Hidradenitis Suppurativa Treatments

Hidradenitis suppurativa treatments can be very effective at treating the condition. Hidradenitis suppurativa is a skin condition that usually begins as small, pimple-like bumps on the skin. These bumps typically develop in places everyday pimples do not appear, like near sweat glands, where skin rubs against itself, and where there is little or no sunlight exposure, especially under the arms and breasts, between the buttocks, and around the groin area. The lumps are generally painful, and they can break open or form tunnels under the skin.

Hidradenitis suppurative is a chronic condition that affects around 4 percent of the population. It can worsen over time and impact daily life, causing embarrassment if breakouts itch or become infected. When the lesions rupture, they can leak a foul-smelling liquid. Patients with this condition should not be embarrassed to seek help from a skin specialist or dermatologist. Early diagnosis and treatment are essential to prevent worsening of symptoms.

 

Hidradenitis Suppurativa Causes

The exact cause of hidradenitis suppurativa is unknown, though it seldom occurs before puberty or after menopause, so hormones are a suspected factor. People who are overweight, smokers, people with acne, those who take lithium, and women are more susceptible than others. Like acne, hidradenitis suppurativa begins when hair follicles clog with bacteria or other substances, but unlike acne, the immune system is thought to overreact to the blockage. Hidradenitis suppurativa is not hereditary, contagious, or caused by poor hygiene.

 

Symptoms of Hidradenitis Suppurativa

Initially, hidradenitis suppurativa can resemble acne-like blackheads, pimples around individual hair follicles, or boils. In later stages, breakouts may reoccur and become painful or rupture, leaking a foul-smelling fluid. Scars may form and become thicker over time, causing tunnel-like tracts that create spongy-looking skin between outbreak areas. Serious infection may also occur.

 

Best Treatment for Hidradenitis Suppurativa

In order to provide a diagnosis, a biopsy may be done to rule out other types of infection. Oral or topical antibiotics, oral retinoids, and hormone therapy may be prescribed. More severe cases may require intravenous medications to suppress immune system response, or even surgery to relieve pain from individual nodules or bumps and pockets that recur. Laser surgery may be used on deep new bumps and skin grafts may be used on more established cases. This condition can last for years, though earlier and long-term hidradenitis suppurativa treatment can help control the pain, promote healing, and reduce flare-ups and complications. If you think you need hidradenitis suppurativa treatment, don’t hesitate to make an appointment with us.

Why Choose Zel for Hidradenitis Suppurativa Treatments?

Effective treatment can significantly reduce the condition’s symptoms. That said, only a dermatologist can discern the subtle differences between hidradenitis suppurativa and other conditions with similar symptoms. If you suspect you need hidradenitis suppurativa treatments, schedule a consultation with us today.

Additionally, this condition is often mistaken for other, more common lesions, like acne, boils, and/or folliculitis. If you’re not sure what is causing the bumps, scheduling an appointment with a dermatologist is the best decision you can make.

Contact us to schedule an appointment or virtual visit today. We’ll assess your skin and recommend a range of treatment options well-suited to your lifestyle.

*Results may vary per patient. Services vary by location.