Reginia Dodson | UAB Community Health and Human Services Intern

Hidradenitis Suppurativa (HS) chronic skin condition is also referred to as “Acne Inversa” which inflames the skin because bacteria, keratin, and sweat builds up in hair follicles. This results in pus-filled abscesses to various parts of the human anatomy if not treated at the onset. These pus-filled follicles eventually burst causing severe painful lesions to certain parts of the body (Health Central, 2022) HS is a painful yet chronic inflammatory disease of the skin that affects the inherent unpredictability of the health of the infected individual. If it goes untreated with respect to the course and severity of the disease and the response to treatment will pose significant challenges for patients especially African American women.

HS causes pimple-like bumps or boils on and under the skin. This skin disease is chronic (long- lasting) and can be severely painful for prolonged periods of time. HS is not contagious and does not spread from one individual to another. HS starts in the hair follicle in the skin and happens mainly where areas of skin may touch or rub together. HS is not caused by neglecting personal hygiene. In many cases, the cause of this skin disease is actually unknown. African American women are more likely to get HS than men, and it is more common in the African American community than in other communities. HS often appears around puberty and the areas of infection and symptom level can fluctuate based on the severity and affection rate (NIH, 2023)

There’s no lab or blood test that will diagnose the disease. Instead, medical providers conduct a detailed medical history and do a thorough skin check. Before the physical exam, your doctor will want to know about your symptoms. Your physician may inquire about how often these outbreaks happen, how long the lesions last, where they occur, and if anyone in your family has had a similar condition. If your dermatologist suspects you may have another chronic condition along with HS (and many patients do) or you have a high BMI (Body Mass Index), you’ll get your blood tested to check your cholesterol, triglycerides, and blood sugar. The goal of treatment is simple: to stop or reduce the pain and drainage and prevent the nodules from coming back or at least lengthen the time between flares. One biologic drug has been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) specifically for treating HS and another is sometimes prescribed off-label for this purpose as well. If you believe you may be showing symptoms of HS, don’t hesitate to seek medical attention, so the relief can begin.

References:

Health Central (2022, Jan) Hidradenitis Suppurativa: Everything You Need to Know.

https://www.healthcentral.com/condition/hidradenitis-suppurativa

NIH (2023) Hidradenitis Suppurativa (HS) Basics. https://www.niams.nih.gov/health-

topics/hidradenitis-suppurativa-hs/basics/symptoms-causes