Hidradenitis Suppurativa (HS) is an uncommon chronic inflammatory skin condition. It is also known as ‘acne inversa’. It is more commonly found in women and can be present under the breasts. It commonly occurs on apocrine sweat gland-bearing skin such as in the groin. HS usually develops in your armpits, groin and anal area. It causes long-term skin inflammation and can be painful. The symptoms of Hidradenitis Suppurativa vary greatly, it can be as slight as black heads and pimples or as serious as large draining lesions, growing to the size of golf balls. It usually appears after puberty. Hidradenitis suppurativa may run in families. Hidradenitis suppurativa does not present prior to puberty because the apocrine glands are inactive until triggered by a surge in hormones.



The condition may be observed in patients of any age after puberty. Treating hidradenitis suppurativa is difficult. It is best treated in the early stages before extensive scarring develops. Treatments depend on the extent of the affected areas and whether the sores are painful or infected. Mild cases can be treated with self-care measures, including warm compresses and regular washings with antibacterial soap. Surgery is the most effective treatment for recalcitrant hidradenitis. Mild cases of hidradenitis suppurativa can be treated with warm compresses and anti-bacterial soap. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs can help to manage welling. Aggressive surgery will cure an area of severe, chronic hidradenitis but it has to remove scarred tissue or even large areas of skin.

Radiotherapy has been investigated as a potential treatment option. Skin grafts may be needed. Incision (lancing) and draining will reliably help smaller affected areas. Cutting away skin and flesh that cover any tunnels or tracts can increase healing of the lesions and minimize scarring. Retin-A cream, a prescription, helps some people. Stress management methods may be useful because the disease can be aggravated during times of increased psychosocial stress. Other medical treatment options address the possible hormonal etiology of hidradenitis; these options include oral contraceptive agents that contain a high estrogen-to-progesterone ratio and low androgenicity of progesterone. Corticosteroids and immunosuppressants are other treatment possibilities.

Hidradenitis Suppurativa Treatment and Prevention Tips

1 Don't smoke.

2. Wear loose fitting clothing to avoid friction.

3. Topical anti-acne antibiotics such as clindamycin or erythromycin applied to affected areas.

4. Persistent hidradenitis lumps may be excised after several months of conservative treatment.

5. Radical excisional surgery is reserved for very severe cases of hidradenitis suppurativa.

6. Experimentally, laser ablation may be useful in some patients.

7. Systemic corticosteroids or intralesional corticosteroids may reduce severe inflammatory lesions.

8. Wash with antiseptics or acne preparations to reduce skin carriage of commensal bacteria.