Hidradenitis Suppurativa

Boise - Caldwell

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!