How Do You Know If You Have Hidradenitis Suppurativa?

Hidradenitis Suppurativa (HS) is a chronic skin condition that affects the sweat glands, causing painful and recurrent swollen abscesses, nodules, and boils. If you suspect that you may have HS, it is important to be aware of the signs and symptoms, the prevalence of the condition, the impact it can have on your quality of life, its chronic nature, potential complications, and the importance of seeking medical advice and advocating for proper care.

Symptoms

Symptoms of HS vary from person to person but typically include the appearance of:

Abscesses
Painful nodules or bumps under the skin
The formation of tunnels (sinus tracts) that connect the affected areas

These symptoms most commonly occur in areas rich in sweat glands, such as:

Armpits
Groin
Buttocks
Under the breasts

In addition, the degree of the symptoms varies from person to person, with some people having flare-ups on an irregular basis while others are coping with pain that is virtually continuous.

Prevalence

As far as prevalence is concerned, it is believed that around one percent of the world’s population is affected by HS. However, it is possible that the condition is not identified adequately owing to misunderstandings and a lack of knowledge. It is usual for it to come on during a person’s teenage years or early adulthood, and it often continues throughout their lives. A hereditary component may contribute to an increased chance of developing the illness since it is more prevalent in females than males, especially Black women, who are three times more likely to develop it. Risk factors for the disease include smoking and obesity.

Impact On Quality Of Life

HS can have a major influence on the quality of life of an individual. In addition to causing humiliation and self-consciousness, the physical pain and discomfort may restrict movement, make it difficult to carry out everyday tasks, and create discomfort. The visible lesions and scars may result in a decline in self-esteem, social isolation, and a negative picture of the body. In addition, persons who have HS are more likely to suffer from depression and anxiety, which further undermines their general well-being.

Chronic Nature Of Condition

HS is a chronic disorder, which means that it continues to exist over time with flare-ups, and there is currently no recognized cure for it. Those who are living with HS may find this to be distressing and discouraging, but they must obtain the appropriate medical treatment. Treatment options vary depending on the severity of your condition and may include antibiotics, steroids to reduce inflammation, anti-androgens to counteract the effects of male hormones (believed to contribute to the disease process), abscess drainage, and pain management. With early diagnosis and treatment, symptoms can be managed, flare-ups minimized, and potential complications prevented.

Potential Complications

Potential complications of HS include infection, scarring, chronic pain, and restriction of movement in affected areas, which can have a long-term impact on one’s physical and mental well-being. Additionally, some studies suggest a possible association between HS and other conditions like metabolic disorders, inflammatory bowel disease, and even certain types of cancer. Therefore, individuals with HS need to maintain regular follow-ups with their healthcare provider and address any concerns or new symptoms promptly.

Ask Your Doctor

If you have any reason to believe that you could be suffering from HS, you must seek the advice of a medical practitioner who is well-versed in the diagnosis and treatment of this illness. They will do a comprehensive physical examination and review of the patient’s medical history. Additional tests, including swabs or biopsies, can be required to verify the diagnosis and exclude the possibility of other illnesses that exhibit comparable symptoms. It is critical to know proper wound care as well to minimize skin trauma.

Advocation

Advocating for proper care is also essential. Educate yourself about the condition, seek support from HS organizations or online communities, and discuss treatment options and management strategies with your healthcare provider. Do not hesitate to seek a second opinion if you are unsatisfied with your current care.

Recognizing the signs and symptoms of HS, understanding its prevalence, impact on quality of life, chronic nature, potential complications, and the importance of seeking medical advice and advocating for proper care is crucial for anyone suspected of having this condition. Doing so can better manage the symptoms, seek appropriate treatment, and improve your overall well-being.

By Dominique Lambright | Published December 6, 2024

Medically Reviewed By:

Joyce Idehen, MD

Joyce earned her Bachelor's in Nursing from Prairie View A&M before completing her medical degree at the American University of Antigua. She is the Social Media Manager for Black Girl White Coat, a nonprofit that mentors and motivates underrepresented minorities in medicine.