Hidradenitis Suppurativa Symptoms and Causes
Hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) is an inflammatory condition that affects the skin, causing painful, deep-seated lumps. It affects both men and women and can be a source of significant stress and anxiety. The HS Foundation Canada is a charity dedicated to improving the quality of life for people suffering from this condition. Our mission is to provide support, education, resources, and advocacy to dermatologists offering care for those living with HS every day.
Hidradenitis Suppurativa Symptoms
-Painful lumps – These are usually red or black in color and can appear on any area of the body where sweat glands are found (e.g., armpits, groin, back). They typically start off small but can become larger over time and can result in scarring or disfigurement.
-Recurrent infections – Since HS lesions often get infected easily by bacteria or fungi, recurrent skin infections are common in people with this condition.
-Fatigue – Many people with HS suffer from chronic fatigue due to their bodies having to constantly fight off infections.
-Itching – Itchiness is also common as a result of inflammation caused by HS lesions.
-Skin discoloration – People with HS may experience lightening or darkening of their skin around the affected areas. This discoloration will usually fade away eventually without treatment.
-Fluid drainage – Fluid drainage is a sign that a lesion has burst open due to infection or pressure buildup inside it. This fluid may contain pus and blood cells and can cause an unpleasant smell if not kept clean regularly.
Causes of Hidradenitis Suppurativa
Genetics – Some researchers believe that there could be an underlying genetic link associated with this condition as it tends to run in families
Hormones – High levels of certain hormones such as insulin have been linked to increased risk for developing HS
Obesity – Studies have shown that being overweight increases your chances of developing this condition
Smoking – Smoking has long been known to worsen symptoms of various inflammatory conditions; this includes hidradenitis suppurativa too
Stress – Stress has been known to trigger flare-ups in many chronic conditions, including HS
The team at the HS Foundation Canada is dedicated to providing you with all the support you need when living with this challenging medical issue. We provide free online resources, videos, blogs and forums so you can learn more about managing patients’ Hidradenitis Suppurativa symptoms effectively and find community support when you need it most. Visit our website today for more information!
Recap
-Hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) is an inflammatory condition that causes painful lumps on the skin which can become infected easily leading to further complications
-Common symptoms include itching, painful lumps, fatigue, recurrent infections, discoloration of the skin surrounding affected areas and fluid drainage from lesions if they burst open
-Possible causes include genetics, obesity, smoking or consumption of certain hormones such as insulin during adolescence plus prolonged stress or anxiety levels during adulthood
-Visit our website today for more information about how we can help you manage your symptoms effectively and connect you with other members within our supportive community network
