Hidradenitis Suppurativa Treatment

Hidradenitis suppurativa is a skin condition that causes small lumps to develop under your skin. The lumps typically appear in areas where you have more oil and sweat glands, or where skin rubs against skin, such as your armpits, under the breasts, or in your groin or buttocks. Patients often think they have a pimple or cyst and don’t seek medical care, believing it will heal and go away. Unfortunately, lack of treatment increases your risk for infections and complications.

Hidradenitis suppurativa symptoms vary from mild to severe pain. The condition often begins with a single, small (pea-size) lump that’s painful and lasts weeks or months. Over time, more lumps may appear and you may also see blackheads. One or more bumps may enlarge and break open, releasing pus that has an unpleasant odor. The bumps may slowly heal and then reappear, causing a disease that lasts a long time. The lumps under your skin may create tunnels that heal slowly or may not get better. An abscess (collection of pus) can develop in the tunnel that leaks blood and pus.

Hidradenitis suppurativa can easily be mistaken for many other skin conditions. Since there aren’t any lab tests to diagnose the condition, it’s essential to seek help from the experienced Orlando Dermatology Center team. They have the expertise to accurately diagnose hidradenitis suppurativa and start the treatment you need to heal. Your provider focuses on treating infections and wounds, while promoting healing with a combination of skin care, medications, and surgery. Skin care Your provider recommends a skin care plan with specialized products that soothe the condition. Medications You may need to take one or more of the following: - Topical or oral antibiotics - Steroid injections - Hormonal therapy - Biologics - Oral retinoids If over-the-counter pain medications don’t help, your provider develops a pain management plan. Surgery Your provider may recommend surgery at any stage of the disease, but it’s required to treat tunnels and abscesses. They may need to remove tissues to expose the tunnels, remove the inflamed bump, or in severe cases, remove all the affected skin and restore the area with a skin graft. Call Orlando Dermatology Center or book an appointment online at the first sign of hidradenitis suppurativa.