Hidradenitis Suppurativa symptoms may vary, but in general they can include recurrent painful draining boils, pus-filled lumps and skin changes that appear red, swollen and crusty. It’s important to get a diagnosis for this condition early in order to treat it effectively and to prevent long-term damage.
Hormones: Women are more likely to have hidradenitis suppurativa than men, according to experts. They also tend to have flare-ups around their menstrual cycle. Some researchers believe that this is due to lower hormone levels during their period and higher levels after it, which triggers a flare-up in people with the condition.
Fatigue: The condition can make it difficult to exercise, and in more severe cases, this can cause discomfort, pain, and increased stress. In these cases, weight loss may help reduce symptom flare-ups and improve quality of life.
Getting diagnosed and treated early helps to control HS flare-ups and prevent permanent scarring, notes the Cleveland Clinic. Treatment is tailored to each person’s needs, focusing on relieving the symptoms and keeping the disease in check.
The best way to control hidradenitis suppurativa is to talk to your doctor about the available treatment options, including oral antibiotics, steroid injections and surgery. It’s also a good idea to be open and honest about your health, so that your doctor can provide the best care possible.
Your doctor may prescribe an antiseptic wash, such as 4% chlorhexidine, to use on your affected areas every day. This will help to kill the bacteria that causes the boils and other symptoms.
You can also try using a warm compress on the boils to relieve some of the swelling and pain. The American Academy of Dermatology recommends placing a warm, clean washcloth on the lesions for 10 minutes at a time.
Other treatments your doctor can prescribe include oral doxycycline, which has anti-bacterial properties, and topical steroids, which may help to ease inflammation. These are both effective in treating HS, but may require a longer course than other antibiotics.
A dermatologist may also recommend intralesional steroid injections to reduce the size of a bump and ease the pain. This is usually combined with other treatments, but can be used alone in more severe cases.
Injections can be uncomfortable, so it’s important to take them only when needed and to let your doctor know if you have any side effects. Other options for reducing the appearance of your lumps are laser therapy and peels.
Medications: If your lumps don’t respond to medications, a dermatologist can prescribe biologics that act on the immune system. These drugs, such as adalimumab (Humira), are effective for moderate-to-severe HS. These medications are not widely used, but are sometimes prescribed off-label for a small number of people with hidradenitis suppurativa.
Biologics can cause birth defects, so they should not be used if you’re pregnant or planning to become pregnant. Other options, like oral retinoids, are not FDA-approved for the condition, but may be effective as an off-label treatment.
