What is hidradenitis suppurativa?
Hidradenitis suppurativa, also known as acne inversa, is a rare suppurative infection of the sweat glands. The infection tends to be chronic, severe and recurrent. It characteristically begins with boil-like bumps, which usually occur in the underarms, groin or anal area.
What are its main signs and symptoms?
- Early signs and symptoms include:
- One or more nodular breakouts that appear like acne.
- The breakouts may remain on the skin or clear out.
- They are more common on areas of skin that rub against each other, such as the underarms, groin, buttocks, breasts and upper thighs.
- Late signs and symptoms include:
- The boils or breakouts are painful and may heal, only to reappear again.
- The boils may rupture and sometimes ooze a foul-smelling liquid.
- Scars in the affected area of the skin become thicker.
- The skin appears spongy with tunnel-like tracts forming deep in the skin; lumps are usually seen at the two ends of the tunnel under the skin.
- Serious infection.
- Cancer of the skin.
What are the main causes?
The exact reason behind hidradenitis suppurativa is not known. The disease begins when the bacteria and other substances get trapped within a hair follicle.
Genetic and environmental factors have been linked to the occurrence of this condition.
Risk factors include:
- Weak immune system.
- Obesity.
- Smoking.
- Taking lithium.
How is it diagnosed and treated?
Your doctor will take a medical history and carefully assess signs and symptoms in order to diagnose hidradenitis suppurativa.
Investigations may include:
- Blood tests to detect any other infection.
- A swab from the pus may be tested to rule out any other infection.
Your dermatologist may recommend symptomatic treatment with painkillers and anti-inflammatory agents.
Your doctor will also prescribe antibiotics along with some steroids.
Hormonal therapy has proved to be beneficial in treating hidradenitis suppurativa.
Surgery may be required in severe cases.