Hidradenitis Suppurativa

Hidradenitis Suppurative is a disease that is little known to the public due to the embarrassing aspects of it. Hidradenitis Suppurativa is characterized by large boil like pimples, usually under the arm pits, under the breasts and in the groin area, that are extremely painful and can be terribly hard to heal. These boil like pimples will range in size from as small as the head of a match to as large as a lemon.

Left untreated hidradenitis suppurative will spread to larger areas and form a tunnel between lesions (these connect them together), once this happens it is almost impossible to clear up the infection. Excessive scaring, puckering of the skin and numerous black heads will occur, along with hard white nodules, located just under the skin, which are painful to the touch, that will become inflamed at any given time, turning into a large pus filled pimple.

It is said that hidradenitis suppurativa is caused when oil from the sweat glands and dead skin cells cause blockage of the hair follicle. When these particles become trapped they can spread into the surrounding tissue causing bacteria to form, thus allowing for infection. Little is known as to why this blockage occurs but there is some speculation as to several factors which may contribute to this condition, such as cigarette smoking, obesity, hormones and genetics. Hidradenitis suppurativa may also occur with other diseases like Crohn's and Grave's disease or herpes simplex.

In the early stages hidradenitis suppurativa can be treated with antibiotics, oral retinoid medications, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, corticosteroids and immunosuppressant drugs. As this disease progresses surgery may be the only means of controlling hidradenitis suppurativa. This may include, incision and drainage, uncovering the tunnels connecting the boils or surgical removal of the affected area. Surgical removal will cure that particular area, but will not prevent other boils from forming.

There are some treatments that you may try at home that may help to reduce swelling and relieve discomfort. Apply a warm washcloth on the affected area to help to reduce swelling, wash the affected area with an anti-bacterial soap and apply a topical antibiotic ointment, never shave the affected area, as this will cause irritation as well as new lesions and finally wear loose fitting clothing to avoid irritation.

There is no cure for hidradenitis suppurativa. Early detection can help to slow down this progressive disease and limit the severity of the scarring. However, you first must have a correct diagnosis and this sometimes is not discovered until this skin disease has progressed to the point that topical treatments and prescription drugs are of no help.