Hidradenitis Suppurativa

Boise

Hidradenitis Suppurativa

Hidradenitis suppurativa are small, painful lumps that result from skin rubbing in areas like the buttocks, groin, breast, and armpits. The lumps can take a long time to heal. They then recur and cause tunnels and scarring under the skin.

The condition usually starts during puberty and can persist for many years, worsening over time. It can lead to severe effects on your daily life and well-being.

What Are the Symptoms of Hidradenitis Suppurativa?

Hidradenitis suppurativa can affect several areas of the body. The symptoms include:

  • Blackheads: These appear in pairs, usually in small pitted areas of skin.
  • Leaking bumps or sores: Some bumps or sores become bigger, break open, and drain foul-smelling pus.
  • Small, painful lumps: You will notice a single, painful lump beneath the skin. It persists for weeks or months, with several others forming later. These worsen when you have more sweat and oil glands.
  • Tunnels: These may form underneath the skin, connecting the lumps with time. They heal very slowly.

Causes of and Risk Factors for Hidradenitis Suppurativa

This condition commonly occurs when hair follicles experience blockage, though the exact reason for this is not medically proven yet. Experts suspect it could happen because of cigarette smoking, genetic predisposition, hormones, or excess weight, but not because of uncleanliness.

Risk factors include:

  • Being in the age bracket of 20 to 30 years
  • Being female
  • Family history
  • Race and ethnicity
  • Smoking
  • Conditions like arthritis, obesity, acne, inflammatory bowel disease, and metabolic syndrome

What are the Complications of Hidradenitis Suppurativa?

When Hidradenitis suppurativa is persistent, it can lead to:

  • Restricted movement
  • Infection
  • Scars and skin changes
  • Skin cancer
  • Swelling in the genitals, legs, or arms
  • Psychological effects and social isolation

Can Hidradenitis Suppurativa be Prevented?

The exact cause of the condition is still being studied, meaning there's no known way to prevent it. However, they recommend doing the following to reduce the symptoms

  • Wear loose-fitting clothes
  • Take warm baths
  • Don't shave affected areas
  • Maintain a healthy weight
  • Avoid smoking
  • Clean the affected areas with antibacterial soap regularly.

What Treatment is Recommended for Hidradenitis Suppurativa?

While there's no known cure for the condition, early diagnosis and treatment can prevent its progression. Medications like antibiotics, corticosteroids, adalimumab, and retinoids could potentially offer some relief. In severe cases, surgical procedures may be necessary. These include:

  • Deroofing to turn breakouts into scar tissue
  • Excision and skin grafting
  • Draining abscesses to provide relief

Call to Schedule an Appointment with a Boise Surgeon Specializing in Hidradenitis Suppurativa

If you have the symptoms of a hidradenitis suppurativa and are interested in the powerful treatments available, consider scheduling a consultation with an experienced general surgeon like Dr. Daniel Gay, who has successfully performed hundreds minor operations with great results. He offers individualized attention to all of his patients while emphasizing health education. Submit a contact form or call (208) 321-4790 today to make an appointment!

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Mike Barth
Dr Gay did an excellent job and is the best combination of being very experienced yet treats you like a friend… made me confident with the process and everything turned out exactly as expected or even better! Highest of recommendations from me!
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Eric Lewis
Dr. Gay made me feel as comfortable as possible with the surgery and gave great examples of what to expect. He was very thorough in my post-surgery appointment with instructions moving forward. Highly recommend!!
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Shelley M Vaden
Went for a consultation since my surgeon passed a few years ago,and Dr Gay was recommended by my family physician Dr Hugh Sterling. Was friendly,and to the point for procedures for my condition.
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brandon chissus
Dr Gay is very personable and my hernia operation was a complete success. Thank you.
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Kathy Barnes
Very pleasant office staff and a top notch doctor. Surgery went well and the recovery was easy. Highly recommend Dr.Gay
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Tamara Leininger
Absolutely one of the best doctors I have experienced. Surgery is never fun but Dr. Gay is so thorough, compassionate and skilled. I had a few things going on and am a bit of a complicated patient. Dr. Gay was very kind and really spent time with me going over things in detail. He got me fixed up and my recovery was great. Good Doctor makes for great recovery. Thank you Dr. Gay for just being awesome. 🤩
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Timo Alden
Very qualified and competent surgeon. Communicated well. And FYI he's a nice guy. I met face to face with him every time, not an assistant. I recommend him highly.
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Jen HenJones
Out of nowhere I developed a mass in my neck with unknown diagnosis due to how deep under the muscle of my neck/shoulders it was, we couldn't biopsy ahead of time to see what we were dealing with. Dr. Gay was referred and he was great. He put me and my husband at ease about the process, the ease of it due to his experience and expertise and was able to get me in for surgery in under a month which was a relief as I was nervous about the unknown as it could have been a lump of fat to a malignant tumor. Dr. Gay made the process easy and left a minimal scar. Thankfully it was not worst case scenario and followup was easy. He checked in with lab results 3 days later and answered all questions. I highly recommend him to anyone
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Dr. Daniel Gay, Member of the Independent Doctors of Idaho