Hidradenitis suppurativa (HS)

Symptoms of hidradenitis suppurativa

The symptoms of hidradenitis suppurativa range from mild to severe.

It causes a mixture of red boil-like lumps, blackheads, cysts, scarring and channels in the skin that leak pus.

The condition tends to start with a firm pea-sized lesion that develops in one place. This will either disappear or rupture and ooze pus after a few hours or days.

New lumps will then often develop in an area nearby.

If these aren't controlled with medication, larger lumps may develop and spread.

Narrow channels called sinus tracts also form under the skin that break out on the surface and leak pus.

Hidradenitis suppurativa is very painful.

The lumps develop on the skin in the following areas:

• around the groin and genitals
• in the armpits
• on the buttocks and around the anus (back passage)
• below the breasts

The abscesses may also spread to:

• the nape of the neck
• waistband
• inner thighs

Other isolated areas that have been known to be affected include:

• the front or back of the legs
• the sides
• the back area
• the face

Some of the lumps may become infected with bacteria, causing a secondary infection that will need to be treated with antibiotics.

Many people with hidradenitis suppurativa also develop a pilonidal sinus. This is a small hole or ’tunnel’ in the skin.

For reasons that are unclear, more women than men have the condition. It's thought to affect about one per cent of the population.

Causes of hidradenitis suppurativa

The exact cause of hidradenitis suppurativa is unclear.  The lumps develop as a result of blocked hair follicles.

Smoking and obesity are both strongly associated with hidradenitis suppurativa. 

If you're obese and/ or smoke, it's likely to make your symptoms worse.

Hidradenitis suppurativa usually starts around puberty, but it can occur at any age.

It's less common before puberty and after the menopause. This may suggest that the sex hormones play a part.

Many people with the condition also have acne and hirsutism (excessive hair growth).

In rare cases, hidradenitis suppurativa may be linked to Crohn's disease. This is particularly if it develops around the groin area and the skin near the anus.

Crohn's disease is a long-term condition. It causes the lining of the digestive system to become inflamed.

Hidradenitis suppurativa runs in families in about a third of all cases.

It's not infectious and isn't linked to poor hygiene.

Diagnosing hidradenitis suppurativa

There's no definitive test to help diagnose hidradenitis suppurativa.

Your GP will examine the affected areas of skin.  They may take a swab of an infected area.

This can be helpful in making a diagnosis because the condition isn't usually associated with the presence of bacteria that cause skin infections.

Hidradenitis suppurativa could potentially be mistaken for acne or folliculitis (inflammation of the hair follicles).

Treating hidradenitis suppurativa

Hidradenitis suppurativa is a lifelong, recurring condition. The condition requires constant management and is often difficult to manage.

It's important to try to recognise and diagnose the condition in its early stages and prevent it getting worse.

Treatment for hidradenitis suppurativa will depend on your symptoms. In the early stages, it may be controlled with medication.

Surgery may be required in severe or persistent cases. Your GP will discuss treatment options with you.

Lifestyle advice

If you have hidradenitis suppurativa you should:

• lose any excess weight
• stop smoking, if you smoke
• use an antiseptic skin wash or antiseptic soap – this may be prescribed alongside other treatment (see above)
• hold a warm flannel on the lumps to encourage the pus to drain
• wear loose-fitting clothes
• avoid shaving affected skin and avoid wearing perfume or perfumed deodorants in the affected areas

Outlook

Although hidradenitis suppurativa can persist for many years, if it's diagnosed early the symptoms can be improved with treatment.

The condition can have a significant impact on a person's everyday life.

Having to regularly change dressings and constantly live with the pain, discomfort and embarrassment of the symptoms can affect your quality of life and lead to depression.

Speak to your GP if you're having problems coping with the condition.

More useful links

• How to use your health services
• Hidradenitis suppurativa