Hidradenitis suppurativa is a long-term (chronic) skin condition. The cause is unknown. Inflammation of the apocrine sweat gland-bearing areas leads to painful and repeated lumps of pus (boils or abscesses). Suppuration means formation or discharge of pus. These areas (commonly the armpits and groin) leak pus and are difficult to heal. Eventually, scarring occurs. Treatments include antibiotic lotions or medicines, or an operation to remove the affected skin area. A newer treatment works by blocking a chemical of the immune system that causes inflammation in the body.
There are 692 people in the Hidradenitis Suppurativa map
Stage 1: a few lesions with no sinus tracts. Stage 2: recurring abscess in different parts of the body with initial formation of sinus tracts. Stage 3: many abscess with a network of sinus tracts beneath the skin with evidence of scarring or drainage.
SYSTEMS AFECTED
Circulatory system
Skeletal system
Reproductive system
Endocrine system
Immune system
Nervous system
Symptoms
Inflammation of the apocrine sweat gland-bearing areas leads to painful and repeated lumps of pus (boils or abscesses). Suppuration means formation or discharge of pus. These areas (commonly the armpits and groin) leak pus and are difficult to heal. Eventually, scarring occurs. There are cases of lesions appearing on the back, neck and scalp. If left untreated for too long, it can lead to staph or MRSA infections, squamous cell carcinoma, cellulitis, or sepsis.
Treatments
Various antibiotics, antì-inflammatory and or immune suppressants. Surgery, often invasive and extensive. Humira with numerous long-term side effects.
It started in 2003 when I got a pilonidal cyst that had to be surgically removed. For the years after, I would deal with flares starting from my thighs and the back of my neck and eventually around the armpits, breasts and leg creases. I was too scar...
I've had HS since I was 20, and am now 40. I also had the pilonidal cyst which is very closely related.
I've been to many dermatologists and GPs without any success.
Tried many treatments... I do finally have it under control at t...
Had recurring boils during late teens/early twenties. Doctors told me it was clogged hair follicles. Had one doctor lance one and not very gently.
I had first surgery in 2008 on a pilonidal cyst. That doctor didn't mention HS, but he left a ho...
My story began at the age of 13. I had developed pneumonia. Shortly after getting treatment, I started to develop bumps on my inner thighs as well as my labia and vaginal lips. They were almost like pimples, but larger. They would hurt and pop on the...
It can take forever and a whole lot of stubbornness to get a diagnosis. If you know something is wrong keep pursuing the answers, Dr's have become lazy in their diagnostic skills. Keep looking!
I have a lifetime experience with this disease.
There seems to be emerging evidence that dairy and nightshade vegetables create the conditions for HS proliferation.
I can demonstrate potato's cause an inflamation two hours later...
I might be reseaving ribuximab or immune suppressants for a autoimmune condition but can't find out if it would make the HS worse, and I don't see the dermo till 2 weeks after the other doctor who'll decide what treatment to put me ...
43 people with Hidradenitis Suppurativa have taken the SF36 survey. Mean of Hidradenitis Suppurativa is 1387 points (39 %). Total score ranges from 0 to 3,600 being 0 the worst and 3,600 the best. Take the SF36 Survey
Symptoms
Treatments
Cheryl
