Understanding Hidradenitis Suppurativa: Causes, Symptoms, & Support
Hidradenitis suppurativa (HS), a chronic skin condition, affects up to 2% of the population. It causes painful outbreaks, primarily in areas where skin rubs together, such as armpits and groin. Despite its prevalence, HS is often misunderstood, with many believing it's contagious or due to poor hygiene. Here's a closer look at this condition, its causes, symptoms, treatments, and support available.
HS is not contagious and isn't linked to hygiene. Instead, it's thought to have a genetic component, with hormones also playing a role. Risk factors include being assigned female at birth, certain medications, obesity, family history, and smoking. The main symptom is painful skin breakouts, ranging from pimple-like bumps to deep nodules or boils. If left untreated, HS can lead to complications like scarring, immobility, infection, lymph drainage problems, skin changes, and depression.
Treatment options are varied and include antibiotics, biologics, steroids, pain medications, and surgical procedures. The Hurley clinical staging system helps assess severity, with three stages based on lesion count, tunnels, and scarring. Other tools used to determine severity include the Sartorius HS Score, Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI), HS Symptom Assessment, and Acne Inversa Severity Index (AISI). Management strategies focus on lifestyle changes like quitting smoking, maintaining a healthy weight, following an anti-inflammatory diet, and working with healthcare professionals to prevent flare-ups and complications.
International organizations offer support for those living with HS. These include the European Hidradenitis Suppurativa Foundation (EHSF), the International League of Dermatological Societies (ILDS) through its DermLink Grants program, and European Reference Networks like ERN Skin, which focuses on rare skin diseases.
HS is a chronic, painful skin condition that can significantly impact quality of life. While it's not contagious or caused by poor hygiene, understanding its causes and risk factors can help in managing the condition. With various treatment options and support available, those living with HS can find ways to cope and improve their symptoms.
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