Hidradenitis suppurativa, also known asacne inversa, does not occur beforepuberty.
Rather, most people get it between the ages of 20 and 40 years old.
Women are four times more likely than men to be affected.
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Early symptoms include:
Hidradenitis suppurativa can look a lot like acne, particularly early on.
The same is not true for acne.
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Symptoms may come and go.
Once hidradenitis suppurativa starts, it gets progressively worse.
The boils can become very painful and restrict movement.
The boils can also rupture and leak fluid, often with a foul odor.
Abscesses can also sometimes merge beneath the skin and cause cord-like scarring.
Causes and Risk Factors
The exact cause of hidradenitis suppurativa is disputed.
It is neither a sexually transmitted disease nor the result of poor hygiene.
Diagnosis
Hidradenitis suppurativa is diagnosedby a healthcare provider based on its appearance.
There are no lab tests or biopsies that establish the diagnosis.
In the early stages, hidradenitis suppurativa resembles isolatedboilsor infected hair follicles.
Symptoms often come and go.
Repeated breakouts are one clue that something beyond just a simple boil or inflamed hair follicle is happening.
This is another giveaway that the condition is hidradenitis suppurativa.
Many people have to wait for months and even years before an accurate diagnosis is received.
Hidradenitis Suppurativa Treatment
Hidradenitis suppurativa does not ever fully go away.
It’s a lifelong condition that must be managed.
Treatment by a dermatologist can help minimize the impact and severity of whatever pop in of HS you have.
That said, treating hidradenitis suppurativa can be difficult.
It is best treated in the early stages before extensive scarring develops.
You should also switch to a gentle, fragrance- and paraben-free deodorant or antiperspirant.
Instead of soap, use a gentle face wash containing benzoyl peroxide.
Quitting cigarettes is also essential.
The same antibiotics that are used for acne are used for hidradenitis suppurativa, only in higher doses.
These antibiotics include erythromycin, tetracycline, minocycline, and doxycycline.
Topical antibiotics(those applied to the skin) can also be used in cases of mild hidradenitis suppurativa.
It is a biologic agent that helps reduce inflammation.
Cosentyx is an intravenous (IV) infusion that is typically given every 4 weeks.
This is especially true for people who get flare-ups right before their menstrual cycle.
It is believed that these treatments balance hormones that contribute to inflammation.
It is sometimes used to reduce the size of the affected areas prior to surgery.
Isotretinoin does have significant side effects and must not be used by pregnant women.
Steroid injections are normally combined with other treatments and are not used as the sole treatment for hidradenitis suppurativa.
If all other options fail, surgery may be considered.
With that said, recurrence is common if only the immediately affected area is treated.
Coping
Hidradenitis suppurativa can be a debilitating condition because it can be so painful.
In addition to the odor, many people also feel embarrassed about discharge leaking onto clothes.
This can cause people to isolate themselves, leading to anxiety and depression.
Let your healthcare provider know exactly how the condition is impacting your life.
It is only by reaching out that solutions can be found.
Hidradenitis suppurativa runs strongly in families but is also associated with obesity, diabetes, and cigarette.
Women and Black people are disproportionately affected.
Severe cases may benefit from steroid injections and surgery.
An early diagnosis is essential to prevent it from getting worse.
If you are diagnosed with hidradenitis suppurativa, it’s important to know that it is not your fault.
Remember, your healthcare provider is there to help you.
Rather, it is a systemic (whole-body), inflammatory condition.
The underlying cause is unknown.
It is possible that stress can trigger hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) symptoms.
Whenever you are stressed, the body releases a chemical calledcortisolthat can instigate widespread inflammation.
The inflammation, in turn, can lead to the onset or worsening of HS symptoms.
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Clark AK, Quinonez RL, Saric S, Sivamani RK.Hormonal therapies for hidradenitis suppurativa: Review.Dermatol Online J.
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