Hidradenitis Suppurativa | Medtick

Hidradenitis Suppurativa

What is it?

Inflammation of the large specialised sweat glands (apocrine glands) that are found mainly in the:

  • Under breasts, armpits and groins, inner thighs and buttocks
  • Less commonly, the back of the neck – specifically the area where the back of the head meets the upper part of the spine, scalp, retroauricular region (located behind the ear, specifically between the ear and the side of the head) and eyelid region, chest and waist.
  • This condition occurs more in females develop more than males.

It can occur with other conditions:


Diagnosis tests

  • Hurley stage I is characterized by single or multiple isolated abscesses without evidence of sinus tracts or scarring.
  • Hurley stage II disease manifests as recurrent abscesses, with single or multiple widely separated lesions and limited sinus tract formation.
  • Hurley stage III is the most severe, yet least common, and patients present with multiple abscesses and interconnected sinus tracts that are located across a broad anatomic region and are associated with extensive scarring with little to no intervening uninvolved skin.

HS source

  • Acne Inversa Severity Index (AISI)
  • Sartorius system

Cause

  • Hair follicles become blocked and inflamed
  • Hair removal from shaving or using depilatories
  • Deodorants
  • Irritation from anything rubbing against the affected area
  • Age – tends to occurs in women more than men between the ages of 20 and 29 (not always)
  • Family history i.e.  NCSTNPSEN1, or PSENEN gene variants
  • Smoking

Syndromes

Symptoms

  • Distinctive mixture of boil-like lumps, mixture of blackheads?
  • Red lumps looking like boils?
  • Pus spots, cysts, areas leaking pus?
  • Scarring?
  • Hot, red and swelling of sweat glands?
  • Itchy and pain lumps?
  • History of acne in past?
  • History of long term abscess at base of spine?

Complications /Information to beware of/General tips:

This condition can lead to:

  • Skin infection
  • Scars and skin changes
  • Restricted movement
  • Obstructed lymph drainage
  • Social isolation
  • Cancer

This condition maybe associated with:


General tips

  • Holding a warm or cool flannel (not cold directly i.e. ice as the change of skin temperature could make it worst) against the skin will encourage the cyst to heal and reduce any inflammation.
  • Wash any red, draining area(s) of hidradenitis suppurativa with an antibacterial soap, and then apply antiseptic ointment.
  • If there is a large amount of drainage, change the gauze pads and dressings often.
  • Avoid tight-fitting clothing to prevent further irritation.
  • Weight loss may decrease lesions by decreasing skin folds and, thus, friction on the skin.
  • Smoking should be avoided.

This condition may show similar symptoms to:

Please talk to your healthcare professional (i.e. Medical Doctor/Pharmacist) for further advice

Detailed Information

Please copy and paste any key words from the title: Hidradenitis Suppurativa in the following respective 'Medtick References and/or Sources' to find out more about the disease (this also may include diagnosis tests and generic medical treatments).

  • Medical News Today

    Medical news and health news headlines posted throughout the day, every day.

  • Medscape (Professional level)

    Latest medical news and expert commentary in your specialty as well as disease information.

  • Healthline

    Medical Information and health advice you can trust

  • EveryDay Health

    Wellness inspired. Wellness enabled.

  • Pharmaceutical Journal (Professional level)

    The Pharmaceutical Journal covers analysis, features, opinion, learning and careers articles, providing insight and knowledge about drugs, pharmacy practice, medicines use and healthcare policy in the context of the pharmacy profession and pharmaceutical science.

  • NHS

    Find information and advice on health conditions, symptoms, healthy living, medicines and how to get help (British National Health Service).

  • WebMD

    Better Information. Better Health.

  • Cleveland Clinic

    Pushing the Standards of care.

  • Mayo Clinic

    No.1 Hospital in the Nation (America)

  • Drugs.com

    Know more. Be sure.

  • National Organisation of Rare Diseases

    NORD is dedicated to supporting education, elevating care, advancing research, and driving policy for rare diseases.

  • Verywell Health

    Know more. Fell better.

  • Nathnac

    Travel health guidance for health professionals advising travellers and for travellers going overseas from the UK.

  • DR Axe

    Health and fitness news. Recipes, Natural Remedies

  • Better health - NHS

    Healthy changes start with little changes. Whether you want to lose weight, drink less alcohol, get active or quit smoking, you have access to lots of free tools and support through Better Health. You can also find simple ways to lift your mood with Every Mind Matters.

    There has never been a better time to kickstart your health. Let’s do this!