Is it Severe Acne, or is it Hidradenitis Suppurativa?

Hidradenitis is a term used to describe diseases that are primarily inflammatory infiltrates around the hair follicles and oil and sweat glands.

This group of severe acne includes several different types of hidradenitis. One of the most severe is called hidradenitis suppurativa.

Hidradenitis suppurativa is a very severe form of acne that causes chronic skin inflammation. It often consists of pitted areas with blackheads and pea-sized lumps under the skin. This condition can develop into very tender lesions that sometimes enlarge to the point that they break open and drain pus and foul smelling fluid. Itching and burning also accompany it. These types of acne sores continually leak fluid and heal very slowly, and eventually lead to scaring.

Hidradenitis suppurativa is a very severe acne condition that usually affects areas with excessive sweat glands and hair follicles; such as the underarms, groin and buttocks. It is more commonly found in women and can be present under the breasts.

Symptoms usually start with a painful lesion that can last for weeks or months. For some people the symptoms are mild, but for others the lesions may worsen and spread.

This severe form of acne can turn into clusters of abscesses or boils that are extremely painful to the touch and may persist for years with occasional to frequent periods of inflammation, culminating in drainage of pus and often leaving open wounds that will not heal.

Flare-ups may be triggered by stress, perspiration, hormonal changes (such as monthly cycles in women), humid heat, and clothing friction.

Persistent lesions may lead to scarring and the formation of sinus tracts, or tunnels connecting the abscesses under the skin. At this stage, complete healing is usually not possible, and progression varies from person to person, with some experiencing remission anywhere from months to years at a time, others may worsen and require surgery.

Mild cases of acne can often be treated with self-care, but more severe cases of acne and certainly hidradenitis suppurativa may require prescription medication or even surgery.

The Point

The whole point of this article is to stress the importance of the proper care of your Acne! Acne is a serious condition that needs treatment. When your acne gets out of control, or home remedies and over-the-counter medications are not working - Get To A Doctor.

There are other factors that can cause acne that should also be considered and treated.