Hidradenitis Suppurativa (HS)

Hidradenitis Suppurativa is a rare disease that affects less than 200,000 people in the United States, which is approximately 0.1% of the population. Also known as acne inversa, HS results in painful lumps that form underneath the skin. The lumps often occur in areas where the skin rubs against itself, such as the groin, armpits, and joints.

Though the precise pathogenic mechanism for Hidradenitis Suppurativa is unclear, scientists hypothesize that the disease has many origins, including endocrine and microbiological factors. Specifically, smoking and obesity are known to be highly correlated to the disease. Moreover, genetic factors seem to play a big role as well. An estimated one-third of HS patients have family members who also have the disease and those with mutations in the genes of the gamma-secretase family, indicating a genetic relationship.

A majority of HS cases lie in patients that are ages 20-40 years old, and women are more likely to acquire the disease than men. Symptoms for the disease include blackheads, lumps, leaking bumps and sores, and tunnels (which connect the lumps). Since these symptoms can appear on the physical body, the patient’s self-esteem in turn may also decrease. These symptoms are instrumental to the diagnosis of the disease since Hidradenitis Suppurativa has no definitive testing system. 

Treatment options for Hidradenitis Suppurativa can be quite varied, including antibiotics, antiseptics, retinoids, contraceptives, immunosuppressive treatments, steroids and surgery. However, treatment plans are different for different patients. Therefore, consulting the appropriate doctors, namely dermatologists, are imperative for the overall health of the patient. 

Moreover, maintaining a healthy lifestyle is also crucial for overall patient health. Patients should eat healthy, drink an adequate amount of water, avoid any carcinogenic activities including smoking and drinking, wear loose clothing, and avoid shaving or irritating the affected skin.

Hidradenitis Suppurativa is a condition that can last a lifetime, or at the very least, can last for a very long time. Therefore, consulting a dermatologist is important to treat the symptoms and look at future options. In doing so, overall patient health can be benefitted.

Bibiolography:

1.  https://academic.oup.com/aje/article/179/12/1477/135435

2. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9170363/

3. https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/hidradenitis-suppurativa/