Obtain a diagnosis of hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) can be overwhelming, especially if you’ve never heard of this condition before – and many people have, even though HS is not really rare (this affects 1 to 2 percent of the population in the United States). Many people visit a dermatologist thinking they are dealing with ingrown hairs or acne, only to discover that they are actually suffering from HS, a chronic inflammatory skin disease. Also known as acne inversa, HS differs from acne in several ways. Its painful, red, and often itchy bumps and lesions come from clogged hair follicles and sweat glands, and HS tends to break out in specific areas like the armpits, genitals, and buttocks. This can involve a combination of blackheads, abscesses, and sinus tracts (tunnel-like connections under the skin). When HS lesions open, they release a fluid that has a distinct, foul odor, often causing stains on sheets or clothing. HS can also leave permanent and serious scarring.

You will probably lots of questions to your doctor when you’re diagnosed with HS, but the first one is probably, “Is it curable?” Unfortunately, the answer is no, but HS East treatable and manageable, through a combination of medications, procedures and lifestyle adaptations. Learning as much as you can about this skin condition will help you find the combination of daily and long-term strategies that work best for you. A good place to start: Bring this list of questions to your doctor to start the conversation.

Am I doing anything that contributes to HS?

The exact cause of HS is unknown, but it appears to involve a combination of genetic/familial factors and hormonal factors (this is not an infection or anything contagious). That said, smoking and obesity are two external factors that increase the risk of developing HS. Your doctor can discuss strategies for quitting smoking and pursuing weight loss to improve your HS symptoms, as well as assess whether there are other lifestyle factors you can adjust to help. to manage your flare-ups in the future – changes as simple as wearing looser clothing. Fitted clothing or longer underwear that looks like bike shorts, to reduce friction, can really help. Focusing on a diet that helps regulate your blood sugar and reduce inflammation, and being aware of the potential food triggerscan also minimize breakouts.

How should I adjust my skincare routine?

Although HS is caused by poor hygiene, certain skin care choices can be helpful or harmful when you have this skin condition. For example, instead of using scented body washes, it is best to wash with an antiseptic body wash containing chlorhexidine (easily found at drugstores), an ingredient that kills bacteria that contribute to breakouts. ‘HS. You can use the same antiseptic cleanser to wash the affected area when a lesion breaks out, followed by topical antibiotics. (Note: Never squeeze/pop the lesions, as this may make them worse; instead, apply warm compresses to relieve pain and ask your doctor about corticosteroid injections or other procedures that may help.) You’ll want to avoid loofahs and washcloths – too much potential irritation and lather gently with your hands instead. Instead of shaving affected areas, which can exacerbate inflammation, ask your doctor if you should consider laser hair removal, which significantly improves HS symptoms. Your dermatologist can also share more detailed and personalized advice on skin care and wound care. online HS support groups where individuals share specific products and skincare tips and tricks that have worked for them; THE Hidradenitis Suppurativa Foundation is a great resource to bookmark.

What treatment options are there for hidradenitis suppurativa?

Growing awareness of HS as a skin condition means there are an increasing number of treatment options to discuss with your doctor, who can review the benefits and potential side effects of each. Treatment for hidradenitis suppurativa often begins with topical and/or oral antibiotics, such as clindamycin, doxycycline, and rifampicin. Topical retinoids or an exfoliating agent called resorcinol are sometimes recommended, usually in mild to moderate cases of HS. To treat pain and inflammation, healthcare providers may administer intralesional steroid injections and prescribe topical corticosteroids. Another category of HS treatment is biologics, medications made from living organisms that reduce inflammation in the body and stop the immune system from overreacting (the most specific include adalimumab , secukinumab, bimekizumab and infliximab). These biological Therapies are usually administered by injection in the office or at home. Your doctor may also mention hormonal treatments like spironolactone and birth control pills, because estrogen levels can play a role in HS flare-ups (many women notice symptoms right before their period), or metformina safe and effective diabetes medication that appears to work by preventing swelling at the cellular level. In clinical trials, unauthorized use of the acne medication isotretinoin (Accutane) has had some success in treating hidradenitis suppurativa. It may take some trial and error to find the right combination of treatments for you, so stay in conversation with your doctor about what seems to be working and what isn’t. If your doctor seems unfamiliar with treatment options, consider I am looking for a specialist.

Are there any procedures that help with HS?

Your dermatologist can also check to see if there are laser and surgical options that might be appropriate for your HS stadium. One example is deroofing, an electrosurgical procedure that removes the “roof” of HS abscesses and sinus passages as well as the inflamed debris inside, to help prevent them from reforming; it is more appropriate in early stage/mild to moderate cases. Another common HS procedure is called incision and drainage (I&D), which, as the name suggests, involves draining individual cysts to relieve swelling and pain (they almost always come back later, however). Excision is another HS treatment option you can ask your doctor about; This involves surgical removal of affected areas of tissue and sinuses to help significantly reduce future flare-ups. This can be done in conjunction with a graft, where a surgeon replaces the excised tissue with healthy skin from another area of ​​the body, such as the thighs or abdomen. Carbon dioxide (CO2) laser treatments are another option that has been shown to help put HS into remission, by eliminating clogged sweat glands and hair follicles that contribute to the condition.

How can I make this condition less overwhelming?

HS is much more than a superficial disease. Beyond the incessant pain and itching, often in intimate and sensitive places, HS presents many real-world challenges, from the frustration of knowing which treatment is best to the very unpleasant physical realities. HS can have a significant impact on your mental health, quality of life, sexual function, exercise routine, and even your desire to put on clothes and go out and do things. It is important to be honest and open with your doctor if you are feeling depressed or hopeless, and to ask for help. The good news is that you are far from alone. There are many people struggling with the same illness who are willing to support you when you need it – and chances are, if you stay positive and proactive, you will find solutions that work for you.