The patients experience painful boils under the arms, in the groin, under the breasts, in skin folds on the stomach or between the buttocks.
Some have painful nodules, others have large boils and times where pus drains.
When the patients have to describe how negatively this affects their everyday life and quality of life, they score the highest of all patients with skin diseases.
Many people find that it inhibits social interaction and is of great importance in relation to a partner.
The name hidradenitis (Gr. hidros ) is derived from the word "sweat" because it was previously thought that the cause was an inflammation of the sweat glands.
Today, it is known that the cause lies around the hair roots and the disease is perceived as an autoimmune condition where the body reacts with inflammation from within (inflammation) which targets the body's own cells.
The disease is believed to worsen with smoking and obesity.
The disease has nothing to do with poor hygiene.
There are several treatment options adapted to the severity of the symptoms.
All treatment attempts aim to alleviate the symptoms, but cannot cure the disease.
You usually start with antibiotic creams or tablets.
In the case of some deep boils and scarring areas, surgery or treatment with a CO2 laser may be appropriate.
For those with the most pronounced complaints, a biological treatment (adalimumab) has been approved that requires specialist follow-up.
Our dermatologists help people of all ages, from newborns to the elderly, with everything from simple skin changes to serious conditions.
Our dermatologists help people of all ages, from newborns to the elderly, with everything from simple skin changes to serious conditions.
