Hidradenitis Suppurativa: A Chronic Skin Disease That Is Often Misdiagnosed
If you experience recurrent painful boils in the armpits, groin, under the breasts, or buttocks, you may have hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) rather than a simple skin infection. HS is a chronic inflammatory skin disease that affects hair follicles and can significantly impact quality of life if left untreated.
Symptoms of Hidradenitis Suppurativa
Common features include:
- Painful lumps beneath the skin
- Recurrent boils or abscesses
- Pus discharge with an unpleasant odour
- Formation of tunnels (sinus tracts) under the skin
- Thick scars after healing
The disease commonly affects areas where skin rubs together, such as the armpits, groin, inner thighs, buttocks, and beneath the breasts.
Who is at Risk?
HS usually begins after puberty and is more common in women. Important risk factors include:
- Family history
- Obesity
- Smoking
- Metabolic syndrome
Poor hygiene does not cause hidradenitis suppurativa, and patients should not blame themselves for developing the condition.
Treatment Options
Treatment depends on disease severity and may include:
- Oral and topical antibiotics
- Anti-inflammatory medications
- Hormonal therapy in selected women
- Biologic therapies for moderate to severe disease
- Surgical procedures for persistent sinus tracts and scars
- Lifestyle measures such as weight reduction and smoking cessation
Early treatment helps reduce pain, prevent scarring, and improve long-term outcomes.
Key Takeaway
Repeated boils in the same body areas are not normal. Early diagnosis by a dermatologist can prevent disease progression and permanent scarring while improving quality of life.
Consult Dr. Neha Athalye, Dermatologist in Kothrud, Pune, for expert diagnosis and comprehensive treatment of hidradenitis suppurativa and other chronic skin disorders.
