Hidradenitis Suppurativa (HS) is a painful, debilitating chronic inflammatory skin disease, causing abscesses and nodules in the apocrine glands. Targeting the armpits, groin, skin folds and under the breast, these lumps can become infected, causing a discharge of puss, sinus impediment and scarring. 

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Hidradenitis Suppurativa Causes 

Affecting three times more females than males Hidradenitis Suppurativa often presents at puberty and is active between 20-40 years, potentially slowing or resolving during menopause. As well as this, 30-40% of sufferers also have other family members with the same condition. 

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This autoinflammatory syndrome is not fully understood although development factors have been identified as abnormal skin, blocked hair follicles and disruptive inflammation of the apocrine glands and ducts. While the cause is unknown,  there are many pertinent risk factors and know associations.

 

These include: 

• Obesity 

• Smoking 

• Inflammatory bowel disease 

• Other skin disorders (psoriasis, acne etc...)

• Certain types of drugs

• Coexistent conditions include 

  • Hypertension​

  • Diabetes Mellitus 

  • Thyroid Disorders 

  • Polycystic Ovary Syndrome 

  • Arthropathies 

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Hidradenitis Suppurativa Treatments 

While there is no cure, there is a variety of treatment options. A consultation with a dermatologist at the Queensland Institute of Dermatology will be the first step, where you can be assessed, and an appropriate course of treatment can be determined. 

 

Treatment options at the Queensland Institue of Dermatology include: 

• Topical Washes/ Antibiotics 

• Oral Antibiotics 

• Hormonal Therapies 

• Steroid and steroid agents for acute flares 

• Laser 

• Surgery 

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