Hidradenitis Suppurativa (HS) is harmful inflammatory skin condition. It is also known as ‘acne inversa’. Hidradenitis Suppurativa differ greatly, it can be as slight as black heads. Hidradenitis suppurativa tends to start after puberty, remains for years and worsen over time. It effects reverse parts of the body, top of inner thighs, bottom, genitals, armpits, under the breasts in women and less commonly the stomach, hair line and behind the ears.

Hidradenitis Suppurativa is a chronic acneiform infection of the related apocrine glands which also may involve adjoining subcutaneous tissue and fascia. The hallmark of the ailment is sinus tracts (which can become draining fistulas) in the apocrine gland body parts. It generally happens on apocrine sweat gland-bearing skin such as in the groin, the underarms and under the breasts. It is more common in women and African Americans. It may carry on in families, but it is not infetious. Poor cleaning does not cause this disease. It usually begins after you become a teenager and before age 40.

Hidradenitis suppurativa is a rarely found acheful skin disease which can be rendering when it progresses to overwhelming systemic infection in an immunocompromised patient.

Premary symptoms is small pitted areas of skin containing blackheads, often appearing in pairs or a “double-barrel” pattern. Secondry symptoms is red, tender bumps (lesions) that fill with pus. The bumps normally enlarge, break open and drain pus. The drainage may have an unpleasant odor. Itching, burning and heavy sweating may comes with the bumps. Wide disease can prevent patients from doing normal work functions and from engaging in normal social activities. In some patients, specially those having severe disease, the situation creates significant psychological problems, particularly regarding sexual relationships.

Causes of Hidradenitis Suppurativa

Common causes of Hidradenitis Suppurativa

• Crohn disease.
• Irritable bowel syndrome.
• Down syndrome.
• Certain forms of arthritis.
• Graves disease or Hashimoto thyroiditis.
• Sjögren syndrome.
• Herpes simplex.
• Clogging of the apocrine glands.
• Stress.
• Cigarette smoking.
• Endocrine factors (obesity, hirsutism and acne).

Symptoms of Hidradenitis Suppurativa

Common Symptoms of Hidradenitis Suppurativa

• Pitted areas of skin.
• Lesions.
• Pain.
• Itching.
• Burning.
• Excessive sweating.

Treatment of Hidradenitis Suppurativa

Common Treatment of Hidradenitis Suppurativa

• Oral retinoid medications to stop oil gland functions and to prevent the plugging of the hair follicle.
• Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs to reduce pain and swelling.
• Corticosteroids or immunosuppressant drugs
• Antibiotics, ( tetracyclines) long term as a preventive measure, and short term (typically Ciprofloxicillin) for secondary infections.