Hidradenitis
Also
known as: hidradenitis suppurativa
What is
it?
Hidradenitis is an inflammation of the sweat glands.
Suppurativa means there is an accumulation of pus.
Who gets
it?
Hidradenitis may occur in anyone who has reached
puberty.
What
causes it?
The cause
of hidradenitis is unknown, but it may be genetically
inherited. There is no link between hidradenitis and
shaving or the use of deodorants.
What are
the symptoms?
The sweat
glands under the arms, under the breasts, and around
the genitals and anus, called the apocrine sweat
glands, become blocked in people with hidradenitis.
The glands swell with pus, creating a sore, red
abscess that can break open (rupture). The pus that
drains out has a foul smell, and may lead to
infection. Repeated cycles of ruptured abscesses leave
the skin thickened and scarred.
How is it
diagnosed?
Hidradenitis is diagnosed by the location and
appearance of the abscesses.
What is
the treatment?
To treat
hidradenitis, your doctor will recommend placing hot
compresses on the abscessed areas and will prescribe
antibiotics for the infection. Your doctor may need to
make a small incision in an abscess to drain the pus.
Severe cases of hidradenitis require surgical removal
of the abscesses and, in some cases, the surrounding
skin. This is followed by skin grafts to repair the
area.
Self-care
tips
There is no
known way to prevent hidradenitis.
This information has been designed as a comprehensive and quick reference
guide written by our health care reviewers. The health information written
by our authors is intended to be a supplement to the care provided by your
physician. It is not intended nor implied to be a substitute for
professional medical advice.
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