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Lori, 55, suffers from excess weight diabetes and sees a dermatologist with dozens of rashes under her armpits and thighs that produce an unpleasant-smelling pus.
His body was covered with deep wounds. She is ashamed to talk to anyone because she knows all the scars on her body.
He became depressed and started smoking a pack a day. This affected her quality of life and emotional well-being, from suffering to anxiety.
Recently, she went to a dermatologist and was diagnosed with an inflammatory disease of the skin called Hidradenitis suppurativa (HS).
Worse, he learned that it was a chronic disease and could be exacerbated by smoking.
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No one knows the exact cause of hydradenitis suppurativa, but experts believe that it occurs when hair follicles become blocked.
It is important to know that hydradenitis cannot be transmitted to others, not because the suppuration is unclean.
Hidradenitis suppurativa can be localized or common in the body, particularly in the armpits, breast and pelvis.
Signs and symptoms of the disease include:
- Painful small bumps the size of a piece.
- flowing bumps.
- Tunnels or black dots.
Some risk factors that may increase the chances of developing hydradenitis suppurativa include:
- Increased risk for 20- and 30-year-olds.
- Fri. Women develop more than men.
- A race. In the United States, HS is significantly higher among African Americans.
- Family history. can be inherited.
- Some medical conditions increase the risk, such as diabetes, obesity, severe acne, arthritis and inflammatory bowel disease.
The key to effective treatment is to get an early diagnosis of hydradenitis suppurativa. If you have any of these conditions, consult your dermatologist:
- He becomes ill.
- It’s hard to move.
- It does not improve in a few weeks with antibiotics.
- Treatment is repeated within a few weeks after cessation.
Persistent and severe hydradenitis suppurativa can lead to complications, including:
- infection. The presence of pus is normal and does not necessarily mean infection.
- Scarring and skin changes that can be rope-like or hollow.
- Restricted movement. Limited or painful movement, especially when affecting the arm or thigh.
- Skin cancer. Squamous cell carcinoma has been reported with the presence of the perianal region, with long-term hydradenitis suppurativa.
- Tumors of the hands, feet, or genitals. Most of the common sites for HS involve a lot of lymph nodes. The scar tissue can block the lymphatic drainage system, resulting in swelling of the hands, feet, or genitals.
- Psychological effects and social isolation.
Treatment options may vary depending on the severity of the injury. In mild cases, topical antibiotics may be an effective treatment.
Other ways to improve the episodes are to switch to a healthier diet, lose weight and quit smoking.
Oral antibiotics such as doxycycline or Bactrim can be used to treat moderate or severe HS for a period of several weeks to several months, such as several months.
Corticosteroids can be prescribed in tablet form or given as an injection to reduce pain and swelling.
Biological drugs like Humira are very effective and help bring HS into remission. Some patients are reluctant to take this treatment because they fear a shooting or fear that their immune system may be weakened.
As a last resort, a dermatologist may consult a general surgeon to clean the tract, drainage, or roof.
No matter what treatment you choose, do not hesitate to make an appointment with your dermatologist.
Bring a friend or family member to help you learn about your condition and understand the benefits and potential side effects for different treatment options.
Be active and seek treatment before your skin condition gets out of control and causes physical and emotional scars.
Susan Hammerling-Hodgers, a member of the National Psoriasis Foundation, works on PA-C (Certified Physician Assistant) and MPAS (Master of Physician Assistant Research) and Brevard on Merrit Island, Titusville and Rocklead for skin and cancer.