How to effectively manage hidradenitis suppurativa

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Hidradenitis suppurativa is a chronic, inflammatory disease of the skin and causes blackheads, cysts and abscesses found in the areas of the body like the underarms and the groins where there are hair follicles and apocrine sweat glands.

It is a chronic skin condition where there is a presence of pea-sized to marble-sized lumps that can be found under the skin and it is also called as acne inversa. These deep lumps occur where skin rubs together like in the armpits, groin, in between the buttocks and below the breasts. The lumps caused by hidradenitis suppurativa are painful and when they break or open, it will drain smelly pus. Hidradenitis suppurativa begins after puberty and will persist for years and can worsen over time.

Symptoms of hidradenitis suppurativa

Hidradenitis suppurativa
These deep lumps occur where skin rubs together like in the armpits, groin, in between the buttocks and below the breasts.
  • Blackheads which appears as pairs.
  • Red-colored, sore bumps or lesions sometimes enlarged and break up and drain out pus with foul smell. There is itching, burning and excessive sweating together with the bumps.
  • A painful, pea-sized hard lump which occurs under the skin and will persist for years, eventually becoming enlarged and inflamed.
  • Some open wounds that heal very slowly, and can cause scarring and development of tunnels under the skin.

Hidradenitis suppurtiva happens when follicles of hair becomes blocked and are inflamed. It can be also be caused by hormones, genetics, cigarette smoking and being overweight or obese.

Complications that can be caused by hidradenitis suppurativa include the following:

  • Open sores and scar tissue can cause limited or painful movement when the disease affects the armpits and thighs.
  • A severe case of hidradenitis suppurativa can cause rope-like wounds, potholed skin or blotches of skin and the color is darker than the normal color.
  • Some sites of hidradenitis suppurativa also contain plenty of lymph nodes where some scar tissue can restrict the draining system of the lymph which will cause swelling in the arms, legs or genitals.

Factors that increase the risk of having hidradenitis suppurativa are women and considere more susceptible to acquire the condition than men. It usually happens in young adult and the tendency of developing hidradenitis suppurativa can be inherited from family members.

Treatment and home remedies

  • Apply a warm compress or a warm washcloth to the affected area in order to reduce the swelling. You can enroll in a course on first aid today to learn more about this measure.
  • Keep the affected areas clean by washing using antibacterial soap and apply an over-the-counter antibiotic.
  • Avoid being overweight because excess weight increases the number of areas where skin rubs together like folds of the skin which causes friction, perspiration and growth of bacteria.
  • Take zinc supplement every day in order to reduce inflammation and prevent further outbreaks of the infections.
  • Take prescribed antibiotics in order to help minimize the disease from becoming worse and reduce the risk of future outbreaks.
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