HIDRADENITIS SUPPURATIVA

Hidradenitis suppurativa is a skin condition that affects the hair roots causing painful bumps to form near sweat glands. This condition is also known as acne inversa. The bumps can become infected and fill with pus. Eventually, these infections can break open and drain, and this process is often associated with a bad smell or odor. Hidradenitis suppurativa is a chronic skin condition that usually begins after puberty in the teenage years or early 20s. There is no cure for this skin condition, but lifestyle changes can be implemented to reduce flare-ups and provide relief. 

Hidradenitis suppurativa develops as a result of blocked hair follicles mostly occurring where skin rubs together such as the armpits, groin area, buttocks, behind the ears, in the folds of the stomach and under the breasts. Doctors are unsure of the exact cause; however, it may be contributed to genetics as well as the immune system. Other risk factors for developing hidradenitis suppurativa include:

• Smoking
• Being overweight
• Hormones
• Metabolic syndrome
• Family history
• More common in women 

Hidradenitis suppurativa is not contagious and is not caused by your hygiene. 

Hidradenitis suppurativa can occur in one spot on the body or several spots at once. The symptoms can range from mild to severe and include:

• Painful bumps that become irritated and inflamed lasting several days or months.
• Tunnels or sinus tracts may form under the skin connecting the bumps causing the infection to spread. These tunnels are difficult to heal and may eventually leak pus that is associated with a bad odor.
• Pitted areas with blackheads are another common symptom.

At Complexions Dermatology located in Danville and Colonial Heights, VA, we understand the physical pain and emotional stress of hidradenitis suppurativa. We are compassionate towards patients with skin conditions that affect self-confidence and quality of life. Our dermatologists are experts in providing accurate diagnoses and treatment for skin conditions. Our goal will be to examine your skin, make an accurate diagnosis and work with you to start a treatment plan that reduces the number of flare-ups and minimizes the pain and discomfort of this skin condition.

We will work together to determine which available treatment options will be best for you. There are topical treatments such as antibiotic creams or oral medication, special cleansers and corticosteroid injections that reduce pain, inflammation and swelling. Other treatments include topical and/or oral retinoids and hormone therapy.

Often it is found that lifestyle modifications can reduce the flares of hidradenitis suppurativa and minimize the discomfort. Some lifestyle changes include:

• Adopting and maintaining a daily skincare routine of washing your body with a special antiseptic cleanser, then applying over-the-counter antibiotic cream.
• Apply warm compresses to areas that are painful for 10-15 minutes and take a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medication to help relieve discomfort and pain
• Wear loose-fitting and lightweight clothing so that no additional irritation is caused by clothing.
• Use laundry soap that does not contain perfumes or dyes.
• Avoid smoking or stop smoking.
• Stay active and try to maintain a healthy weight through a nutritious diet.

Home remedies and/or lifestyle changes can go a long way to help relieve the pain and discomfort associated with hidradenitis suppurativa. Complexions Dermatology will work with you to determine the best course of treatment in managing your condition so that you can regain your confidence and experience a high quality of life. If you would like to learn more about hidradenitis suppurativa, call us today at our Danville location (434) 792-0423 or our Colonial Heights location (804) 805-8442.