Hidradenitis Suppurativa

Hidradenitis suppurativa is a chronic disease of the apocrine glands. For unknown reasons, people with hidradenitis develop a blockage of those glands. It causes chronic scarring and pus formation of the underarm and groin/inner thigh areas. In women it can also occur under the breasts. It is similar to acne, although it is often called “acne’s inverse”. Hidradenitis is more common in people who have had acne. Some experts suggest that it may be an unusual type of acne in adults.

Causes Of Hidradenitis Suppurativa

The exact cause of hidradenitis suppurativa remains unknown. However, some factors are thought to be related to the development of hidradenitis suppurativa. Those factors include genetic disorders (there are frequent cases in which hidradenitis suppurativa is present in multiple members of the same family), sex hormones disorders (particularly estrogen and androgen), obesity and smoking.

It is known that hidradenitis suppurativa is not caused by poor hygiene. Also, findings show that hidradenitis suppurativa may get worse under heavy stress.

Symptoms Of Hidradenitis Suppurativa

Hidradenitis suppurativa is characterized by the presence of small nodules that resemble acne. At first, one or two firm nodules of about the size of a pea may appear and discharge a pus-like substance after a day or two.

If left untreated, soon more nodules appear, and in some cases those nodules may be as big as a golf ball. Pain and odor appear as a result of infection. At advanced stages, multiple nodules are detected, often interconnected.

Treatment Of Hidradenitis Suppurativa

Hidradenitis suppurativa treatment consist mainly on administering oral antibiotics, like minocycline, tetracycline, erythromycin and others. Topical antibiotics are also prescribed.

Injections into the affected places can help reducing swelling and tenderness in a little time. Anti-inflammatory pills are helpful in addition to the antibiotics, especially in severe cases. Also, some women respond to high estrogen birth control pills.

When a pharmacological hidradenitis suppurativa treatment seems to fail, surgery is recommended. Aggressive surgery will cure an area of severe, chronic hidradenitis. Skin grafts may be needed to heal scarring.

Prevention Of Hidradenitis Suppurativa

As the exact cause of hidradenitis suppurativa has not been identified, there is no reliable prevention action to take. However, avoiding those factors that are suspected to cause hidradenitis suppurativa may help.

Once hidradenitis suppurativa appears, the patient should avoid wearing tight clothes and shaving the affected areas. Using antibacterial soap can reduce any odor produced by hidradenitis suppurativa, and may also prevent further development of this skin disease.

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