Hidradenitis Suppurativa: Skin Disease That Anyone of Us Can Get

As always, I was surfing the internet and came across information related to a skin disease or skin condition called ‘Hidradenitis suppurativa‘. I had not heard of this before,so I did some digging. I then realized that there are several support groups for hidradenitis suppurativa. In fact, most states in the US seem to have one. There are other online support groups for UK, Australia and several other countries. This made me realize that the skin condition/disease was not too uncommon and I had to share the information with you all.

What is Hidradenitis suppurativa?
Hidradenitis suppurativa is a skin disease that appears in the form of lumps, in our body’s ‘private crevices’. These could include, armpits, the groin region and even buttocks. (People, this is no laughing matter, please read on). It actually occurs due to the inflammation of sweat glands and/or hair follicles.
Since all of us have sweat glands and body hair, anyone can get this skin condition.

Image via Wikipedia

How does Hidradenitis Suppurativa manifest?
Hidradenitis suppurativa appears in the form of small lumps or painful chronic boils/abscesses. These boils can be really tiny, almost pea-sized, or large like a ping-pong ball. Can you imagine how painful it would get?!!

I did see a few images of hidradenitis suppurativa’s manifestation, but it was unpleasant. So I decided to share this information, but not those images. The boils could keep increasing and reducing, but don’t go away completely.

    Woman in pain

Causes of Hidradenitis Suppurativa
The sad part is that this disease has not been studied too much. So physicians are not too certain about the root cause. In most cases, hidradenitis suppurativa has been noticed in the post-puberty individuals. Here is a list of ‘potential causes’ of hidradenitis suppurativa:

1- Bacterial infection.
2- Clogged sweat glands and/or hair follicles.
3- Androgen Dysfunction.
4- Genetic disorders that change some cell structures.
5- Sweating profusely.
6- Stress and worry increases the outbreak.
7- Being overweight puts you in the ‘hidradenitis high-risk group’.
8- Females are more prone than males.

Hidradenitis Suppurativa treatment options
Apart from surgery there is no ‘cure’ for this skin condition. But if the condition is not bad, you don’t have to go in for any surgery.

1- Always maintain personal hygiene, especially in the ‘private areas’ that are prone to this skin condition.
2- If you see lumps that are not reducing, please visit the physician so these lumps don’t get too painful.
3- Good painkillers and antibiotics can help deal with the disease, if need be.
4- Go in for meditation and other stress-busters, so that outbreaks reduce.
5- Wear airy clothes, and choose a healthy lifestyle.

  Go see a doctor

Important facts about Hidradenitis Suppurativa

1- Hidradenitis Suppurativa is not contagious in anyway! So if anyone in your family has it, get the person some medical help. But you will never ‘catch’ this skin problem.
2- This skin condition can be very painful at times, so be supportive of the person.
3- Try to live a stress-free life to deal with this condition better.
4- Women are more prone than men, when it comes to getting Hidradenitis. But men do get Hidradenitis.
5- Most women who have this problem will get over it once they hit menopause. So another reason to look forward to menopause? LOL

In conclusion, if you think you or a loved one has this problem, please don’t feel ashamed. It occurs in some not so comfy places, but go see a doctor!