Hidradenitis Suppurativa

Hidradenitis Suppurativa (HS) is an inflammatory skin disease differentiated by swollen, painful, inflamed lesions in the axillae, groin, and other parts of the body that contain apocrine glands. It is not contagious, and is not a transferred disease. The regions most commonly affected are under the arms, the groin and buttocks, and under the breasts. The disease is a chronic acneiform infection of the cutaneous apocrine glands which also can involve contiguous subcutaneous tissue and fascia. The hallmark of the disease is sinus tracts in the apocrine gland body areas.

The infected areas may have a bad smell, and may ultimately heal and leave scars. The evidences of Hidradenitis Suppurativa vary greatly, it can be as slight as black heads and pimples or as serious as large draining lesions, growing to the size of golf balls. HS frequently goes undiagnosed for years as patients are too ashamed to speak with anyone. Unremitting lesions may lead to scarring and the formation of sinus tracts, or tunnels connecting the abscesses under the skin. It is also known as 'acne inversa'.

Causes of Hidradenitis Suppurativa

The common causes and risk factor's of Hidradenitis Suppurativa include the following:

• Hidradenitis suppurativa is caused when a duct (a channel that carries gland or organ secretions) in the body is clogged.
• Disease activity may be associated to stress and to cigarette smoking.
• Bacterial infection.
• Genetic disorders which variate cell structure.
• Endocrine factors - obesity, hirsutism and acne are common findings among women with hidradenitis suppurativa.
• Hidradenitis is more common in people who have had acne.

Symptoms of Hidradenitis Suppurativa

Some sign and symptoms related to Hidradenitis Suppurativa are as follows:

• Small pitted areas of skin containing blackheads, often appearing in pairs or a "double-barrel" pattern.
• Painful, pea-sized lumps that grow under the skin.
• Pustules and abscesses may discharge pus spontaneously and heal slowly, resulting in scar tissue.
• Depression and social isolation may also occur.
• Painful swellings in the armpits, groin, under the breasts, around the nipples, or around the anus.

Treatment of Hidradenitis Suppurativa

Here is list of the methods for treating Hidradenitis Suppurativa:

• Antibiotics are indicated if cellulitis or fever is present, and the patient should be intromitted if he or she appears to be toxic.
• High-dose systemic steroids for their inflammatory effect.
• Sub-cutaneous injection or IV infusion of anti-inflammatory (anti- TNF-alpha ) drugs such as infliximab (Remicade®)and etanercept (Enbrel®).
• Birth control Pills, as a measure to balance hormones.
• Oral retinoid medications to stop oil gland functions and to prevent the puffering of the hair follicle.
• Radiation treatment has also been used for this condition.

If you like this page, please post it on: