Hidradenitis Suppurativa

Although you may not have heard of Hidradenitis Suppurativa it is possible that you may have it and not know it. Hidradenitis Suppurativa (HS), also known as acne inversa, is an inflammatory skin disease that affects only a reported 1% of the population. I believe that it affects many more people but it is not reported because of misdiagnoses and because people are too embarrassed to talk about it. HS is often misdiagnosed as acne, ingrown hairs and even herpes. When I first researched this skin disease I noticed that a lot of people described their symptoms as "bumps on inner thigh" or "bad ingrown hairs" or "Herpes under the arms". For the record I want to clarify that HS is not genital herpes (HSV2). It is a skin disease that affects areas of skin such as the inner thigh, under arms, buttocks and breast.

Symptoms

• Painful boil, lesions
• Pain and tenderness under the skin
• Pus or fluid like discharge from lesions or tracts on or under the skin.
• Red, tender swelling, in the groin area
• Odor infected areas

No one knows the exact cause of HS however many think it is a type of endocrine disorder along with clogging of the apocrine ducts. While others believe that it is a combination of both along with a variety of bacteria that causes the infections. Our apocrine glands are prominently located in the underarms as well as the genital area. Although we may not know the cause of HS we do know that it is most prevalent in African American women and overweight individuals. Obesity, however is not a cause of HS neither is poor hygiene.

Treatments

• Topical antibiotics
• Loose clothing should be worn at all times
• A good antibacterial soap such as Dial or Lever 2000
• In some cases surgery is needed
• Loosing weight can be helpful but keep in mind that the disease is not caused by obesity, it just makes it harder to cope with.
• Avoid antiperspirants
  
• Birth control pills maybe used to create a hormonal balance
• Steroids may also be used to decrease inflammation

Support

• The Hidradenitis Suppurativa Foundation is an excellent resource.
• Although I am not a member of this yahoo group. I recommend joining it. It is for support group for people living with HS.
  
• I also visited David Stearns website. He is one of the forerunners in the fight for a cure for HS.
  

If you are suffering from HS or is unsure if you have HS please consult a physician before your condition gets worst. Please do not be embarrassed there are many like and no one should have to suffer alone. I will try to post more on this topic because I think that it is very important that people with HS are heard and that they are informed about their condition. Take care of your beautiful selves until my next post, stay blessed.