Dear friends and patients,

June 1-7, 2020 was Hidradenitis Suppurativa awareness week and I would like to provide some useful self-care tips for those who are living with or caring for someone with Hidradenitis Suppurativa (HS). The last few months with this COVID-19 pandemic have been anything but routine and normal for all of us, and this undoubtedly pose a bigger risk of stress and flare ups for those of us with chronic skin diseases. Our structured days become tremendously different in lockdown, and with these changes comes a level of anxiousness and stress that can lead to worsening of our skin’s predispositions. I hope with these tips and tricks we can help alleviate some of these stressors in order to keep your skin wellness a priority.

What is Hidradenitis Suppurativa?

HS is a debilitating, chronic, complex systemic inflammatory skin disease. It can have a huge impact on one’s quality of life physically, mentally, and emotionally. HS consists of extremely painful reccuring bumps or abscesses that can develop anywhere hair follicles are found. Hair follicles are present throughout the body with the exception of palms of our hands, soles of feet, and lips. Therefore, it is possible to get hidradenitis lesions anywhere on the body.

Who gets HS?

Majority of patients getting HS are women ( 3:1 ratio in women :men) , although men can also get HS. Family members with HS seems to be found in 10% of HS patients. Smokers, unhealthy lifestyles and being obese or overweight are often factors found in patients with HS. There is also a predisposition for African American patients diagnosed with HS over other ethnic backgrounds.

What does HS look like?

HS can look like acne, boils, tunnels in the skin, or painful lumps on the skin. Many patients are diagnosed initially as acne or infections. It takes an average of 7 years for an HS patient to get the correct diagnoses, thus consulting a dermatologist is key in this regard.

What can you do to prevent HS from becoming severe?

Early diagnosis and correct management is key. Some lifestyle changes can be adopted early and may prevent worsening course of HS. Some key lifestyle changes that will improve HS :

Over the counter items and other tips I recommend often for HS flares:

How can a doctor help my HS condition?

Your doctor can help assess your HS, correctly diagnose you if it is or is not HS, and advise on interventions that can be done to help with symptoms. Medical interventions may include prescription washes, ointments, and oral pills or injections. Surgical interventions can also be done to remove areas of HS.

Your doctor will not be able to cure your HS, but there are options your doctor can prescribe or recommend to alleviate pain and discomfort, and most importantly, we can be there for you and have an honest discussion of what to expect and what can be done for your HS.

Support groups such as www.HopeforHS.org , www.hs-foundation.org , and www.nobsabouths.com    are also great resources for patients looking to learn more about HS, wondering about a diagnosis of HS, and those looking to connect with others with HS.

Clinic and virtual visits are available by emailing dsbtelederm@thedermspecialists.com , or contact us at (810) 355 4300.

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