Hidradenitis suppurativa (hi-drad-uh-NIE-tis sup-yoo-ruh-TIE-vuh), also known as acne inversa, is a condition that causes small, painful lumps to form under the skin. The lumps usually develop in areas where your skin rubs together, such as the armpits, groin, buttocks and breasts. The lumps heal slowly, recur, and can lead to tunnels under the skin and scarring.
Hidradenitis suppurativa tends to start after puberty, usually before age 40. It can persist for many years and worsen over time. It can affect your daily life and emotional well-being. Combined medical and surgical therapy can help manage the disease and prevent complications.
Women are three times more likely to develop hidradenitis suppurativa, though this ratio can differ by location around the world. Also, Black people are more likely to develop this disease than people of other races. This could be attributed to genetic factors.[rx]
Types of Hidradenitis Suppurativa
Hidradenitis Suppurativa can be categorized into three main types:
- Mild: In mild cases, you may experience occasional flare-ups with small, isolated abscesses or lumps under the skin.
- Moderate: Moderate HS involves more frequent flare-ups with larger, interconnected abscesses, forming tunnels under the skin.
- Severe: Severe HS is characterized by constant and painful flare-ups, extensive tunneling, and the formation of multiple interconnected abscesses.
Causes of Hidradenitis Suppurativa
The exact cause of HS isn’t fully understood, but it’s thought to be linked to several factors:
- Hair Follicle Blockage: HS may begin when hair follicles become blocked, leading to inflammation and the formation of abscesses.
- Genetics: There’s evidence to suggest that HS can run in families, indicating a genetic predisposition.
- Hormonal Changes: Hormonal fluctuations can trigger or worsen HS symptoms, especially in women.
- Obesity: Being overweight can increase your risk of developing HS.
- Smoking: Smoking is associated with a higher risk of HS and more severe symptoms.
- Friction and Sweat: Rubbing of skin and excess sweating can contribute to HS flare-ups.
Symptoms of Hidradenitis Suppurativa
HS symptoms can vary from person to person, but common signs include:
- Painful lumps or boils under the skin.
- Redness and swelling in affected areas.
- Abscesses that may leak pus.
- Tunnel-like tracts under the skin.
- Scarring after flare-ups.
- Pain and discomfort, especially when moving.
- Recurring episodes of symptoms.
- Impaired mobility in severe cases.
Diagnostic Tests for Hidradenitis Suppurativa
To diagnose HS, doctors may use various tests and examinations:
- Physical Examination: Your doctor will inspect the affected areas and ask about your medical history.
- Biopsy: A small sample of affected tissue may be taken and examined under a microscope to confirm the diagnosis.
- Imaging: MRI or ultrasound scans can help visualize the extent of tunneling and abscesses.
- Blood Tests: These can rule out other conditions and assess inflammation levels.
- Cultures: Swabs may be taken from abscesses to identify any bacterial infections.
Treating Hidradenitis Suppurativa
Managing HS often involves a combination of treatments tailored to your condition’s severity:
- Lifestyle Changes: Maintain good hygiene, wear loose-fitting clothing, and manage your weight.
- Warm Compresses: Applying warm compresses can help alleviate pain and promote drainage.
- Antibiotics: These may be prescribed to treat bacterial infections and reduce inflammation.
- Topical Treatments: Creams or ointments can help with mild cases by reducing inflammation.
- Steroid Injections: These can provide relief from pain and inflammation for moderate cases.
- Incision and Drainage: For severe abscesses, a doctor may need to drain the pus surgically.
- Biologics: These medications target the immune system and can help manage symptoms in severe cases.
- Laser Therapy: Some individuals find relief from laser treatments that target affected areas.
- Surgery: In extreme cases, surgery may be necessary to remove affected skin and tissue.
Medications for Hidradenitis Suppurativa
There are several medications that may be prescribed to manage HS:
- Antibiotics: Drugs like clindamycin or tetracycline can help control infection.
- Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs): Over-the-counter options like ibuprofen can reduce pain and inflammation.
- Corticosteroids: These can be applied topically or injected to reduce inflammation.
- Retinoids: Medications like isotretinoin can help prevent new abscesses from forming.
- Biologics: Drugs like adalimumab and infliximab target the immune system to manage symptoms.
Conclusion:
Hidradenitis Suppurativa can be a challenging condition to manage, but with the right information and treatments, you can improve your quality of life. Remember to consult with a healthcare professional to determine the best approach for your specific situation. By understanding the types, causes, symptoms, diagnostic tests, treatments, and medications associated with HS, you can take control of your health and well-being.
Disclaimer: Each person’s journey is unique, treatment plan, life style, food habit, hormonal condition, immune system, chronic disease condition, previous medical history is also unique. So always seek the best advice from a qualified medical professional or health care provider before trying any treatments to ensure to find out the best plan for you. This guide is for general information and educational purposes only. If you or someone are suffering from this disease condition bookmark this website or share with someone who might find it useful! Boost your knowledge and stay ahead in your health journey. Thank you for giving your valuable time to read the article.
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