Hidradenitis Suppurativa Signs & Symptoms - Hidradenitis Suppurativa Signs

Hidradenitis Suppurativa is painful skin condition

Hidradenitis Suppurativa is rare, chronic or long-term skin condition that features small, painful lumps under the skin.
The disease manifests as clusters of chronic abscesses or boils, sometimes as large as baseballs that are extremely painful on the touch.
That may persist for years with occasional to frequent periods of inflammation.

Symptoms of Hidradenitis Suppurativa may vary with individuals......

Red, tender bumps: These bumps often enlarge, burst and drain pus. The pus may have an odor. Itching and burning may occur surrounding the bumps. They usually appear in areas where skin rubs against skin.
Painful, pea-sized lumps: These hard lumps, which develop under the skin, may persist for years, enlarge and become inflamed.
Tunnels: Over time, sinus tracts connecting the lumps may form under the skin. These wounds heal very slowly, if at all, and can leak pus.

These painful pea-sized bumps can appear at uncommon places where skin rubs against the skin:

The exact cause of HS is not known yet, but people may likely to get when body’s immune system overreacts.
HS occurs as the hair follicles in the skin become blocked and inflamed, but the exact cause for this blockage and inflammation has not been identified.
But it is likely that hormonal changes, genetics, excess weight, and specific lifestyle factors such as smoking play a role in the development of the condition.

Antibiotics: This is often part of the treatment plan. These drugs can reduce inflammation, fight infection, prevent HS from worsening, and stop new breakouts.
Painkillers: These are used to reduced pain at site of lumps and give temporary relief to patients.
Corticosteroid Pills & injection into a breakout: This medicine reduces inflammation, which can help clear HS. Your dermatologist may inject this into a painful cyst to reduce pain and swelling.
Systemic drug: It works on the immune system and may help control HS in some patients.
Biologics: These work on the immune system. Some patients have seen long-term clearing of their HS with a biologic. Due to possible serious side effects, you should discuss the risks and benefits with your dermatologist.
Surgical treatment for HS: When HS grows deep into the skin, medicine alone may not be effective. Your dermatologist may recommend a surgical procedure.

Adalimumab is the only biologic medicine approved to treat Hidradenitis Suppurativa.

Reference: Kimball A & Jemec G, 2017, Hidradenitis Suppurativa A Disease Primer, ADIS, 1-51.