Hidradenitis Suppurativa is a skin disease which is characterized by swollen and painful abscesses most commonly found in the armpit, under the breasts, groin or anal regions. It can also affect the thighs and the buttocks due to the constant friction of skin. This is a long-term problem and a chronic condition. The small abscesses become boil-like and fill with pus as time passes, making them more painful and hard.

Usually, these boils occur in clusters which are inflamed and lead to chronic and sudden seepage. The drainage of pus leads to open wounds which do not get healed easily and leave scars. This condition is also known as Acne Inversa because it is a severe form of acne. It is a disorder of the hair follicles present in the oil and sweat glands of the skin. It can occur in a specific area of the body or many parts together. It can be a single painful lump that persists for many weeks and months causing prolonged discomfort.

What are the symptoms of Hidradenitis Suppurativa?
The symptoms of Hidradenitis Suppurativa include the formation of blackheads which are small pitted areas of skin. The appearance of red and tender lumps which are pus-filled is another indication of this disorder. Sometimes the lumps can be small and painful which later become hard and enlarged. When the condition worsens, the lumps may start forming under the skin too. These will then create a tunnel-like structure under the skin which will take a very long time to heal. Patient or family of the patient shouldn’t ignore the symptoms should and the patient must visit the doctor if the condition becomes painful or does not improve with time, or returns even after treatment has been given.

What are the probable causes of Hidradenitis Suppurativa?
The main cause of this skin disorder is the blockage of hair follicles and their inflammation. This can happen due to hormonal changes in the body or sudden change in the metabolism of the body. The problem can be genetically linked too. In case the body’s immune system is not functioning properly, this problem can occur.

There are certain risk factors for every disease which can increase the probability of a person getting a particular disease or disorder. The risk factors for Hidradenitis Suppurativa could be your age, sex, family history and lifestyle-related factors. Women in general and especially those between the ages of twenty to thirty are more likely to get this disorder. If you have people in your family who are already suffering from this disease, then you are also at a risk of getting it. Some medical conditions like arthritis, obesity, diabetes, metabolic syndrome and severe acne problem can cause Hidradenitis Suppurativa.

The stages of Hidradenitis Suppurativa
This problem occurs in three stages. In the first stage, a few or multiple small abscesses form in a particular area of the body. They are not deep enough to cause scarring or for forming tunnels. The second stage is the one in which the lesions become widespread and recur often. These lesions form tunnels or tracts under the skin. The third stage is the acutest in which many such tracts under the skin get interconnected to form abscesses all over the affected parts of the body.

The stages can also be categorized as minimal, mild, moderate, severe and very severe. These stages are defined by a diagnosis of the disorder. This disorder is diagnosed with the evaluation of the blood count level, urinalysis, Erythrocyte sedimentation rate and serum analysis. The doctor may also go for bacterial checks to see whether the skin disease has occurred due to bacterial attack. Ultrasonography is done on the affected area to check the condition of the hair follicles and find out whether there are any abnormalities in these follicles.

Treatment for Hidradenitis Suppurativa
There are some fundamental you can follow to avoid this skin disorder. The first and the most obvious thing is to maintain hygiene. Keeping your skin clean by taking a bath at least twice or thrice a day will help your skin to remain fresh, and your hair follicles will also not get blocked. Weight reduction is essential for women who have lesions in their thigh and buttock area because of the friction of flabby skin. Instead of using the harsh soaps, you can make use of the medicated soaps that contain antiseptic and antiperspirant elements.

Consuming antibiotics prescribed by the doctor which contain anti-inflammatory properties can provide instant relief. Along with antibiotics like tetracycline, doxycycline, and minocycline. Other medications like retinoids, corticosteroids, and immunosuppressants also help in treating Hidradenitis Suppurativa.

Skin disorders are very persistent and painful. To avoid them at all costs, you should take proper care of your skin.