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What is Hidradenitis Suppurativa?

Allison Boelcke
Allison Boelcke

Hidradenitis suppurativa is a chronic skin condition similar to severe acne. It occurs when sebaceous oil glands or hair follicles become blocked with dead skin cells and fluids from sweat glands. If bacteria enters the blocked areas, blackheads and pus-filled lesions appear. The condition is most likely to affect areas containing apocrine sweat glands, such as the groin or armpit, and can also appear on skin that often rubs together, such as the inner thighs or breasts.

One of the most common symptoms of hidradenitis suppurativa are blackheads or small dark dots on the surface of pores caused by excess oil. Unlike the blackheads associated with mild acne, these often appear in pairs or are pitted into the skin. The skin also typically develops painful red bumps filled with pus or clear liquid known as lesions. They may enlarge before bursting, and often resemble open wounds that are slow to heal.

Smoking cigarettes can increase one's risk of developing hidradenitis suppurativa.
Smoking cigarettes can increase one's risk of developing hidradenitis suppurativa.

Other symptoms of the condition occur under the skin. Hard, pea-sized lumps often develop under the skin and may enlarge over time. They can become inflamed and painful, and may remain under the skin for several years. Sinus tracts can form a tunnel network beneath the skin’s surface and prevent any sores from healing.

Hidradenitis suppurativa does not have a proven cause, but hormone levels and genetics are thought to contribute to the condition. Being overweight or smoking cigarettes can also increase an individual’s likelihood of developing the condition. People suffering from Grave’s disease, herpes simplex, or Crohn’s diseases may also be more at risk. Although hidradenitis suppurativa can occur in anyone, it tends to be most common in females between puberty and age 40.

Hidradenitis suppurativa is similar to severe acne.
Hidradenitis suppurativa is similar to severe acne.

To determine if a patient has the condition, a doctor will examine the skin and take a sample of any fluid or pus from the lesions. The sample is then sent to a laboratory for microscopic examination to determine if the bacteria present is indicative of hidradenitis suppurativa. He or she may also test a blood sample to rule out other skin diseases.

Surgery may be required to treat hidradenitis suppurativa.
Surgery may be required to treat hidradenitis suppurativa.

Although there is no permanent cure to prevent reoccurrences, the symptoms can be managed. Mild blackheads and lesions can be washed with warm water and antibacterial soap. For more severe cases, a doctor may prescribe antibiotics to get rid of the infection. He or she may also prescribe an oral retinoid to reduce oil gland production and prevent follicle blockage.

Being overweight can increase one's risk of developing hidradenitis suppurativa.
Being overweight can increase one's risk of developing hidradenitis suppurativa.

If medication doesn’t relieve the symptoms, surgery may be performed. A doctor can cut into the lesions and drain any fluid or pus to provide short-term relief. For large tunnel networks beneath the skin that prevent lesions from healing, a surgeon can cut away at the skin and flesh to uncover the tunnels and allow the skin to heal. In recurring and painful cases, all the affected skin can be cut away and replaced with a piece of skin from another part of the body that is attached to the area.

Applying a steamed towel to the face can help unclog the pores and reduce the occurrence of blackheads.
Applying a steamed towel to the face can help unclog the pores and reduce the occurrence of blackheads.

Hidradenitis suppurativa can cause permanent damage if left untreated. Sinus tracts underneath the skin can cause lesions to repeatedly develop. Severe instances can restrict the movement of affected areas, especially the armpits or thighs. In rare cases, a bacterial infection known as cellulitis may develop and spread to the lymph nodes and bloodstream.

Discussion Comments

bear78

Can we treat hidradenitis suppurativa with herbal remedies or homeopathic medications? I think some who have HS have not been happy with other treatments and have been trying homeopathic medicines that they order from India and some other countries. I would be scared to do this because what if it has some adverse side effects or makes HS even worse? Has anyone tried any such treatments and furthermore, is it safe and clinically proven?

burcidi

From what I have heard and read so far about HS, it's actually a really common illness, but most people have never heard of the name before. I think that pharmaceutical companies are not doing their part researching the causes of HS and trying to develop better treatments. Genetics is often mentioned but we don't even know which genes might be causing it.

I don't know why this illness is mentioned so discreetly among people who suffer from it. There is nothing to be ashamed about and it doesn't happen to someone because they are unhygienic. I think that first of all, we need to be more aware about it, its causes, symptoms and possible treatments. Many people who have HS don't realize they have it until it has advanced and they are reluctant to get treatment. We need to be more supportive of HS patients, recognize that it is something that can happen to everyone, take it seriously and try to find some solutions.

discographer

My sister has hidradenitis suppurativa. Her current treatment is accutane and an antibiotic called cephalexin. She has lost some weight with the doctor's recommendation and makes sure that she stays cool and doesn't sweat. She is doing better but the pimples and lesions have not all healed yet.

She is going to go to the doctor in a couple of weeks for some hormonal tests, because hormones are said to play a part sometimes. She might be prescribed some hormonal medication that we hope will help.

The hidradenitis is actually at an early stage and she started being treated for it right away. I think the psychological aspect of the illness can be worse than the physical symptoms sometimes. She has been feeling very uneasy and reluctant to be social and be around people since this has come up. I am there for her and my family has been very supportive. Hopefully we can figure out the cause and treat it completely soon so that she can feel better about herself again.

anon134170

I have HS, and it is very severe. I do believe there is tunneling. There are also holes now. yes, holes objects could go into. It makes noises when arm moves that sound hollow. I need help, please give some advice on what I should do -- besides the hospital.

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    • Smoking cigarettes can increase one's risk of developing hidradenitis suppurativa.
      By: Rui Vale de Sousa
      Smoking cigarettes can increase one's risk of developing hidradenitis suppurativa.
    • Hidradenitis suppurativa is similar to severe acne.
      By: Ocskay Bence
      Hidradenitis suppurativa is similar to severe acne.
    • Surgery may be required to treat hidradenitis suppurativa.
      By: Nejron Photo
      Surgery may be required to treat hidradenitis suppurativa.
    • Being overweight can increase one's risk of developing hidradenitis suppurativa.
      By: whitestorm
      Being overweight can increase one's risk of developing hidradenitis suppurativa.
    • Applying a steamed towel to the face can help unclog the pores and reduce the occurrence of blackheads.
      By: miya227
      Applying a steamed towel to the face can help unclog the pores and reduce the occurrence of blackheads.
    • Hidradenitis suppurativa is more like to effects an area like the armpit, where there are apocrine sweat glands.
      By: mykeyruna
      Hidradenitis suppurativa is more like to effects an area like the armpit, where there are apocrine sweat glands.
    • Blood samples may be analyzed to rule out skin diseases other than hidradenitis suppurativa.
      By: Eugene Sim
      Blood samples may be analyzed to rule out skin diseases other than hidradenitis suppurativa.
    • Hidradenitis suppurative is most likely to affect areas that contain apocrine sweat glands.
      By: Jason Stitt
      Hidradenitis suppurative is most likely to affect areas that contain apocrine sweat glands.