Hidradenitis suppurativa a chronic skin condition of sweat glands identified by the presence of blackheads and one or more red, tender bumps in armpits, breasts, groin, buttocks and occasionally in the scalp area. Hidradenitis suppurativa occurs deep in the skin and leads to chronic inflammation, infection, scarring and tract formation.
Causes
When oil glands, apocrine sweat glands and hair follicles become blocked with sweat, dead skin cells or other elements, these substances remain trapped and then push into the surrounding tissues. A cut or break in skin allows bacteria in which forms an infection and the area gets inflamed. Hidradenitis suppurativa usually develops during puberty and can persist for several years. Certain factors such as heredity, weight gain, smoking and hormones, can lead to the development of hidradenitis suppurativa.
Treatments
Your physician will make treatment recommendations based on the severity of Hidradenitis suppurativa. With mild cases, warm compresses and washing regularly with antibacterial soap are usually sufficient. A more serious case of the disease may require topical or oral antibiotics to treat the infection, oral retinoid medications to interrupt oil gland functions and prevent clogged hair follicles, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs for swelling and pain, or corticosteroids. Occasionally, surgery is needed to remove scars that repeatedly form abscesses.