Hidradenitis Suppurativa: How to Recognize Symptoms and Act in Time?

Hidradenitis Suppurativa (HS) is a chronic and inflammatory skin condition that can significantly affect quality of life. It manifests through painful nodules, abscesses, and even fistulas in areas with hair follicles and sweat glands. The main problem is its progression over time, which can lead to scarring and limited mobility. Find out the causes, symptoms, risk factors, and especially how to care for affected skin to prevent new lesions.

Hidradenitis Suppurativa: What Is This Condition and How Does It Manifest?

Hidradenitis Suppurativa (HS) is a chronic skin condition that causes inflammation and infection of the apocrine sweat glands. These glands are mainly found in hairy areas, such as the armpits, groin, genital area, areolae, and scalp.

The onset of the condition involves several stages. Initially, for reasons not yet fully understood, hair follicles become blocked, leading to the accumulation of sebum (the skin’s natural oil) and dead skin cells within them. This buildup creates a favorable environment for bacterial growth, which leads to inflammation and infection. These, in turn, cause the formation of painful nodules under the skin, which can develop into pus-filled abscesses.

How Does Hidradenitis Suppurativa Manifest?

In addition to painful nodules, the condition can also be accompanied by symptoms such as:

• Chronic pain and discomfort;
• Pus drainage: Formed abscesses can rupture, draining pus;
• Unpleasant odor from the lesions;
• Limited movement;
• Fever, in cases of severe infection;
• Fistulas: Tunnels under the skin (sinus tracts) formed due to chronic inflammation and infections, connecting abscesses to each other or to the skin surface. These can drain pus and leave permanent scars.

Individuals with HS may avoid social or intimate activities due to the appearance of the lesions or the unpleasant odor they emit. Thus, Hidradenitis Suppurativa can significantly affect quality of life, causing anxiety, depression, and social isolation. Lastly, it can also affect work capacity, especially if the lesions are located in areas requiring movement or physical contact.

Hidradenitis Suppurativa: Causes and Risk Factors

The exact causes of Hidradenitis Suppurativa are not fully understood, but it is believed to involve a combination of factors such as:

• Blockage of hair follicles, which can lead to the accumulation of sebum and bacteria;
• Inflammation of the apocrine sweat glands, leading to the formation of painful nodules;
• Bacterial infections: Bacteria multiply in blocked follicles and inflamed glands, which worsens inflammation and leads to abscess formation;
• An overactive immune system, contributing to chronic inflammation;
• Excessive heat and humidity, which intensify sweating and can irritate the skin, potentially worsening existing symptoms or triggering new lesions;
• Certain personal care products, such as deodorants, antiperspirants, or body lotions with ingredients that irritate the skin or clog pores;
• Genetic predisposition: People with a family history of HS have a higher risk of developing this condition.

What Else Can Trigger or Worsen Hidradenitis Suppurativa?

There are also several factors believed to influence either the likelihood of its occurrence or its negative progression:

• Female sex;
• Excessive sweating, which irritates the skin and clogs hair follicles;
• Certain medications, such as lithium and androgens;
• Stress, due to its harmful effects on the immune system;
• Smoking, which slows down the skin healing process;
• Excess weight, as it increases friction and sweating in HS-prone areas;
• Certain foods, such as dairy, processed foods, and sugar, which can trigger inflammation in the body;
• Hormonal fluctuations, especially those during puberty and the menstrual cycle.

These factors can vary from person to person and can influence the progression of the condition differently. Knowing them is important, as they can serve as warning signs, especially if they occur simultaneously or worsen. However, discussing with a doctor is the only way to correctly address the health issue you are facing.

Ginger and Turmeric Juice reduces inflammation in the body and is considered a powerful antiviral, fighting effectively against viruses. Turmeric protects skin cells, stimulates collagen absorption, and contributes to the improvement of skin conditions. It also accelerates the healing of cuts, wounds, and lesions, supporting skin regeneration. At the same time, ginger’s antioxidants combat premature aging, reduce wrinkles, and improve the overall appearance of the skin. All these properties make it ideal for alleviating the symptoms of hidradenitis suppurativa.

It contains no additives, preservatives, added sugar, or gluten and is 100% organic and vegan, suitable for those with dietary restrictions. Ginger and Turmeric Juice improves digestion, protects multiple organs, and is effective against inflammation and allergies, making it an excellent choice for daily consumption.

[cta_produs style=”style_1″ product=”320159″ image=”https://aronia-charlottenburg.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/Suc-de-Ghimbir-si-Curcuma.jpg”]

Inguinal, Axillary, or Mammary Hidradenitis Suppurativa? How Many Forms Are There?

Hidradenitis Suppurativa can be classified according to the location of the lesions and their severity. Thus, according to the location of the lesions, you may encounter:

• Inguinal HS: affects the groin area, including the folds between it and the pubic area;
• Axillary HS;
• Mammary HS, affecting the area under the breasts;
• Gluteal or perianal HS: affects the buttocks and/or the area around the anus;
• Facial HS: usually appears on the chin and jawline;
• Scalp HS;

Although rarer, Hidradenitis Suppurativa can also affect other areas of the body, such as the back, abdomen, or thighs. It is also important to know that Hidradenitis Suppurativa can affect multiple areas simultaneously, and the severity of the condition can range from mild to severe.

Forms of Hidradenitis Suppurativa, According to Severity

Dr. John Hurley is a British surgeon who has studied and treated Hidradenitis Suppurativa for many years. In 1989, he proposed a staging system that now bears his name. It serves as a way to describe HS severity and guide treatment decisions:

• Hurley Stage I (mild): isolated abscesses, without scarring or sinus tracts;
• Hurley Stage II (moderate): recurrent abscesses, with limited scarring and sinus tracts;
• Hurley Stage III (severe): extensive lesions, with multiple abscesses, sinus tracts, and extensive scarring.

While other HS classification systems exist, the Hurley system remains one of the most popular and practical tools for assessing the severity of this condition. Because it is simple and easy to understand, it allows doctors to communicate effectively about the stage of the disease and choose the most appropriate therapeutic options for each patient.

Diagnosing Hidradenitis Suppurativa

As its symptoms can be easily confused with those of other skin conditions, such as acne or folliculitis, diagnosing Hidradenitis Suppurativa can be challenging.

Therefore, seeing a dermatologist promptly is the best thing you can do. They will examine you and provide an accurate diagnosis, followed by appropriate treatment:

1. First, the doctor will discuss your symptoms with you, including their location, duration, and severity.
2. Then, they will examine the affected skin areas to identify characteristic signs of HS, such as painful nodules, abscesses, sinus tracts, and scars.
3. The actual diagnostic criteria include:

• the presence of recurrent painful nodules or abscesses in typical areas (armpits, groin, under the breasts, buttocks);
• the occurrence of at least two such episodes in the last six months.

1. In some cases, the doctor may recommend additional tests to rule out other conditions or to assess the severity of HS, such as:

• bacterial cultures from lesions, to identify the type of bacteria involved in the infection;
• skin biopsy, to examine the affected tissue under a microscope and confirm the diagnosis;
• imaging tests (ultrasound, MRI), to assess the extent of lesions under the skin.

If you have symptoms suggestive of HS, it is recommended to see a doctor immediately to start treatment as soon as possible. Early diagnosis and appropriate treatment are the main ways to prevent complications and improve the quality of life for individuals with HS.

Hidradenitis Suppurativa: How Can You Take Care of Your Body?

[cta_produs style=”style_2″ product=”320159″ image=”https://aronia-charlottenburg.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/4.-Hidradenita-supurativa-cum-poti-avea-grija-de-organismul-tau-cutie-suc-ghimbir-curcuma-frunze-cana-si-pahar-cu-suc-bucati-de-ghimbir.jpg”]

Although there is no definitive cure for Hidradenitis Suppurativa, there are several measures you can take to care for your body. These measures can help you manage symptoms associated with the condition:

1. Maintain a healthy body weight. Obesity is a major risk factor for HS, as it increases pressure and friction on affected areas.
2. Practice proper hygiene. Clean affected areas with a mild antibacterial soap and warm water twice a day. Avoid aggressive scrubbing of the skin.
3. Wear loose-fitting clothing made from natural materials. Tight clothing made from synthetic materials can irritate the skin and worsen HS symptoms.
4. Avoid smoking.
5. Find healthy ways to manage stress, such as physical exercise.
6. Avoid waxing or shaving. These hair removal methods can irritate hair follicles. Opt for laser hair removal or other gentle methods.
7. Apply warm compresses regularly. These help relieve pain and inflammation. You can apply a warm compress to the affected areas for 10-15 minutes several times a day.
8. Avoid irritating products and choose mild, fragrance-free, and non-comedogenic ones.
9. Do not squeeze or pop lesions. This will spread the infection and worsen symptoms.

Lastly, visit your dermatologist for regular check-ups. It is particularly important to monitor the progression of the disease and adjust treatment according to individual needs at that time.

Proper Nutrition for Hidradenitis Suppurativa

While there isn’t a specific diet for Hidradenitis Suppurativa, a few changes to your daily diet will certainly benefit you:

• Avoid inflammatory foods: Processed foods, such as those high in sugar, dairy, gluten, and red meat, can increase inflammation in the body and worsen HS symptoms.
• Instead, consume anti-inflammatory foods rich in antioxidants and Omega-3 fatty acids, such as fresh fruits and vegetables, fatty fish, nuts, and seeds. Ginger and turmeric have demonstrated anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, making Ginger and Turmeric Juice a delicious choice, excellent to incorporate into your daily diet.
• Consider a low-glycemic index diet. This diet can help regulate blood sugar levels and reduce inflammation.
• Certain supplements, such as zinc, vitamin D, and probiotics, may be beneficial. However, it is important to consult your doctor before taking any supplements.

Hidradenitis Suppurativa is not contagious and is not caused by poor hygiene, but it can have negative effects on mental health and, consequently, on the quality of life of affected individuals. Being a complex condition, a tailored approach is necessary. With patience and by addressing every aspect, from symptoms to diet and skin care, you can control the condition and enjoy an active life without limitations.

References:

https://www.webmd.com/skin-problems-and-treatments/hidradenitis-suppurativa

https://blogs.webmd.com/skin-care/20240722/what-is-hidradenitis-suppurativa

https://www.healthline.com/health/hidradenitis-suppurativa-stages

https://www.healthline.com/health/hidradenitis-suppurativa-remedies

www.dermcoll.edu.au/atoz/hidradenitis-suppurativa/

Photo source: shutterstock.com