Many people have never heard of hidradenitis suppurativa
Hey there, cosmic traveler! Welcome to HS Hope Club, where we dive deep into the universe of Hidradenitis Suppurativa (HS). Whether you're an HS Warrior, an ally, or just a curious soul, this blog post is your ultimate guide to understanding HS—a chronic, inflammatory skin disease that's more common than you might think. This is my armpit, in remission.
What is Hidradenitis Suppurativa (HS)?
Hidradenitis Suppurativa, often abbreviated as HS, is a chronic inflammatory skin condition that primarily affects areas where skin rubs together, such as the armpits, groin, and buttocks. It's characterized by the formation of painful nodules, abscesses, and, in advanced stages, tunnels under the skin.
What Causes Hidradenitis Suppurativa (HS)?
While the exact cause of HS is still a subject of research, it's generally considered to be a multifactorial disease. Factors like genetics, dysregulated inflammation, and environmental triggers play a significant role. Your immune system, specifically, is thought to produce excessive inflammatory proteins that contribute to the condition.
Symptoms of Hidradenitis Suppurativa (HS)
Hidradenitis suppurativa can affect one or several areas of the body. Signs and symptoms of the condition include:
- Blackheads. Blackheads appear in small, pitted areas of skin, often appearing in pairs.
- Painful pea-sized lumps. The condition usually starts with a single, painful lump under the skin that persists for weeks or months. More bumps may form later, usually in areas where you have more sweat and oil glands or where the skin rubs together, such as the armpits, groin, buttocks and breasts.
- Leaking bumps or sores. Some bumps or sores get bigger, break open and drain pus with an odor.
- Tunnels. Over time, tunnels might form under the skin, connecting the lumps. These wounds heal slowly, if at all, and drain blood and pus.
Some people with this condition experience only mild symptoms. The course of the disease is highly variable. Excess weight and being a smoker are associated with worse symptoms, but people who are thin and don't smoke can experience severe disease.
When to see a doctor?
Early diagnosis of hidradenitis suppurativa is key to effective treatment. See your dermatologist if your condition:
- Is painful.
- Makes it difficult to move.
- Doesn't improve in a few weeks.
- Returns within weeks of treatment.
- Appears in several locations.
- Flares often.
Your dermatologist can create a treatment plan for you.
Hidradenitis suppurativa is not just a boil, and many people with this condition also have related conditions. People with hidradenitis suppurativa benefit from a health care team with medical and surgical dermatologists at the core. Other specialists are involved as needed.
Stages
The Hurley staging system categorizes patients into 3 groups based largely on the presence and extent of lesions, scarring, and sinus tracts.
- Hurley stage I: A single or multiple isolated bumps with no sinus tracts
- Hurley stage II: Multiple bumps with some sinus tracts and scarring
- Hurley stage III: Multiple bumps with a lot of sinus tracts and scars, involving an entire area of your body
Picture from Hidradenitis Suppurativa Stages: Hurley Staging System, HS Disease Source Clinical Resource
What Can Trigger Hidradenitis Suppurativa (HS)?
- Genetics: A family history of HS increases your risk.
- Lifestyle Factors: Obesity and smoking have been linked to HS.
- Hormonal Changes: HS often worsens during hormonal fluctuations, such as menstruation.
- Friction and Sweat: Tight clothing and heat can exacerbate symptoms.
How to Know if I Have Hidradenitis Suppurativa (HS)?
Diagnosis primarily relies on a clinical assessment. If you experience recurring painful nodules in areas like the armpits, groin, or buttocks, consult a healthcare provider. A delay in diagnosis can lead to a more severe form of the disease, affecting both your physical and emotional well-being.
Wondering if you might have HS? Grabd your pen and pencil, take this quick quiz to see if you should consult a healthcare provider for a clinical assessment. Remember, this quiz is not a substitute for professional medical advice.
Questions
-
Do you experience recurring painful nodules or bumps in areas where your skin rubs together (e.g., armpits, groin, buttocks)?
- Yes
- No
-
Have you noticed any skin abscesses that seem to come back in the same areas?
- Yes
- No
-
Do you have tunnels or tracts under your skin that connect these nodules?
- Yes
- No
-
Do these symptoms worsen during hormonal changes like menstruation?
- Yes
- No
-
Have you tried over-the-counter treatments with little to no success?
- Yes
- No
Scoring
- 0-1 Yes: It's less likely that you have HS, but if you're concerned, consult a healthcare provider.
- 2-3 Yes: You should definitely consult a healthcare provider for a clinical assessment.
- 4-5 Yes: It's highly likely you have HS. Consult a healthcare provider as soon as possible for diagnosis and treatment options.
However, don't blame yourself, because you didn't cause your HS. While the exact cause of HS is still unknown, the immune system is believed to play a role in the symptoms you experience—like painful bumps and draining wounds. Keep in mind that HS can also be associated with other conditions, called comorbidities. That's why it’s important to partner with a doctor who has experience treating inflammatory diseases, and understands the history of HS.
What Are the Treatment Options for Hidradenitis Suppurativa (HS)?
- Topical Treatments: Antibacterial washes and topical antibiotics.
- Oral Medications: Antibiotics, corticosteroids, and hormonal therapies.
- Biologics: Such as adalimumab (Humira), this is the only FDA approved treatment to lessen theor Remicade.
- Surgical Options: Incision, drainage, or removal of affected areas.
- Lifestyle Changes: Weight management, quitting smoking, and wearing loose clothing.
Conclusion
HS is more than just a skin condition; it's a battle that affects every aspect of life. But remember, you're not alone. Whether you're an HS Warrior or someone looking to understand this condition better, HS Hope Club is here to provide you with science-backed resources and a supportive community.
References
- Hidradenitis Suppurativa, the Inflammatory Skin Disease with a Surprising Pathology
- Understanding Hidradenitis Suppurativa (HS)
- Hidradenitis Suppurativa at Mayo Clinic
- Atzori, L., Saunte, D., Vinkel, C., & Alikhan, A. (2017). Hidradenitis Suppurativa, the Inflammatory Skin Disease with a Surprising Pathology. Clinical Dermatology, 5(1), 1-4.
- Porter, M. L., & Kimball, A. B. (2017). Understanding Hidradenitis Suppurativa (HS). In Kimball, A. B., & Jemec, G. B. E. (Eds.), Hidradenitis Suppurativa: A Disease Primer (pp. 9-18). Springer International Publishing AG.
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This blog post aims to raise awareness about HS and provide a comprehensive guide for those affected by it or curious about it. If you found this information helpful, consider sharing it and joining our community to stay updated on the latest in HS research and treatment options.
*Disclaimer: This blog post is for informational purposes only and should not be considered as medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare provider for diagnosis and treatment.*
