Hidradenitis Suppurativa

Hidradenitis suppurativa is a painful skin condition three times more common in women than men. There’s no cure, but treatments can help manage the disease and prevent complications. At Restore Wound Healing in Rockwall, Texas, wound care specialist Lince Varughese, MD, and his team provide high-quality care for hidradenitis suppurativa. While the office is based in Rockwall, the practice also sees patients from surrounding areas. Call Restore Wound Healing today to schedule an appointment, or book your visit online.

What is hidradenitis suppurativa?

Hidradenitis suppurativa, or acne inversa, causes small, painful bumps to form underneath your skin. These bumps can occur anywhere on the body but commonly affect areas where the skin rubs together, such as the armpits, breasts, buttocks, and groin.

Most people first develop symptoms between the ages of 20 and 40. Although the condition tends to worsen over time, treatment can relieve symptoms and improve your quality of life. 

What are the symptoms of hidradenitis suppurativa?

Hidradenitis suppurativa symptoms include:

• Blackheads
• Painful pea-sized lumps beneath the skin that last weeks or months
• Bumps that break open and ooze pus
• Tunnels that form beneath the skin

The condition affects everyone differently, but certain lifestyle factors can exacerbate side effects. For example, smokers and overweight people often experience more severe symptoms.

When should I see a doctor about hidradenitis suppurativa?

Make an appointment at Restore Wound Healing if you have any symptoms of hidradenitis suppurativa. That’s especially true if the growths are painful, appear in several locations, and affect your mobility. The sooner treatment begins, the less likely you are to experience complications. 

How is hidradenitis suppurativa diagnosed?

Dr. Varughese reviews your medical records, asks about your symptoms, and completes a head-to-toe skin exam. There isn’t a specific test that confirms hidradenitis suppurativa, so it often takes time to verify a diagnosis.

If any of your bumps have broken the skin, Dr. Varughese collects a drainage sample and sends it to a lab for analysis.

How is hidradenitis suppurativa treated?

Dr. Varughese takes an integrative, minimally invasive approach to treating hidradenitis suppurativa at Restore Wound Healing. He could suggest:

• Topical antibiotics to manage mild symptoms
• Corticosteroid injections to reduce swelling and inflammation
• Hormone therapy to manage moderate to severe symptoms
• Biologic injections to support your immune system
• Oral retinoids (skin medications)
• Pain medication

If you have broken abscesses or tunnels beneath your skin, Dr. Varughese combines the above treatments with surgery. Several types of surgery exist. Depending on your needs, he might recommend:

• Removing tissue to expose the tunnels beneath your skin (uncovering)
• Removing a single inflamed bump (punch debridement)
• Laser therapy
• Surgical lump removal
• Incision and drainage to relieve pain and reduce swelling

Call Restore Wound Healing today to schedule a hidradenitis suppurativa consultation, or book your appointment online.