What is Hidradenitis Suppurativa?

Hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) is a chronic inflammatory skin condition affecting sweat gland-bearing areas, including the underarm, groin, buttocks, and under the breasts. 

This condition can present as mild as inflammation around the hair follicles to severe cases resulting in boils and pockets of infection that can create tracks and scarring. These pockets of infection will often chronically drain. 

Risk factors such as smoking, obesity, and diabetes are linked to the development of HS. We know that individuals diagnosed with HS are more likely to have depression, anxiety, joint pain, high blood pressure, PCOS, diabetes, and inflammatory bowel disease. It is important for us as medical providers to optimize the overall health of our patients!

Patients can use warm compresses, diluted bleach baths, white vinegar soaks, and surgical soaps like Hibiclens to ease their symptoms at home. 

In the clinic, we treat cases of HS based on their severity with topical or oral antibiotics, steroid injections, and special medications like spironolactone and biologics. Oftentimes, a combination of all the above. 

Hidradenitis suppurativa may significantly impact an individual’s quality of life, so seeking treatment from a medical professional at Tareen Dermatology may be life-changing!