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Hidradenitis Suppurativa

Hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) is a chronic disease of a type of sweat gland. It can occur in one or multiple areas of your body. HS usually develops in your armpits, groin and anal area. It causes long-term skin inflammation and can be painful.

Symptoms include

No one knows what causes HS. It is more common in women, African-Americans and people who have had acne. It usually starts after the teenage years. Treatments include antibiotics, anti-inflammatory medicines and sometimes surgery. Losing weight and wearing loose clothing can help, too.

Hidradenitis Suppurativa on Wikipedia

Overview

'''Hidradenitis suppurativa''' or '''HS''' is a poorly studied skin disease that affects areas bearing apocrine sweat glands and hair follicles; such as the underarms, groin and buttocks, and under the breasts in women. The disease manifests as clusters of chronic abscesses, often as large as baseballs, that are extremely painful to the touch and may persist for years with occasional to frequent periods of inflammation, culminating in drainage, often leaving open wounds that will not heal. Drainage provides some relief from severe, often debilitating, pressure pain. These '''flare-ups''' are often triggered by stress, hormonal changes, or humid heat. Persistent lesions may lead to the formation of sinus tracts, or tunnels connecting the abscesses under the skin. At this stage, complete healing is usually not possible, and progression of the disease in the area is inevitable. Occurrences of bacterial infections and cellulitis (deep tissue inflammation) are likely at these sites. HS pain is difficult to manage. HS often goes undiagnosed for years because patients are ashamed to speak with anyone. When they do see a doctor, the disease is frequently misdiagnosed or prescribed treatments are ineffective, temporary and sometimes even harmful. There is no known cure nor any consistently effective treatment. Although HS is considered a rare disease, its incidence rate is estimated as high as 1 in 300 people. '''Other names for HS'''
Hidradenitis Supportiva
Acne Inversa (AI)
Apocrine Acne
Acne conglobata
Apocrinitis
Verneuil's disease
Velpeau's disease
Fox-den disease
Pyodermia sinifica fistulans

Stages

HS presents itself in three stages: # a few minor sites with rare inflammation; may be mistaken for acne. # frequent inflammations restrict movement and require minor surgery. # inflammation of sites to the size of golf balls, or sometimes baseballs; scarring develops, including subcutaneous ...   [ Read More ]

External Resources

Yahoo Groups: Hidradenitis Suppurativa Awareness - Details about the group and its purpose which is to spread the word and offer support through activism.

UK Hidradenitis Suppurativa Support - Includes basic bactereological facts, self help hints, and articles from the UK press.

Hidradenitis Suppurativa Support Group - UK and Ireland - UK-based member of HIDE International. Includes FAQs, care and treatment details, information about UK disability benefits and help options, and message board.

Dermatlas - Offers a Dynamic Hidradenitis Suppurativa image collection.

Hidradenitis Suppurativa Links - Find a comprehensive listing of links relating to all aspects of HS.

Hidradenitis Suppurativa - Dedicated to bring about awareness and understanding of HS; an organization dedicated to providing a service to the sufferers of this disease. From Athenea, Inc.

Hidradenitis Suppurativa - An illustrated personal view of living with HS - with sarcastic pain control. Contains adult warning on front page.

HS Research Report - Research report for the healing of hidradenitis suppurativa. Offers program for the healing of HS through lifestyle changes.

Hidradenitis Patiënten Vereniging - Vereniging met als doel informatie uit wisselen en gezamenlijke belangen behartigen in de strijd tegen Hidradenitis Suppurativa (acne inversa/ectopisch acne). FAQ, persoonlijke verhalelen, artikelen en tips.

AFRH - Association Française pour la Recherche sur l'Hidrosadénite - L'hidrosadénite Suppurée chronique est aussi connue sous le nom de Maladie de Verneuil, Hidradenitis Suppurativa ou Acné Inversa.

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