Hidradenitis Suppurativa Awareness Week
Dr. Francisca Kartono practices dermatology in Northville, MI. Dermatology is a medical specialty that focuses on the understanding and treatment of diseases of the skin, hair, and nails.
June 7-11, 2021, is Hidradenitis Suppurativa awareness week and I would like to provide some useful self-care tips for those who are living with or caring for someone with Hidradenitis Suppurativa (HS). This past year with this COVID-19 pandemic has been anything but routine and normal for all of us, and this undoubtedly poses a bigger risk of stress and flare-ups for those of us with chronic skin diseases. Our structured days become tremendously different and potentially more stressful in lockdown, and with these changes comes a level of anxiousness and stress that can lead to worsening of our skin’s predispositions. I hope with the following tips and tricks in the article, I can help keep your skin wellness a priority, especially for those who have HS.
What is Hidradenitis Suppurativa?
HS is a debilitating, chronic, complex systemic inflammatory skin disease. It can have a huge impact on one’s quality of life physically, mentally, and emotionally. HS consists of extremely painful recurring bumps or abscesses that can develop anywhere hair follicles are found. Hair follicles are present throughout the body with the exception of the palms of our hands, soles of feet, and lips. Therefore, it is possible to get hidradenitis lesions anywhere on the body.
Who gets HS?
The majority of patients getting HS are women (3:1 ratio in women: men), although men can also get HS. Family members with HS seem to be found in 10% of HS patients. Smokers, unhealthy lifestyles, and being obese or overweight are often factors found in patients with HS. There is also a predisposition for African American patients diagnosed with HS over other ethnic backgrounds.
What does HS look like?
HS can look like acne, boils, tunnels in the skin, or painful lumps on the skin. Many patients are diagnosed initially with acne or infections. It takes an average of 7 years for an HS patient to get the correct diagnoses, thus consulting a dermatologist is key in this regard.
What can you do to prevent HS from becoming severe?
Early diagnosis and correct management are key. Certain healthier lifestyle changes can be adopted early and may prevent the worsening course of HS. Some key lifestyle changes that can help improve HS :
- Give up smoking.
- Have a healthy diet and lose weight if obese or overweight, adopting a paleo, low carb, low sugar, or autoimmune diet has been reported to help HS.
- Don’t habitually pop the “pimples” or cysts.
- Do reduce shaving and go see if you are a candidate for laser hair removal options, talk to your doctor.
Other over-the-counter skin products and tips I recommend often for HS flares:
- 10% benzoyl peroxide wash or CLN wash for its antimicrobial properties.
- Sodium hypochlorite sprays to use as antimicrobial topicals.
- Fragrance-free gentle washes such as Cerave hydrating cleanser and Cetaphil gentle cleanser.
- Warm compresses to reduce swelling.
- Non-tape elastic bandages are better than paper tape, which is better than regular adhesive bandaids to keep dressings in place when avoiding skin tears.
- Loose breathable clothing over tight athletic clothing.
How can a doctor help my HS condition?
Your doctor can help assess your HS, correctly diagnose you if it is or is not HS, and advise on interventions that can be done to help with symptoms. Medical interventions may include prescription washes, ointments, and oral pills or injections. Surgical interventions can also be done to remove areas of HS.
Your doctor will not be able to cure your HS, but there are options your doctor can prescribe or recommend to alleviate pain and discomfort, and most importantly, we can be there for you and have an honest discussion of what to expect and what can be done for your HS.
Support groups such as www.HopeforHS.org, www.hs-foundation.org, and www.nobsabouths.com are also great resources for patients looking to learn more about HS, wondering about a diagnosis of HS, and those looking to connect with others with HS.
A dermatologist amongst other medical specialists out there, is a specialist with extra training in skin diseases and will be more attuned to the detection and early diagnosis of HS. Discuss your situation with a dermatologist if you suspect you may have symptoms of HS.
