What Is Hidradenitis Suppurativa?
The medical term is a scarring, non-contagious skin condition which affects your sweat glands or apocrine. This chronic disease occurs after puberty and is also known as acne inversa. It emerges as clusters of abscesses which ranges from a pea to a tennis ball size. The skin condition begins as a particular abscess, later leading the formation of other localized abscesses and tracts. Usually, the deep-seated bumps associated with hidradenitis suppurativa appear on the areas where our skin rubs together for example:
- Under your breasts
- Between your buttocks
- Groin and
- Armpits.
Mostly, the bumps of hidradenitis suppurativa are painful and contain reeking pus. The skin condition continues for years. It can also become worse in its due course. Fortunately, early diagnoses can greatly help cope the discomforting symptoms and stop the emergence of new lesions.
What Are The Symptoms Of Hidradenitis Suppurativa?
Usually, the abscesses develop around the hair follicles, where numerous sweat glands and oil are found for example in your anal area, groin and armpits. In addition to this, they may even emerge in the areas where our skin rubs together for example between your buttocks, under your breasts or inner thighs. The skin condition can affect a particular or several areas of your body.
Furthermore, few of its common symptoms include:
- Blackheads.
- Tender, red bumps.
- Pea-sized, painful bumps.
- Leaking sores or bumps.
When Is The High Time To See A Doctor?
You may not need to visit a doctor in case the skin condition is mild, however call up for an appointment if:
- Bumps are painful.
- Recurs often.
- Develops in several areas.
What Causes Hidradenitis Suppurativa?
Inflamed and blocked hair follicles are responsible for causing hidradenitis suppurativa. Though, what causes the blockage tends to remain a mystery however certain factors such as excess weight, cigarette smoking, genetics and hormones are considered for playing a role.
What Are The Risk Factors Of Hidradenitis Suppurativa?
The skin condition is known to affect a percent of the total population. Certain factors identified for raising the chances of hidradenitis suppurativa include:
- Family history of hidradenitis suppurativa.
- Women are at a greater risk to experience hidradenitis suppurativa as compared to men.
- The skin condition mostly targets young adults.
What Are The Potential Complications Of Hidradenitis Suppurativa?
If hidradenitis suppurativa is severe and persistent, it can lead the following complications:
- Restricted movement.
- Skin changes and scars.
- Obstructed lymph drainage.
- Social isolation.
How Is Hidradenitis Suppurativa Diagnosed?
No particular tests are needed for diagnosing hidradenitis suppurativa, as your doctor can determine the skin condition simply per conducting a careful examination of your affected skin. In case the bumps contain pus, your doctor will take a fluid sample for lab testing.
How Is Hidradenitis Suppurativa Diagnosed?
Unfortunately, hidradenitis suppurativa is incurable, however its early treatment can greatly help cope the discomforting symptoms and stop the emergence of new lesions. Its treatment options include:
- Medications: antibiotics, corticosteroids, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha inhibitors.
- Surgical/procedures (for persistent and severe cases): surgical drainage, uncovering the tunnels, surgical removal.
ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE:
Few patients with hidradenitis suppurativa have find zinc supplements effective.
By : Natural Health News
