Hidradenitis Suppurativa

Hidradenitis suppurativa (say: hi-dra-dun-i-tis sup-you-ra-ti-va) is a chronic disease affecting the apocrine glands, which are a type of sweat gland. People with hidradenitis suppurativa develop painful red bumps or sores in the armpits and groin that leak pus. Hidradenitis suppurativa can also occur under the breasts in women.

Hidradenitis suppurativa is considered a severe form of acne.

The cause of hidradenitis suppurativa is not known. It is more common in women, African Americans and people who have a history of acne. It usually appears after puberty. Hidradenitis suppurativa may run in families, but it is not contagious (no one can "catch" it from you). Poor hygiene does not cause this condition.

If you have hidradenitis suppurativa, you may have painful, pus-filled bumps in your armpits, under your breasts or on your groin. You might also develop bumps in areas where your skin rubs together, such as between your thighs. You might also have pea-sized lumps that form just under the surface of your skin and become red, swollen and painful. You should see your doctor if you have any of these symptoms.

Treatment depends on how severe the condition is. Mild cases of hidradenitis suppurativa can be treated with warm compresses and anti-bacterial soap. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (one brand: Advil) can help to manage swelling.

More severe cases may require topical (applied to the skin) or oral (taken by mouth) antibiotics. For some people, hidradenitis suppurativa gets worse over time. Scarring can occur in the affected area. Some people may need surgery, which is the most effective treatment for severe, chronic hidradenitis suppurativa. In the worst cases, the entire area of affected skin is removed and replaced with a skin graft.

There is no sure way of stopping flare-ups. For some people, shaving or using deodorant irritates their skin. Avoid tight, synthetic clothing around the affected areas and avoid hot, humid climates. A warm bath, antibacterial soap or antiseptic medicine that stops infection may also help.

Staying healthy, exercising and getting enough sleep may help. If you are overweight, losing weight may help you feel better. Decreasing stress also helps some people.