Suppurative hidradenitis, also known as reverse acne, is a rare skin disease that causes painful lumps to appear under the skin, which can break and cause a bad smell, leaving a scar on the skin when they disappear.
Although this problem can appear in any region of the body, it is more common in places with hair where the skin is rubbing, as in the armpits, groin, buttocks or under the breasts, for example.
Although hidradenitis has no cure, it can be controlled with medicines and ointments to prevent the appearance of new lumps and the appearance of further complications.
Main symptoms
Symptoms can appear at any age, however they are more frequent after age 20 and include:
- Inflammation of the skin with lumps of various sizes or blackheads; Severe redness in the affected area; Severe and constant pain; Excessive sweating in the region; Formation of channels under the lumps.
In some cases, the lumps can rupture and release pus, causing the appearance of a bad smell in the area, in addition to causing more pain.
The lumps can take several weeks and even months to disappear, being bigger and more painful in people who are overweight, constantly stressed or are in a period of major hormonal changes, such as puberty or pregnancy.
How to confirm the diagnosis
After the appearance of these symptoms, without improvement in 2 weeks, it is recommended to consult a dermatologist to confirm the diagnosis only by observing the affected area, in order to initiate the appropriate treatment and alleviate the symptoms.
It may also be necessary to perform a skin biopsy, for its analysis and for the analysis of the pus resulting from the lesions.
When done early, the diagnosis can help to reduce the chances of worsening of the condition, as well as the appearance of complications such as deep scars that can hinder the movement of the affected limb and cause frequent contractures, for example.
How to treat
Treatment for hidradenitis suppurativa, although it does not cure the disease, helps to relieve symptoms and prevent their onset so often, also decreasing the chances of having complications.
Some of the most used ways to treat hidradenitis include:
- Antibiotic pills or ointments, such as Tetracycline, Clindomycin or Erythromycin: eliminate bacteria from the skin, preventing infection of the site that can aggravate complications; Ointments with vitamin A, such as Hipoglós or Hipoderme: help the skin to heal faster; Corticosteroid injections, such as Prednisolone or Triamcinolone: reduce inflammation of the lumps, relieving swelling, pain and redness; Pain relievers, such as Paracetamol or Ibuprofen: help to relieve discomfort and pain.
In addition, the dermatologist can also prescribe some remedies that help to decrease the action of the immune system, such as Infliximab or Adalimumab, as they avoid the effect of a protein that seems to worsen cases of hidradenitis.
In addition, any risk factor that may be the cause of hidradenitis suppurativa must be avoided to the maximum. In regions where it grows, such as the armpits and groins, laser hair removal is recommended, avoiding methods that harm the skin, as well as deodorants that cause irritation. It is also recommended to wear loose clothing, maintain a healthy weight, avoid hyperglycemic diets and alcohol and cigarette use.
In the most severe cases, in which the symptoms are more intense and there is exaggerated swelling, infection or formation of channels, the doctor may also advise surgery to remove the lumps and the affected skin. In these cases, it is necessary to have a skin transplant, which is usually removed from other parts of the body.
