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Acne usually appears on the face, although it can occasionally appear on the back. However, if a pimple-like pimple appears in the armpit area, this is not an ordinary acne but hidradenitis suppurativa. Is this condition dangerous?
What is hidradenitis suppurativa?
Hidradenitis suppurativa is often confused with acne. Both of these conditions do have similar symptoms and signs. Both are painful, red lumps filled with pus, and can cause scars. However, hidradenitis suppurativa is completely different from acne.
Hidradenitis suppurativa or acne inversa is a chronic inflammation of the apocrine glands (a type of sweat gland). Meanwhile, acne is an inflammation of the skin due to blockage of oil glands.
Hydradenitis nodules usually appear in places where it is easy to sweat. Most often in the armpit area, but it can also appear on the genital area, groin, chest, and buttocks.
Another difference between regular acne and hidradenitis suppurativa is the size of the bumps. Bints due to hidradenitis suppurativa are usually larger in size with painful blistering and can develop into abscesses (pus-filled sacs).
Hidradenitis suppurativa is chronic and intermittent. Over time, the bumps can go away on their own, but they will leave a scar. Can range from changes in skin color to keloids. Usually after recovering, it will not take long before a lump will appear again in the same area.
Who is at risk for hidradenitis suppurativa?
This skin problem is more common in women than men. Usually, the first nodules appear around the age of 20.
In addition, it was found that smoking and obesity can increase a person's risk of developing these skin problems.
Some sources also suggest that people who have hidradenitis suppurativa are born to families with a history of similar diseases.
Can it be cured?
Until now, hidradenitis suppurativa has not been completely cured. There are several treatments for this condition that can control the symptoms, but no one can really cure it. The reason is, this condition is recurrent, aka come and go continuously.
Some things you can do are adjust your diet. A number of studies say that it reduces product consumption dairy-free (non-dairy / dairy free) can help relieve this condition. Besides the product dairy-free , also avoid consumption of foods high in sugar and starchy can help reduce recurrence rates.
It is important to maintain cleanliness, wear loose underwear (to reduce friction with the wound), and apply warm compresses to problem areas to reduce pain and inflammation.
