Hidradenitis Suppurativa
Other names: Acne Inverse, Suppurative Hidradenitis, Verneuil's Disease
Hidradenitis suppurativa is an autoimmune that attacks
the sweat glands, most commonly in the armpits, groin
and anal area, causing painful inflammation, lesions
and sores that can be as small as a pea or as large
as a baseball. Symptoms may include large blackheads
and red, tender bumps that drain break open and drain
puss-like fluid. Many patients mistake the early symptoms
as simple acne or are too embarrassed to approach
their doctor about their symptoms, especially when
personal areas are involved which can cause serious
complications such as infections, cellulitis (a bacterial
infection deep within the skin) and difficulty moving
because of the pain.
Flare-ups may be triggered by severe stress, perspiration,
hormonal changes (such as monthly cycles in women),
humid heat, and clothing friction, but the exact cause
of the condition is not known. It seems to affect
women most commonly or people with a prior history
of acne. Hidradenitis Suppurativa has also been connected
with other Autoimmune diseases such as Crohn's Disease
and Grave's Disease. There may be a genetic factor
that increases a person's risk of developing the condition,
too.
According to HS-USA.org,
Hidradenitis presents in 3 stages
Stage I
Solitary or multiple isolated abscess formation without
scarring or sinus tracts;
Stage II
Recurrent abscesses, single or multiple widely separated
lesions, with beginning sinus tract formation ("tunneling")
and cicatrisation (formation of scar tissue);
Stage III
Diffuse or broad involvement across a regional area
with multiple interconnected sinus tracts, significant
cicatrisation and persistent abscesses.
Early diagnosis and treatment can help manage breakouts,
lessen symptoms and manage the disease quite effectively.
Symptoms:
Abscesses in buttocks
Abscesses near hair follicles and sweat glands
Chronic puss-draining abscesses that do not heal
Frequent cellulitis or bacterial infections near hair
follicles and sweat glands
Diagnosis:
Diagnosis is usually made by a thorough physical
examination of the affected area and if there is any
drainage, the physician may order tests on samples
of the fluid to confirm the diagnosis.
Treatment:
There is no cure for Hidradenitis Suppurativa so
the goal of treatment is to manage symptoms and control
infections. Antibiotics may be used in long-term doses
to treat current infections and prevent future infections
when lesions are actively draining or open. Retinoid
medications may also be used to reduce oil gland function
to prevent the build of of blockages around follicles
that cause the inflammation, and Non-Steroidal Anti-inflammatories
may be used to reduce present inflammation
Corticosteroids and/or immunosuppressant therapies
may also be an option to tame the immune response
to the sweat glands and rude the amount of flair ups.
Prognosis:
With proper treatment and lifestyle adjustments,
patients can typically lead a normal life, and no
long-term complications seem to be a problem other
than scarring which can affect a patients self-esteem.
Supportive therapy is highly recommended for sufferers
of Hidradenitis Suppurativa.
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