Hidradenitis Suppurative

Hidradenitis suppurativa may look like a bad case of acne, but it isn’t quite the same. Dermatology specialists Spencer Hamner, PA-C, Christine D. Brown, MD, and their team at Integrated Dermatology of Montrose in Montrose, Colorado, can help you manage uncomfortable symptoms of the inflammatory skin condition with gentle care. Call Integrated Dermatology of Montrose or book an appointment online today.

What is hidradenitis suppurativa?

Hidradenitis suppurativa, also called acne inversa, is an inflammatory condition that causes painful boils that originate in your sweat glands and hair follicles. There is no cure for hidradenitis suppurativa but you can manage symptoms with personalized care at Integrated Dermatology of Montrose. Treatment also helps you avoid lasting scars from the lesions. 

It’s important to note that, like acne, hidradenitis suppurativa doesn’t come from being dirty or having poor hygiene. It also is not contagious: you either have it or you don’t. Women are more likely to get hidradenitis suppurativa than men, mainly due to fluctuating hormones after puberty and before menopause. 

What are the symptoms of hidradenitis suppurativa?

Hidradenitis suppurativa causes painful boils, nodules, and abscesses across your skin. You might also get blackheads on the surface or tunnels in your skin. The painful lumps are most common in areas where your skin rubs against itself, such as your armpits and groin, but they can appear almost anywhere. 

Your symptoms may come and go in flare-ups. You should book an evaluation with Integrated Dermatology of Montrose if you have frequent flare-ups, pain, or hindered movement because of hidradenitis suppurativa. The team examines your skin and may collect a pus or fluid sample for lab testing if your boils are leaky. 

How is hidradenitis suppurativa treated?

There are plenty of treatments you can consider to manage flare-ups of hidradenitis suppurativa and reduce symptoms. Notably, hidradenitis suppurativa tends to be more severe in people who smoke, so you should consider stopping smoking if you have this condition. It may also help to follow a consistent skin care routine at home and maintain a healthy weight. 

Various medications can control your symptoms, including:

• Retinoids
• Steroid injections
• Hormonal contraceptives
• Antibiotics to avoid infection
• Biologics

Several surgeries and procedures can also help get rid of the bumps and tunnels in your skin from hidradenitis suppurativa. A dermatologist can incise and drain larger boils or provide laser therapy to alleviate or prevent severe symptoms. 

Call Integrated Dermatology of Montrose or book an appointment online to find out if your skin condition is hidradenitis suppurativa and explore treatments today.