Hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) is an inflammatory condition affecting the skin. It generally occurs in the skin folds of the armpits or groin. The condition occurs when the immune system attacks the sweat glands, causing the pores to become clogged and trapping bacteria. This results in a constant cycle of inflammation, infection, and new tunnels under the skin. Currently, there are more options available to treat HS and improve quality of life.
Biologics
More recently, biological medications have been approved to treat HS. Biologic medications work by dealing with HS at the immune system level. Reducing or stopping certain aspects of the immune system decreases inflammation at its source. Depending on the specific medication, it is taken as a weekly injection, or less often. Although biologics can be helpful for dealing with HS, they do have their drawbacks. Since parts of the immune system are being suppressed, there is a fine line between reducing the immune system enough to stop HS and not suppressing the immune system enough to make patients vulnerable to other infections. Biologics can be used alone or as a component of a multidimensional treatment approach.
Botox Injections
Botox is another treatment option that might be used instead of or in addition to biologics. The major benefit of Botox is its ability to paralyze the sweat glands. Much like when Botox is used to stop excessive sweating (hyperhidrosis), the same effect can be helpful in HS. When sweat glands are stopped from producing sweat, it reduces the material that can be trapped under the skin and creates infections. Treatment requires several injections in each area. Generally, people with HS receiving Botox therapy may have relief for several months before the area requires treatment again.
Excision
An excision of the affected area can help in some instances. Depending on the amount of skin that needs to be excised, it can be done with just local anesthesia in the office or require a more extensive outpatient procedure under general anesthesia. When people with HS have recurrent issues with infection and scarring, it helps reduce the condition by removing some of the sweat glands and areas of tunneling and scarring that harbor infection. Eliminating the sweat glands in a particular area can function the same as Botox injections. Removing the scar tissue and tunnels can help patients avoid subsequent needs for incision and drainage of the areas and reduce the cycle of reinfection.
HS can be a difficult condition to treat, mainly because doctors are not familiar with the condition. Finding a dermatologist who understands the nuances of HS will give you the best chance of treatment that provides long-lasting relief.
Share13 March 2023
We are all covered in skin. It plays a number of roles in our body, helping to keep us warm in the winter and cool in the summer. It keeps our organs in place, and it even eliminates waste. But like any other organ, your skin can develop a number of health issues as time goes on. Maybe you develop acne, or perhaps you become affected by psoriasis or eczema. Dermatologists are there to help. This blog is all about doctors who specialize in dermatology, the work they do, and how they can help you get the skin you've always desired.
