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Table of Contents
- What Is Hidradenitis Suppurativa?
- What Causes Hidradenitis Suppurativa?
- What Are the Symptoms of Hidradenitis Suppurativa?
- Is Hidradenitis Suppurativa Contagious?
- Disease Stages and Diagnosis
- How Is Hidradenitis Suppurativa Treated?
- How Do Lifestyle Changes Affect the Disease?
- Living with Hidradenitis Suppurativa and Psychological Support
- Hidradenitis Suppurativa Treatment in Antalya
- Frequently Asked Questions
What Is Hidradenitis Suppurativa?
Hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) is a chronic, recurrent disease that starts with blockage and inflammation of hair follicles and causes painful lumps and abscesses in skin folds such as the armpits, groin, genital area, buttocks and under the breasts.
It usually begins after puberty and is more common in women. Early diagnosis and regular treatment are essential to prevent progression and permanent scarring.
Hidradenitis suppurativa is a chronic, recurring inflammatory skin disease that affects hair follicles. It appears especially in areas where the skin rubs and forms folds, such as the armpits, groin, under the breasts, buttocks and inner thighs. It usually begins after puberty and is more common in women.
Hidradenitis suppurativa is often mistakenly considered for many years to be recurrent abscesses, ingrown hairs or simple acne. Diagnosis can therefore be delayed and the disease may progress. It is important for people who experience recurring painful lumps in the same areas to see a dermatologist for early diagnosis.
The disease can be mild, but in some patients it follows a progressive course. Because its course varies greatly from person to person, the treatment plan is updated over time according to the patient's needs. Regular check-ups ensure this process is managed well.
Affected areas staying constantly moist can also increase inflammation. Gently drying the skin after sweating and choosing breathable clothing is therefore helpful. For some patients, methods to reduce sweating can also be evaluated with the doctor.
What Causes Hidradenitis Suppurativa?
The disease is driven by follicular blockage and the resulting immune-mediated inflammation. Genetic predisposition, hormonal factors, excess weight and smoking are important risk factors.
It is not caused by poor hygiene. Friction and sweating can worsen symptoms.
Although the exact cause is not fully known, blockage of hair follicles and the inflammatory process that follows are thought to play a key role. Genetic predisposition, hormonal factors and immune-related factors contribute to this process. Smoking and excess weight are associated with a more severe course of the disease.
People with a family history of hidradenitis suppurativa are more likely to develop the disease. In addition, some patients may have associated conditions such as inflammatory bowel disease, metabolic syndrome and certain joint diseases. The doctor therefore evaluates the patient from a holistic perspective.
The effect of hormonal changes on the disease may show in some female patients as flare-ups linked to the menstrual cycle. The course of the disease may also differ during pregnancy. Sharing these special circumstances with the doctor guides the choice of treatment.
Greater awareness of hidradenitis suppurativa helps patients get diagnosed earlier and reach more effective treatment. Because the disease can go unnoticed for a long time, it is very important to take recurring painful lumps seriously and consult a specialist.
What Are the Symptoms of Hidradenitis Suppurativa?
It begins with painful, pimple-like nodules under the skin. These can grow into abscesses, drain fluid and leave scars as they heal. In later stages, tunnels under the skin (sinus tracts) may form between nodules.
Pain, odor and recurrent drainage can significantly affect daily life and work.
The disease usually starts with painful, deep, pimple-like lumps. Over time these lumps can grow into abscesses, open and drain, and leave scars when they heal. Repeated flare-ups can lead to interconnected tunnels forming under the skin.
During flare-ups, pain can become severe enough to make daily activities, walking and sitting difficult. Drainage and odor can make a person feel uncomfortable. Sharing these symptoms openly with the doctor allows appropriate advice on pain control and wound care to be given.
When lesions open and drain, using clean, absorbent dressings makes daily life easier. Squeezing lesions or trying to open them oneself should be avoided, as this can deepen inflammation and increase scarring.
Some medicines used in treatment may need to be taken for a long time, and possible side effects are monitored with regular check-ups during this period. It is important for the patient to report any change they notice during treatment to the doctor so that treatment can continue safely.
Is Hidradenitis Suppurativa Contagious?
No. HS is not contagious and is not a simple infection; therefore, antibiotics alone or repeatedly draining abscesses often do not provide a lasting solution.
A long-term treatment plan suited to the chronic, inflammatory nature of the disease is required.
Hidradenitis suppurativa is not contagious and is not caused by poor hygiene. Drainage from the lesions does not pass the disease to other people. Knowing this is very important for reducing the misunderstandings and social hesitation patients often face.
Knowing that the disease is not contagious helps families and partners approach the patient more supportively. The disease does not pass to others through shared towels, beds or laundry. Correctly informing those close to the patient helps the patient not feel alone.
Hidradenitis suppurativa is not related to the patient's personal cleanliness; washing frequently with harsh products therefore does not improve the disease and can instead irritate the skin. Gentle cleansers and antiseptic products recommended by the doctor help protect skin health.
Disease Stages and Diagnosis
Diagnosis is clinical, based on the typical appearance, locations and recurrence of lesions. Severity is usually assessed with Hurley staging: isolated nodules (stage 1), recurrent lesions with tunnels and scarring (stage 2) and widespread, interconnected tunnels (stage 3).
Ultrasound may be used when needed to evaluate tunnels under the skin.
The disease is generally classified into three stages according to severity. In the mild stage, individual abscesses and lesions that heal without scarring are seen, while in more advanced stages tunnels under the skin and scar tissue develop. Diagnosis is mostly made by examination; when necessary, structures under the skin can be assessed with ultrasound.
Early diagnosis is very important for preventing the disease from progressing and permanent scars from forming. By regularly recording the number and location of lesions and the level of pain, the doctor can objectively monitor the course of the disease and the response to treatment.
During diagnosis, it is important for the patient to share when the lesions started, how often flare-ups occur and which treatments have been tried before. This information helps determine the stage of the disease correctly and choose the appropriate treatment step.
How Is Hidradenitis Suppurativa Treated?
Treatment is planned according to the stage. Mild cases may be managed with antiseptic washes and topical antibiotics; moderate cases with long-term oral antibiotics and certain hormonal treatments. Painful single nodules can be treated with intralesional corticosteroid injections.
Biologic medications are an important option for moderate to severe and resistant cases. In advanced stages, surgical removal of tunnels and persistent lesions may be necessary.
Treatment is planned individually according to the stage of the disease and the patient's needs. In mild cases, topical treatments and antiseptic washes may be used, while oral medicines may be considered in more widespread cases. In moderate and severe cases, biologic medicines and surgical methods are also among the treatment options.
Biologic medicines act by targeting specific immune pathways that drive inflammation and offer an important option especially for moderate and severe patients who do not respond to other treatments. Some tests are carried out before these medicines are used, and the patient is monitored regularly during treatment.
Surgical treatment has an important place especially in advanced disease with tunnels under the skin and permanently damaged tissue. Options range from local procedures to more extensive surgery. Medical treatment may need to continue after surgery to keep the disease under control.
How Do Lifestyle Changes Affect the Disease?
Quitting smoking and losing excess weight are the most important steps to reduce disease activity and improve treatment response. Loose, breathable clothing reduces friction.
Less irritating alternatives to shaving the armpits may be preferred; ask your doctor for advice.
Quitting smoking is one of the most important lifestyle changes that can positively affect the course of hidradenitis suppurativa. Reducing excess weight can also lower the frequency of flare-ups by reducing friction and inflammation in skin folds. Choosing loose, cotton clothing also reduces friction.
Hair removal methods such as shaving and waxing can cause irritation and new lesions in affected areas in some patients. It is helpful to get personalized advice from the doctor on this. Laser hair removal has been reported to help control the disease in some patients.
A balanced diet and regular physical activity can help reduce overall inflammation as well as support weight control. Some patients may notice that certain foods trigger flare-ups, but dietary changes are recommended to be made with a doctor or dietitian.
Living with Hidradenitis Suppurativa and Psychological Support
Because of pain, drainage and appearance, HS can affect self-confidence, relationships and working life. Support for depression and anxiety should be part of care.
Regular follow-up and early control of flare-ups markedly improve quality of life.
The painful and visible nature of the disease can negatively affect a person's social life, work life and relationships. Emotional difficulties such as anxiety and depression may be more common in patients. It is therefore important to consider mental health during treatment and seek psychological support when needed.
Meeting others with similar experiences and joining patient support groups can help people living with the disease feel better understood. Sharing experiences offers practical ideas for coping with challenges in daily life.
Because the disease appears in intimate areas, some patients may delay seeing a doctor. However, early consultation means more effective treatment and less permanent damage. Dermatologists see this disease often and take care to respect the patient's privacy.
Hidradenitis Suppurativa Treatment in Antalya
HS is often diagnosed late; a dermatologist’s evaluation is important for recurring “boils.” In the consultation with dermatologist Dr. Melda Özekinci, the stage of the disease is determined and a personalized long-term treatment plan is created.
For treatment of hidradenitis suppurativa in Antalya, it is important that the dermatologist is familiar with treatment options for different stages of the disease and collaborates with other specialties such as general surgery, plastic surgery and nutrition when necessary. Increased sweating and friction in a hot climate are also taken into account in the treatment plan.
For this disease, which may require a long treatment process, it is important for the patient to be treated at a clinic where they can express themselves comfortably and are followed regularly. Setting treatment goals together with the patient creates realistic expectations and improves adherence.
The success of the treatment plan is directly related to the patient's adherence to recommendations and attendance at regular check-ups. Working with a clinic that offers rapid intervention during flare-ups makes it easier to keep the disease under control and improves quality of life.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can hidradenitis suppurativa be cured completely?
It is a chronic disease; with proper treatment it can be controlled and flare-ups reduced.
Can recurring boils in the armpit be HS?
Yes, recurrent painful lumps in the same areas suggest HS; see a dermatologist.
Is HS caused by poor hygiene?
No, it is not related to hygiene.
Should I squeeze an abscess?
No; squeezing can increase inflammation. See a doctor.
