Having Hidradenitis Suppurativa is a serious condition that can be devastating to your health. But there are a number of ways to prevent and treat the condition. In this article, we’ll take a look at some of the symptoms, causes, and treatment options available.
Symptoms
HS, or hidradenitis suppurativa, is a chronic condition that affects the skin. It causes painful lumps to form that can be large or very small. They can also become inflamed and drain with foul-smelling pus. The pus can drain for days and sometimes weeks. It can be painful to the touch and can lead to scars.
HS usually occurs in areas where the skin rubs together. These areas include the armpits, the inner thigh, and the buttocks. It can also occur in the genital area.
When the HS is severe, it can cause abscesses and fistulas. These can cause a lot of pain, and they can require surgery to fix. The abscess can also cause scarring, making it difficult to move the area.
The most common HS symptoms include a red, itchy, painful bump that may form a fistula between two parts of the body. If the bump is very painful, it may require steroid injections. Steroids can also help reduce inflammation.
If a fistula or abscess becomes large enough, it can lead to a skin tumor or skin cancer. A dermatologist can assess your condition and help you find a treatment plan that is right for you. In addition to treatment, there are some ways to prevent the disease from progressing.
If you think you may have HS, speak to your GP or dermatologist. You should also take photographs of the affected area to monitor changes in your skin. These pictures may help your doctor diagnose the condition.
If you have severe HS, your GP or dermatologist may recommend surgery. In some cases, the condition may be treated with a combination of medication and surgery. This type of treatment may include skin grafts, flaps, and reconstructive surgery.
Antibiotics are also used to treat HS. They may be given as tablets, creams, or liquids. Antibiotics may be given for a number of months to help control inflammation. Often, antiseptic washes are prescribed alongside other treatments.
Hidradenitis suppurativa is not contagious. However, it can lead to secondary infections and skin cancer. You should seek treatment as soon as possible.
Diagnosis
HS is a recurring skin disease that usually starts in puberty. People who have HS typically have skin breakouts that can occur on the face, buttocks, and inner thighs. Some people may experience discomfort, but HS can be cured. If you’re concerned about HS, consult your doctor. They will examine your skin and determine whether or not you have HS.
The diagnosis of HS is based on the presence of painful, red, swollen, and inflamed nodules. The nodules are located near the major skin folds. In most cases, HS is caused by abnormal growth of cells. The nodules are filled with pus. The pus may be blood-tinged. In addition, the nodules are often accompanied by the formation of a sinus tract.
Hidradenitis suppurativa is a skin condition that causes chronic inflammation of the skin. It is usually accompanied by pain and scarring. It can affect the self-esteem of a person and negatively affect their social relationships.
It is a skin condition that often occurs in women. However, men are also at risk for developing HS. It can be difficult to diagnose HS in the early stages. This is because HS is often misdiagnosed. It can also be confused with acne, a common skin condition.
It is important to make a diagnosis of HS as soon as possible. Early treatment can prevent it from worsening. This will help to reduce scarring and prevent additional breakouts.
Treatment includes antibiotics such as amoxicillin, doxycycline, and erythromycin. These can be given as capsules or liquids. A long course of antibiotics can last for up to three months. The healthcare provider will also evaluate the infected skin and take a sample for testing.
In some cases, the healthcare provider may excise the infected skin. The provider will remove the skin on both the left and right axilla. They will then clean the infected area with antibacterial soap and apply a topical antibiotic cream.
The doctor will also examine the area to determine if there are any lumps or pus. If there is pus, it may be an indication of a secondary infection. If there is a secondary infection, antibiotics are prescribed.
Treatment options
HS is a skin disease that causes painful lumps under the skin. The lumps can become large and enclose nearby tissues. In some cases, it may also cause a fistula, which is a painful hollow passage.
Treatment options for HS include medications, surgery, and at-home remedies. However, it’s important to consult with your doctor before implementing any of these treatments. The earlier you get treatment, the less likely you are to have any scarring or other complications.
If you have a bacterial infection, your doctor may recommend taking a short course of antibiotics. This can help eradicate the infection and decrease inflammation. This can also help prevent new breakouts.
Your doctor may also prescribe oral corticosteroids to reduce inflammation and prevent new breakouts. However, these medications can cause birth defects.
If your HS lesions are deep-seated, your doctor may recommend laser therapy or deroofing. The procedure can help clear the skin of the breakout. However, this may also cause scarring.
If your HS lesions are infected, your doctor may recommend antibiotics. This can help prevent new breakouts and relieve the pain of the breakouts.
For more severe cases, your doctor may recommend surgery. This can be a painful procedure, but it can relieve pain and discomfort. However, surgery can also remove all of the tissues in the affected area. This will leave the affected area hard to move.
HS is a chronic skin condition that is often misdiagnosed in the early stages. Some patients mistake it for acne-type rashes or ingrown hair. This is because the pus-filled lumps can look like pimple-like bumps.
Some people who are diagnosed with HS may find it difficult to talk about their condition. They are afraid of scarring or other complications. This is why many patients delay seeking treatment until the condition has become more serious. Getting treatment early can prevent the development of the most severe complications.
If you’re having trouble finding a dermatologist, you can use the Healthline FindCare tool. This tool allows you to enter your zip code and find a doctor in your area.
Prevention
HS is an infection that occurs on the skin, causing lumps and boils. These lumps may fill with pus, which may have a foul smell. It is important to seek treatment as soon as possible to prevent further damage.
Treatment options vary from person to person. Doctors will evaluate the patient to determine the best course of action. Some treatments are natural remedies, while others may be prescribed by a dermatologist. These treatments may help reduce inflammation, reduce scarring, and prevent infection.
Antibiotics are sometimes prescribed to help prevent infection. They can be given as pills, lotions, or creams. These medications can be helpful in preventing HS from developing into an abscess. Antibiotics may also be prescribed for people with HS who have fistulas, which are hollow passages between two body parts.
Laser therapy is also used to treat HS. Doctors can also use an incision and drainage technique to remove HS lesions. This procedure can give immediate relief. However, it may not prevent future flare-ups.
It is important to get HS diagnosed and treated early. Untreated HS can cause scars, fistulas, and infections. The condition can also affect the lymphatics, which are the vessels that carry fluid to the skin. This can lead to damage to nearby organs.
Surgery is also an option to treat HS. This is usually done under general anesthesia. The doctor will cut out the HS lesions and remove any tissue or skin that is infected. This can be followed by skin grafting to replace the lost skin.
Diet can also help with HS. Many foods are thought to help balance hormones. There are also supplements that may help. However, there isn’t enough research to determine whether they work.
It is important to avoid smoking as it can aggravate the condition. Quitting smoking is an effective method of treating HS.
Some people also choose to use essential oils for treatment. However, the Food and Drug Administration does not monitor essential oils. It is important to consult with a doctor before using supplements or essential oils.
The Healthline FindCare tool can help you find a doctor who can help you.
Health Sources:
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Directory Health Topics. (n.d.). https://www.healthline.com/directory/topics
Health A-Z. (2022, April 26). Verywell Health. https://www.verywellhealth.com/health-a-z-4014770
Harvard Health. (2015, November 17). Health A to Z. https://www.health.harvard.edu/health-a-to-z
Health Conditions A-Z Sitemap. (n.d.). EverydayHealth.com. https://www.everydayhealth.com/conditions/
