What is it about ?
Hidradenitis suppurativa (also known as Verneuil’s disease, acne inversa or acne ectopica) is a chronic skin condition that belongs to the family of acnes. It is characterized by abscess that come back regularly and leave scars. It is mainly observed in the groin and armpits.
At whom and how often do we meet it?
Hidradenitis suppurativa affects about 5 to 20 in 1,000 people. The condition often begins in young adulthood, but it can also appear later. Smokers, overweight people or people with metabolic syndrome suffer from it more often.
How to recognize it?
You notice lesions that look likeacne (blackheads, pimples, abscess) in the groin or armpit, usually on both sides. People often doacne or have had in the past.
How is the diagnosis made?
The doctor will recognize the condition just by looking at your skin.
He will ask you the following questions:
- Do you smoke ?
- Do you take medication ?
- Do you use hygienic or cosmetic products in these places?
- Do you live, work in a hot environment?
- Do you have to make significant physical efforts during your work? Does it make you sweat?
- Have you traveled to a hot country?
He will assess the impact of affection on your daily life.
If the lesions heal poorly, the doctor will have the fluid flowing from the wound done in the laboratory, and he will take a piece of skin (biopsy) for additional examinations.
What can you do ?
Try not to damage the skin by rubbing it. Optionally use talcum powder.
Try to lose weight if you are overweight. Stop smoking is also essential for faster healing.
What can your doctor do?
Treatment (usually long-term) aims to reduce symptoms as much as possible.
Your doctor may prescribe a gel that contains adapalene, benzoyl peroxide, tretinoin, or clindamycin, or a combination of these compounds. These products are also used foracne.
In case of crisis, apply a local treatment every day. When the symptoms subside, you can apply the gel 2-3 times a week. In the event of an outbreak, antibiotics are also usually prescribed for a week, up to 10 days. In severe cases, local treatment should be combined with antibiotics for 2 or 3 months.
The abscess Acute cases are sometimes treated with an incision to allow the pus to flow.
If the condition is very serious and the treatments listed above are not sufficient, you will be referred to a dermatologist or plastic surgeon.
Want to know more?
- Tretinoin (+ clindamycin) for the skin – CBIP – Belgian Center for Pharmacotherapeutic Information
- Adapalene for the skin – CBIP – Belgian Center for Pharmacotherapeutic Information
- Benzoyl peroxide for the skin – CBIP – Belgian Pharmacotherapeutic Information Center
Are you looking for more specialized help?
- Smoking Assistance Center (CAF®) – FARES – Respiratory Affections Fund
- Tobacco specialists – FARES – Respiratory Affections Fund
- Find a registered dietitian – Professional Union of French-speaking dieticians
- Find a nutritionist doctor – Belgian Society of Nutritionist Doctors
Source