Learn more about Hidradenitis Suppurativa.

What is Hidradenitis Suppurativa?

 
 

Hidradenitis Suppurativa (HS) is an autoimmune condition that causes chronic inflammation and infection of the skin. It develops as a small or medium, or large painful lump that forms under the skin, also known as boils or abscesses. The condition tends to enlarge and drain pus upon rupture. It can also lead to tunnels under the skin and scarring. 

What are HS symptoms?

 
 

HS can affect one or several areas at a time in the body, searching for a home to reside. Signs and symptoms of the condition include:

  • Painful small or medium, or large-sized lumps. The condition usually starts with a single lump, and then progresses. More lumps appear if the trigger continues.

  • Leaking bumps with odor and pus drainage. 

  • Large painful tunnels like feeling under the skin, connecting lumps.

Each person experiences symptoms case by case; however, symptoms usually start mild. Excess weight, stress, food allergies, and smoking can cause the symptoms to change from mild to severe.

What causes HS?

 
 

The inflammation and infection occur in the body areas, armpits, groin, breasts, and buttocks.

When the skin rubs together, moisture is trapped within the two areas. 

Occasionally, on the face, back, neck, scalp, and ears.

HS is not contagious, and it is not an STD. HS is not caused by an infection or being unclean. However, HS can become worse without the proper care.

When does HS begin and who does it affect?

 
 

HS tends to start at puberty and tends to be most active between the ages of 20 and 40 years. HS is three times more common in females than in males. 

HS can persist for many years and worsen over time without treatment. HS can have a serious effect on your daily life, and depending on its severity, can cause survivors to suffer from anxiety, depression, and impairment of body image due to the scarring.

The severity of HS is case by case; therefore, its psychological effects are also case by case.

For some individuals, HS develops when hair follicles become blocked. The exact cause for this isn't known. Experts think it could be connected to hormones, genetic predisposition, cigarette smoking, or excess weight.

Risk Factors of HS

 
 

  • Family history of HS

  • Obesity

  • Stress

  • Cigarette smoking

  • African ethnicity   

  • Follicular occlusion

  • Food allergies

What are HS complications?

 
 

  • Further Infection

  • Scars

  • Restricted Movement

  • Psychological effects and social isolation – HS abscesses are skin infections that are usually painful, ranging from the rating 1-10, 10 being the highest. These infections can rupture that resulting in an odor. The pain or odor, and at times a combination of the two, can make body movement difficult. This results in the reluctance to go out in public, leading to anxiety and depression. And other times, the abscesses do not interfere with one’s ability to interact and function in a healthy capacity.

    The severity of HS is case by case; therefore, its psychological and social effects are also case by case.

  • Autoinflammatory syndromes - an exaggerated innate immune system response resulting in episodes of spontaneous inflammation affecting multiple organs.

  • Combined medical and surgical treatments can help manage the disease and prevent complications. There is also alternative medical care, holistic treatments that can manage the condition and prevent HS symptoms.

 Discuss your symptoms with your medical provider and/or dermatologist.