026 18:37:48 +0000

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.

The post Athena: Engineered for the Folliculitis Decalvans (Part 2) first appeared on Bumpinator.

The post Athena: Engineered for the Folliculitis Decalvans (Part 2) appeared first on Bumpinator.

Fifth Cut, One Last Shot: Journey to Folliculitis Decalvans Healing After Setbacks

Dr. Umar — Sat, 08 Nov 2025 19:20:06 +0000

Every story of healing begins with a moment of quiet exhaustion—the point where hope feels thin, but not gone. For Anwar, that moment came sixteen years into his battle with Folliculitis Decalvans (FD) and an underlying condition of Acne Keloidalis Nuchae (AKN). The condition had taken more than just his hair. It took ease, comfort, and the simple peace of feeling normal. Three surgeries came and went. Each time, he tried to believe it was over. Each time, the lesions returned.

Dr. Umar explains what his goals are in order to successfully remove FD from Anwar’s scalp. The surgery involves a complete extraction of the disease to prevent recurrence.

When he met Dr. U—The Bumpinator—Anwar wasn’t chasing another promise. He was searching for an ending that finally held. Dr. U studied his scalp carefully, knowing the challenge ahead: to separate old scars from living disease and remove every hidden root that could reignite the problem. “I needed to find the right tissue planes,” he said, describing the delicate boundary between what must stay and what must go.

The procedure was performed under local anesthesia. Anwar stayed awake the entire time—alert, brave, and steady—as Dr. U worked with quiet precision. Layer by layer, the diseased tissue was lifted away, along with the fear that had followed him for sixteen years. This time, it wasn’t just a surgery. It was a reckoning.

Our patient’s father mentions how he sees his son as a champion because of how well he lives through his life positively with FD and AKN.

His father, who had stood beside him through every setback, watched with quiet pride. “He’s a champion,” he said. For Anwar, those words meant everything. Through years of pain and recovery, he never let the condition define him. He kept moving forward—with faith, with patience, with courage.

Now, the story feels different. The lesions are gone, and in their place stands a man free to live without the constant reminder of his condition. Anwar’s journey shows that even after failure, healing is possible. All it takes is the will to try again—and the right hands to help you get there.

For medical details of this case, visit dru.com.

Watch Anwar’s Story
Watch the seventh chapter of Anwar’s transformation:

Take the Next Step
If you or someone you know is struggling with Folliculitis Decalvans, don’t lose hope. Early, thoughtful care can change the story. Learn more on dru.com and explore your 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.

The post Fifth Cut, One Last Shot: Journey to Folliculitis Decalvans Healing After Setbacks first appeared on Bumpinator.

The post Fifth Cut, One Last Shot: Journey to Folliculitis Decalvans Healing After Setbacks appeared first on Bumpinator.

Folliculitis Decalvans Treatment

Dr. Umar — Mon, 23 Sep 2024 19:34:51 +0000

Do You Want to Get a Permanent Solution to Your Folliculitis Decalvans (FD) Condition?

Folliculitis Decalvans (FD) is a form of scarring Alopecia that is difficult to treat and manage. Current treatment options used to manage FD often offer temporary solutions.

A Smarter and Better Surgery for Folliculitis Decalvans

There is a way to permanently eliminate folliculitis decalvans. Four men and a woman suffering from the condition received treatment by surgically removing lesions from the affected areas.

The methods include:

Surgical excision
Second-intention healing

Surgical Excision and Second-Intention Healing

A recent Clinical Cosmetic and Investigative Dermatology study described a novel procedure for treating Folliculitis Decalvans. This technique involved a specialized method of excising the lesions and applying patented Athena Suture Kits to facilitate wound closure. The authors observed that this method effectively and permanently eliminated Folliculitis Decalvans. Notably, the approach successfully employed second-intention wound healing on typically convex surfaces, a departure from its usual application on concave terrains.

Success Stories Published in a Medical Peer-Reviewed Study

Dr. Sanusi Umar, a pioneer in the field, became the first to perform the surgical excision of Folliculitis Decalvans (FD), a chronic and challenging scalp condition. This groundbreaking procedure was highlighted in a peer-reviewed medical study where five patients with varying severities of FD underwent surgery to remove their FD lesions.

According to the Clinical Cosmetic and Investigative Dermatology publication, these patients had previously tried other treatment methods without success. The thickness of their FD lesions made them unsuitable candidates for alternative treatments like laser therapy, radiation, and other conventional approaches.

The medical publication also highlighted that within 18 months, Dr. Umar successfully performed all five surgeries at his Los Angeles clinic, permanently eliminating the FD condition.

Dr. Umar, AKA Dr. Bumpinator, utilizes a meticulous excision procedure for FD lesions with minimal tissue damage. He also uses Guarded High-Tension Sutures to guide wound contraction, ensuring optimal healing and reducing the risk of recurrence.

First image represents the patient’s vertex immediately after surgical excision. Second image shows suture guards used to secure the operated area to prevent tissue strangulation. Third image is post-operation. Notice the use of high-tension suture guards.

Skin Grafting

After lesion excision, wounds that do not close and exceed a certain diameter length due to the surgical process will require skin grafting.

Below are Real-Life Patient Photos and Videos

Preoperative FD plaque involving the vertex, mid-scalp extending to the frontal scalp. (A) Thirteen months after complete excision of FD lesion and healing by second intention, aided by high-tension sutures with guards and minor skin graft (B).

Frame A shows the patient after an operation and application of guarded high-tension sutures. Frame B is eight weeks post-operation. The doctor used a split-thickness skin graft from the inner thigh to close the open wound.

Frame A represents Folliculitis Decalvans covering the entire vertex before excision. Frame B is the same patient eight months after operation and second-intention healing. The doctor used high-tension sutures and skin grafts for the above patient.

Frame A represents Folliculitis Decalvans on the right parietal prominence area before surgical excision. Frame B is the same patient 9 months after lesion excision and second-intention healing with high-tension sutures.

Preoperative FD plaque involving the vertex, mid-scalp extending to the frontal scalp, and acne keloidalis nuchae in the nape area (A) and nineteen months after complete excision of FD lesion and healing by second intention, aided by guarded high-tension sutures and a minor STSG (Green arrow). The tenting skin has flattened out (yellow arrows (B).

FD plaque involving the right parietal prominence area before surgical excision and AKN lesions in the nape zone. (A) and four months after complete excision of the FD lesion and healing by second intention, aided by guarded high-tension sutures and a minor skin graft (B).

VIDEO: Folliculitis Decalvans Surgical Excision Before and After

Patient Selection Criteria Developed by Dr. Bumpinator

Dr. Sanusi Umar, known for his innovative approach to treating Folliculitis Decalvans (FD), credits his success to careful patient diagnosis and selection of appropriate treatment methods.

FD presents with varying lesion sizes and affects different areas of the scalp, meaning that a single treatment approach may not be practical for all patients. Recognizing this, Dr. Umar has developed tailored treatment plans.

By customizing treatment according to the extent and location of FD lesions, Dr. Umar ensures that each patient receives the most effective care, giving better results.

An illustration of hair ‘tufting’ and crusting scalp on a patient with severe Folliculitis Decalvans (FD).

What Does Folliculitis Decalvans Look Like?

FD occurs as a result of inflamed hair follicles. Trapped bacteria causes acne-like red and pus-filled lesions on the affected areas, leading to pain and itchiness.

Who Gets Folliculitis Decalvans?

Folliculitis Decalvans can affect both men and women. In addition, there are higher incidences of FD in people of color. Learn more about Folliculitis Decalvans here.

If you are struggling with Folliculitis Decalvans and want to speak to Dr.Bumpinator, click the free consultation button below to get started.

FREE CONSULTATION

References

Umar, Sanusi, et al. “Refractory Folliculitis Decalvans Treatment Success with a Novel Surgical Excision Approach Using Guarded High-Tension Sutures.” Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology, vol. Volume 16, 1 Sept. 2023, pp. 2381–2390, https://doi.org/10.2147/ccid.s422077.

Also Read

https://bumpinator.com/ear-keloid-treatment-that-youll-be-happy-with-permanently/

https://bumpinator.com/bumpinator/what-is-folliculitis-decalvans/

The post Folliculitis Decalvans Treatment first appeared on Bumpinator.

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