Hidraentitis suppurativa is a chronic inflammatory condition of the sweat glands (called as apocrine or sebaceous glands) and hair follicles.The apocrine glands are found in the axillae (arm pits), areola surrounding the nipples and anal canal. They open into the hair follicles. This may present as a group of boils or abscesses.

It is also found in areas of skin,which come in contact with each other like the sub mammary folds under the breasts and inner thighs.

There is long-term skin inflammation and it can be extremely painful.

STAGES

The patient of Hyradenitis would present at any stage.

Stage 1: In this stage there is development of multiple areas of inflammation and pus but there is no development of sinus tracts or scar formations.

Here the patient presents with blackheads, red, painful bumps that feel like hardened lumps under the skin. These are the abscesses. Gradually these abscesses become bigger, break open and there is leakage of pus from the tracts.

Stage 2: There is formation of pus in multiple areas,which can spread to other areas and form tunnels under the skin between the abscesses.

Stage 3: Along with pus formation and tunnel formations in multiple areas, scarring takes place.

DIAGNOSIS OF HIDRADENITIS SUPPURATIVA

Usually Hidradenitis suppurativa is diagnosed at later stages. In its early stages it might get mistaken for boils, carbuncles and other skin infections because the presentation is similar. It is very painful condition and can cause disability.However, it is rarely fatal unless the patient is immuno-compromised and if it has other generalized (systemic) infection.

CAUSES OF HIDRADENITIS SUPPURATIVA

The exact cause of hydradenitis is unknown.Certain conditions that do not directly cause Hydradenitissuppurativa but can worsen it are obesity, stress, onset of menstrual periods, extreme heat, extreme perspiration etc.

It is more common in women as compared to men, African-Americans and people who have had acne in the past. It usually starts after teenage and post puberty in females.

HOMEOPATHIC TREATMENT OF HIDRADENITIS SUPPURATIVA

The aim of treatment is to reduce the extent and progression of the disease to bring the patient back to a milder stage.

Homeopathic medicines will enhance the self-healing potential of the individual and help in the healing of the ulcers and sinus tracts, treat the existing lesions and reduce the pain to a marked degree. After all this condition has chronic inflammation, which needs to be addressed by anti-inflammatory homeopathic medicines.

Som useful medicine for this condition are Bellis perennis, Hepar sulphuricum., Arnica montana, Silicea, Hecklalava, Lachesis

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