(Acne Conglobata; Acne Inversa [AI]; Apocrine Acne; Apocrinitis; Fox-Den Disease; HS; Hydradenitis Suppurativa; Pyodermia Significa Fistulans; Velpeau’s Disease; Verneuil’s Disease)
Definition
Definition
Hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) is an inflammatory condition of the hair follicle. Recurrent, inflamed nodules and cysts form in the armpits and groin. These may also be found under the breasts, and around the nipples and anus. Less commonly other areas of the body can be affected.
Sweat GlandCopyright © Nucleus Medical Media, Inc.
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Causes
Causes
The hair follicle becomes blocked causing inflammation of the sweat glands. The blockage may lead to absesses, infection, or scarring.
Risk Factors
Risk Factors
HS is more common in women than in men. Other factors that increase your chances of getting HS include:
Symptoms
Symptoms
HS may cause:
- Burning, itching, or painful lumps in the armpits, groin, under the breasts, around the nipples or anus, and other involved areas
- Pus leaking from openings in the lumps
- Excessive sweating
- Scarring
Diagnosis
Diagnosis
You will be asked about your symptoms and medical history. A physical exam will be done.
In most cases, the doctor will be able to make a diagnosis by looking at the nodules.
Treatment
Treatment
Talk with your doctor about the best treatment plan for you. Options may include one or more of the following:
Home Care and Lifestyle Changes
You may be able to improve the condition by taking these steps:
- Use warm compresses to relieve discomfort and promote abscess drainage.
- Avoid shaving if your skin becomes irritated.
- Wear loose-fitting, nonsynthetic clothing.
- Use antibacterial soap.
- Try to avoid heat and humidity.
If you smoke, talk to your doctor about finding a program to help you quit. It is also important to maintain a healthy weight and eat a healthful diet. If you need help losing weight, consider talking to a dietitian who can help you with meal planning.
Medications
Your doctor may prescribe one or more medications depending on the severity of your HS.
Antibiotics
Your doctor may recommend oral or topical antibiotics.
Corticosteroids and Other Immunosuppresants
Corticosteroids may help improve symptoms. These can be taken by mouth, applied to the skin, or injected into the area.
Other medications called biologics, which decrease the bodies immune response, may be used in severe cases. These medications have many risks, so your doctor will carefully weigh the risks and benefits of using these.
Other Medications
Hormonal medications, such as oral contraceptives can be used in some cases. At other times, medications called retinoids may be used.
Surgery
Small lesions can be treated in the doctor’s office. The sores may be cut open and allowed to drain. If your condition is severe, then a wide area may need to be removed. In these cases, a skin graft may be needed.
Other procedure options include:
- Laser surgery—uses lasers to remove lesions
- Cryosurgery—uses cold to freeze lesions
Prevention
Prevention
There are no current guidelines to prevent HS.
RESOURCES:
Hidradenitis Suppurativa Foundation http://www.hs-foundation.org
CANADIAN RESOURCES:
Dermatologists.ca http://www.dermatologists.ca
References:
Hidradenitis suppurativa. EBSCO DynaMed website. Available at:
http://www.ebscohost.com/dynamed
Updated March 16, 2015. Accessed June 3, 2015.
Hidradenitis suppurativa. National Organization of Rare Diseases website. Available at:
http://www.rarediseases.org/rare-disease-information/rare-diseases/byID/358/viewFullReport
Updated 2012. Accessed June 3, 2015.
Lam J, Krakowski AC, Friedlander SF. Hidradenitis suppurativa (acne inversa): management of a recalcitrant disease. Pediatr Dermatol. 2007;24(5):465-473.
Shah N. Hidradenitis suppurativa: a treatment challenge. Am Fam Physician. 2005;72(8):1547-1552.
Last Updated: 5/22/2014