Hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) is a chronic, non-contagious, inflammatory skin condition that causes painful, recurring boils in areas of your body with sweat glands. But how is it treated? Keep reading to find out.
Treatment for Hidradenitis Suppurativa1,3-4
There is no cure for hidradenitis suppurativa (HS), but treatment may help to control the disease. Treatment can help with existing HS and help prevent new HS. Your dermatologist can help create a customized treatment plan for you. Your treatment plan may include one or a mix of the following:
- A skin care plan that includes antiperspirants that are gentle on delicate skin, specific types of body wash, and retinoids to help reduce inflammation.
- Medication includes topical antibiotics, skin cleansers, hormonal therapy, or treatments that regulate your immune system. Your doctor may also decide to give you something to help with pain, or antibiotics that you take by mouth.
- Surgery to drain the lumps or removal of infected skin.
- Draining or removal of a painful lump.
- Treatment for infection and wound care.
- Pain control with lidocaine skin cream or ointment, ice packs or warm compresses, acupuncture, or a referral to a pain management specialist.
- Lifestyle changes like hair removal in areas where skin surfaces rub together, losing weight, and to stopping smoking may be recommended.
To find support groups for people living with HS, visit the HS Foundation’s website or join NOWINCLUDED’s skin and hair health circle.
Complications of Hidradenitis Suppurativa3
If hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) goes untreated long-term, there is an increased chance of complications. You are more likely to develop:
- Anemia
- An abnormal connection between your skin and bowel or bladder
- Sepsis
- Scars
- Cellulitis, which is a bacterial infection of the skin
If you have HS, you also have a higher risk of developing some health conditions, including arthritis, diabetes, and heart disease. Seeing a dermatologist, as part of your care team, and being consistent with your treatment plan is important to avoid or decrease complications.1
How Does Hidradenitis Suppurativa Affect Black Communities?
African American or biracial women between the ages of 30 and 39 have a higher risk of developing hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) than other Americans. Black people develop this disease more often than people of other ethnicities.1 In a 2017 study, researchers found that for every 100,000 African Americans, 296 had HS.2
Frequently Asked Questions
Is hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) contagious?
No. HS is not contagious. It cannot be spread by touching the bumps.
Did I do something to cause HS?
Having HS is not your fault. The exact cause of HS is unknown. It develops after hair follicles become blocked. HS is not caused by an STD or poor hygiene.
If I only have boils in one place, is it still HS?
HS can be mild or severe. Some people will have mild boils that only appear in one place, while others will have more moderate to severe boils and abscesses that develop in affected areas on the body. The only way to know for sure if you have HS is to see a dermatologist.
References
- American Academy of Dermatology Association (2024) Hidradenitis Suppurativa: Signs and Symptoms https://www.aad.org/public/diseases/a-z/hidradenitis-suppurativa-symptoms Accessed August 19, 2024
- American Academy of Dermatology Association (2024) Hidradenitis Suppurativa(2024) https://www.aad.org/public/diseases/a-z/hidradenitis-suppurativa-overview Accessed August 26, 2024
- Cleveland Clinic (2024) Hidradenitis Suppurativa (Acne Inversa) Symptoms and Treatments https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/17716-hidradenitis-suppurativa Accessed August 19, 2024
- HS Awareness (2024) HS Treatment https://www.hs-awareness.com/treatment-and-management Accessed August 21, 2024
You Might Also Like:
More Than Skin Deep: Joy’s Journey with Vitiligo and Breast Cancer
Joy’s health journey has not been easy. Read about the challenges she faced and feel inspired by her story.
Back Acne or Hidradenitis Suppurativa?
Learn about this skin condition that is often misdiagnosed as acne.
