Healing Hidradenitis Suppurativa
You have boils or what looks like acne in your groin area and your armpits. The boils seem to happen when you are premenstrual. They don’t respond to acne medicine. You could have hidradenitis suppurativa.
Hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) is a chronic, inflammatory skin condition that causes painful bumps in sensitive, private areas of the body. It is a severe form of acne. It is marked by the presence of blackheads and one or more tender lesions, which often enlarge, break open and drain pus.
The condition commonly occurs around hair follicles and oil and sweat glands. It is frequently found in the armpits, anal area and groin. It can occur in any area where skin rubs together, such as the inner thighs. It can affect one or several areas of the body.
Women are more likely to develop HS than men. A family history of the condition increases the risk of developing it. It generally affects those between puberty and age 40; however, it can occur in those over 40 and rarely, children.
Symptoms include small, pitted areas that contain blackheads (often in pairs); painful, pea-sized lumps under the skin; one or more red, tender, pus-filled lesions that can burst and drain unpleasant-smelling fluid accompanied by itching, burning or excessive sweating; and painful sores that continually leak fluid and cure very slowly or not at all, leading to scarring.
Symptoms generally start at puberty. They often begin with a single painful lesion that persists for weeks or months. For some, symptoms are mild. Others may experience progressive weakening and spreading. Excessive weight, stress, hormonal changes, heat or perspiration may make symptoms worse.
Scarring, under skin tunnels, cellulitis (skin infections) and restricted movement are common consequences. It is therefore, important to report all symptoms to a dermatologist.
HS is not caused by a person’s lifestyle choices. It stems from a disparity in the body’s immune system, causing inflammation throughout the body. This inflammation causes swelling and added pressure on hair follicles, leading to painful bumps or boils that can leave scars and deep “tunnels” under the skin over time.
While some physicians are aware of HS, there are dermatologists who specialize in identifying and dealing with this inflammatory skin condition—they can explain the condition and help recommend a treatment plan based on a patient’s experience.
Partnering with a dermatologist who specializes in HS can lead to individualized care. If you think you might have HS or feel like you need help in managing your disease, ask questions and don’t feel as though you have to accept the first answer—or the first doctor you visit.
While the right dermatologist can make a difference, you are your own best advocate. The effects of living with HS are beyond skin deep, and it’s important to communicate to your dermatologist not only the physical burden, but the emotional impact as well. Advocate for a life that is more than your disease.
Finding appropriate care can be frustrating. Scheduling dermatologist appointments during flares and times of need may lead to open, honest discussion about how those symptoms may be affecting you.
There is a misconception that HS can only be treated with surgery. Since HS stems from an overactive immune system, inflammation throughout the body could be treated from the inside, not only the surface of the skin. There are a number of treatment options dermatologists may prescribe to help manage signs and symptoms of HS including antibiotics, corticosteroids, and biologics. For example, some patients have responded well to HUMIRA (adalimumab) and Cosentyx (secukinumab).
It is important that patients be provided with a slate of options. In that way, people with HS can improve their quality of life. After all, HS is one of the most devastating and exhausting skin diseases. The pain of flares can be debilitating and limits one’s ability to work or participate in social activities. The approval of new treatment options can bring fresh hope to patients and find relief from the burden of disease.
