Language
Country/Area
No result found
Pain hidden deep under the skin: Do you know what hidradenitis suppurativa is?
In the medical community, hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) is a little-known skin disease also known as "inverse acne" or "Weirnel's disease." This long-term skin disease is characterized by inflamed and swollen bumps that are often accompanied by severe pain and may rupture, releasing fluid or pus. The most obvious affected areas include the armpits, under the breasts, perineum, buttocks and groin. These symptoms not only cause physical pain to patients, but may also greatly limit their daily activities.
HS patients often face difficulties in daily activities such as walking, hugging, sitting, etc., and fibrosis and scar tissue are left after healing.
The exact cause of the condition is generally unknown, but most experts believe that both genetic and environmental factors play a role in the development of HS. About a third of patients have a family member affected by the disease, and other risk factors include obesity and smoking. Although many people may mistakenly believe that HS is caused by infection, poor hygiene, or the use of deodorant, this is not the case.
The condition usually develops in young adulthood and is three times more common in women than in men. According to historical records, the disease was first described by French anatomist Alfred Velpeau between 1833 and 1839. Various factors such as genetic susceptibility, hormone abnormalities, overweight and stress may be triggers of HS.
Diagnosis and Staging
The diagnosis of HS is usually based on clinical symptoms, but because of insufficient information, many patients experience a slow diagnosis and treatment process before a definitive diagnosis is reached. Globally, it takes an average of more than seven years to be diagnosed.
The staging system for HS is an important tool for early diagnosis. Hurley's staging system is widely used, dividing HS into three main stages, and the treatment plan is determined according to the extent and trauma of the lesions.
Treatment Options
Current treatment options for HS include a variety of nonsurgical and surgical options. Based on the latest research, the European Commission approved Cosentyx (secukinumab) as a new treatment option for moderate to severe HS in 2023.
Other treatments include antibiotics, immunosuppressants, laser therapy, and surgical resection.
People with chronic lesions often require surgery to remove the lesions and use skin grafts to promote wound healing. In mild cases, warm baths and weight loss are also recommended as adjunctive therapies.
Psychological impact and quality of life
HS symptoms often lead to social isolation and physical and mental health challenges for patients. According to a 2020 meta-analysis, 21% of people with HS experience symptoms of depression, while 12% experience anxiety disorders. Even more worryingly, the suicide rate among these patients is twice that of the general population.
As awareness of HS increases, so does society's concern about the condition. The intervention of a multi-professional team, combined with a social support network and psychological intervention can significantly improve the patient's quality of life.
Future Outlook
Future research on HS needs to explore more about its pathogenesis, early diagnosis and effective treatment methods. With the advancement of medical technology, I believe the scientific community will be able to provide more targeted solutions to this life-threatening disease. The stories of many patients also remind us that this disease is not limited to skin symptoms, but also affects the patient's overall well-being and quality of life.
In a field so full of uncertainty, will scientific exploration bring hope?
