Do you sometimes get painful bumps on your body, especially where you sweat and where your skin rubs together? They may appear repeatedly, heal, and then come back. You may feel a lot of discomfort and pain because of these. Today we are going to talk about one such condition, which is called Hidradenitis Suppurativa.
What is Hidradenitis Suppurativa?
Simply put, Hidradenitis Suppurativa is a condition that causes painful, recurring boils in the areas where your sweat glands are located . Unfortunately, there is currently no cure for this condition. But don't worry, there are effective treatments to help control symptoms, stop new boils from forming, and reduce scarring. Some people also call it 'Acne Inversa.'
What skin problems are caused by HS?
There are three main types of skin changes seen in this HS condition:
- Nodules: These are like firm lumps under your skin that are felt when you touch them.
- Abscesses: These are pus-filled lumps . Sometimes these can burst and pus can come out, which can have a slightly foul smell.
- Sinus tracts: These are small, culvert-like passages that form between the abscesses and the surface of the skin. They develop when the condition has been present for a long time.
Who is more likely to develop this HS condition?
Women are more likely to develop this condition. There are several other risk factors:
- Hirsutism : This refers to the growth of unwanted, very thick hair in certain areas of the body.
- Having HS in your family: If someone in your family has the condition, you have a small chance of developing it too.
- Changes in sex hormones (Estrogen and Androgens): This can be affected during times when there are major changes in these hormones, especially after puberty and when approaching menopause .
- Smoking.
- Obesity.
Is this a contagious disease?
No, not at all! HS is not a contagious disease. Because it has nothing to do with an infection. It is actually an autoinflammatory condition . That means your body's own immune system attacks your hair follicles. That's what happens.
What is the real cause of HS?
As mentioned earlier, HS is an autoinflammatory disease that affects your hair follicles. Simply put, your body's defense system, the immune system, mistakenly attacks your own hair follicles. This results in abscesses, chronic inflammation, and ultimately scarring.
Is HS a sexually transmitted disease (STD)?
Oh no. HS is not a sexually transmitted infection (STI) at all. It is not transmitted from person to person in any way.
Does HS occur due to poor hygiene?
No. HS is not caused by poor hygiene. Some people think so, but that's wrong. It's caused by a more complex cause.
What are the symptoms of HS?
People with HS develop painful nodules, abscesses, and scarring over time . Women, especially, may experience flare-ups before their monthly period .
Where on the body do HS tumors form?
These tumors are often found in areas where the skin is exposed to sweat and where it rubs together. For example:
- Under the armpit
- In connection with the anus
- In the buttocks area
- In the fold of skin under the breast
- Related to the genitals
- In the groin area
- On the inner side of the thigh
- Nape of the neck
- Around the waist
Are HS and Acne Conglobata the same thing?
Some people with HS can also develop a severe form of acne called Acne Conglobata , which means it's possible to have both at the same time.
What are the possible complications of HS?
If HS is left untreated for a long time, the risk of developing a number of complications increases. These include:
- Anemia: This means lack of blood.
- Cellulitis: A bacterial infection of the skin.
- Damage to the lymphatic system: This can interfere with the movement of fluids, such as water, through the body.
- Fistula: This is an abnormal connection between your skin and your intestines or bladder, like a drain.
- Scars.
- Sepsis: This is a dangerous condition. It is caused by the body's overreaction to an infection, affecting the entire body.
- Skin cancer: But this is very rare.
What kind of doctor should I see if I suspect I have HS?
Unfortunately, many general practitioners can confuse HS with common boils caused by infections. So, if you have these symptoms, it's best to see a dermatologist. They have special training in diagnosing HS.
How is HS diagnosed?
This is often diagnosed by talking about your health history and a physical exam . No special tests are usually needed.
What are the treatments for HS?
Treatment for Hidradenitis Suppurativa depends on the severity of your symptoms. In the early stages, treatments include:
A skin care plan
Your dermatologist may recommend some special skin care products. For example:
- Skin-friendly, mild antiperspirants: Things that control sweating.
- Daily antiseptic wash: Keep the affected areas clean.
- Retinoids: These are substances that contain vitamin A. They help reduce inflammation.
- Types of specialized body washes.
Pain management
Things like these can help reduce pain in HS:
- Complementary medicine: This can include things like dietary changes, mind-body techniques, and acupuncture.
- Ice packs or warm compresses.
- Lidocaine-containing topical creams or ointments: These numb the skin and reduce pain.
- Over-the-counter (OTC) or prescription painkillers.
- Referral to a pain management specialist.
Additional medical therapies
There are other medications that can help people with HS:
- Adalimumab: This is a biologic therapy . It works by calming your body's immune system response and reducing inflammation.
- Antibiotics: Antibiotics are not used to treat an infection. Instead, doctors use them to control the inflammation that is causing the disease. If the inflammation persists, low-dose antibiotics may be given for about three months.
- Metformin: This is a medication used to treat diabetes. But it can also help with HS. It helps to restore hormone levels and reduce insulin resistance.
- Birth control pills / Oral contraceptives: These help prevent or reduce premenstrual flares by controlling hormonal fluctuations.
What treatments can be done if HS becomes severe?
If you have severe symptoms, or if you have tumors that are not responding to other treatments, you may need to undergo a medical procedure.
Your doctor may recommend things like:
- Botox® Injections: Control excessive sweating.
- Deroofing surgery: This is a surgery that removes the skin over the sinus tracts .
- Incision and drainage: Cutting open abscesses and removing pus.
- Laser hair removal.
- Laser surgery: Remove HS tumors.
- Steroid injections: Reduce inflammation.
What can we do to prevent HS from occurring?
Some risk factors, like family history, are beyond our control. However, there are things you can do to reduce your risk of HS flare-ups and complications.
Here are some ways to prevent it:
- Limit sweating: Try to stay indoors when it's hot outside.
- If you are obese (BMI, that is, Body Mass Index, over 30), lose weight.
- Do not use perfumed deodorants or skin care products.
- If you are a tobacco user, quit smoking. (Your doctor can help you with this.)
- Wear loose clothing. Tight clothing makes it difficult for the skin to breathe and causes excessive sweating.
What will the health status of people with HS be like in the future?
The outlook is actually good. There are several treatments that can help people with Hidradenitis Suppurativa. Experts are also researching new treatments.
Does HS go away completely?
There is no cure for Hidradenitis Suppurativa. It is a long-term skin condition. Symptoms can last for years. Treatment can control symptoms and heal the boils. However, there is a chance that they will recur.
What is it like to live with HS?
Recurrent abscesses can make many people feel very depressed and self-conscious. The stress of living with such a long-term, painful condition can also affect mental health. Anxiety and depression are common among people with HS. If you have these problems, be sure to talk to your doctor.
Imagine that your friend is constantly suffering from painful, pus-filled boils all over his body. He is embarrassed to go out, he can't go to parties, and sometimes he has trouble doing his daily tasks because of the pain. HS can be such a difficult experience. That's why it's important to get diagnosed and treated early.
The take-home message from this article
Hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) is a skin condition that causes painful, recurring, pus-filled bumps that can eventually lead to scarring. If you have had these painful bumps for weeks, or if they keep coming back, especially in the areas we talked about, like the armpits, groin, and buttocks, please see a doctor.
Don't worry, there are good medical treatments for this, medical procedures if necessary, and even psychological counseling to help you find relief. Don't suffer alone, ask for help.
` Hidradenitis Suppurativa, skin disease, cysts, pain, sweat glands, skin disease, treatment, scars
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