Help is Available for Your Hidradenitis Suppurativa

Your skin protects your innards from the outside world. And because it’s your body’s largest organ, it can be susceptible to a wide range of ailments. Hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) is one of them. Its name emanates from Greek (hidros, sweat; aden, gland; -itis, inflammation) and Latin (suppurare, to form or discharge pus). This chronic inflammatory skin disease happens when an overactive immune system contributes to inflammation below the surface of the skin throughout the body.

At the office of Dermatology for the Family, our goal is to provide a warm and welcoming experience for each patient. We pride ourselves in utilizing the most modern equipment and methods available to improve the health of each of our patient’s skin. You can feel confident that you’re receiving the finest and most advanced treatment.

HS, whose exact cause is unknown, begins below the skin and then, because it blocks hair follicles, manifests itself in the layers of skin as tunnels, abscesses, nodules and bumps. It’s common in areas that grow hair, have sweat glands and where there’s skin-on-skin contact. These locations include the inner thighs, underarms, back of neck, ears, groin area, buttocks and under a woman’s breasts. 

Though HS has no cure, a dermatologist can offer a variety of treatments that will reduce symptoms and lessen the likelihood of outbreaks. She or he will help you devise a strategy centered on a few things such as the locations of your bumps and lesions, preexisting medical conditions and how much of a problem your symptoms cause you. 

Your Hurley stage, which runs from 1 to 3, will also factor into your treatment. The Hurley stage is based on the severity and number of abscesses or pus-filled bumps. After your stage is determined, your dermatologist will explain your options and the pros and cons of each. Treatments for HS include antibiotics, steroids, hormone medications and biologics (drugs that change how your immune system works). 

At the office of Dermatology for the Family, our elite team of skin specialists has the ability, focus and flexibility to demonstrate unparalleled professional knowledge. Our high-tech, cutting-edge diagnostic equipment will give us an overall view of the health of all areas of your skin. Please don’t hesitate to contact us for an appointment.