Treatment for hidradenitis suppurativa ( HS ) varies calculate on the condition ’s severity . former HS can be manageable with medication , while more severe cases may require both medication and operating theater .

HS , also known as acne inversa , is a chronic skin condition that causes inflaming in areas of cutis that rub together and contain sweat secreter , such as the armpits and groin . The precondition happens when there is a blockage in the whisker follicle , causing dreadful , boiling point - like clod to take form under the skin .

Without suitable treatment , HS can leave in major scarring . Treatment commonly call for slenderize pain and managing the frequency and severity of prisonbreak . Many medications can help treat minor to moderate lawsuit of HS . In more knockout cases , a doctor may prescribe stronger drugs or recommend a operative routine .

Collage with a blister pack and healthcare professional wearing PPE 1

Antibiotics

Typically , topicalantibioticsare thefirst - line treatmentforearly HSbecause of their anti - incendiary properties and antimicrobial effects . A person can administer this intervention immediately onto their skin to aid obliterate bacterium that may have enter the blocked secretor or hair follicle , whichcan contributetoinflammation .

According to the United Kingdom’sNational Health Service ( NHS ) , a individual will typicallyusea chlorhexidine wash , which they can use as a easy lay replacement , or aclindamycinlotion , which they can apply doubly per twenty-four hours .

In other cases , a MD may prescribe unwritten antibiotics , which a individual pack by back talk . doc may need to prescribe dissimilar combinations , strong suit , and courses of antibiotics to find an efficient intervention . Thismay include :

When use up antibiotics , it is important to comply a doctor ’s directions . Thiscan includetaking the course exactly as they dictate , wearing clothes that protect the skin from the sun , and using sunblock .

Hormonal therapy

research worker do not fully understand the persona of hormone inHS . However , many peoplereport that HS symptom worsen before catamenial full stop and after pregnancy . There isalso a linkbetween HS and metabolic conditions , such asdiabetes , that affectblood sugar spirit level .

As such , some people may do good from hormonal therapies , such as :

Possible side issue can vary depending on the hormonal therapy . For model , spironolactonecancauseirregular period , breast hurting , andlow blood pressure , while Glucophage may causeabdominal painanddiarrhea .

Steroids

To help reduce inflammation , a doctormay prescibea mild topical steroid , steroid hormone tab , or a steroid injection . A2022 taxonomical reviewnotes that intralesionalcorticosteroids(steroid injections a doctor administers direct into a lesion ) can be a safe and effectual treatment for HS .

grant to theNHS , possible side effect of steroid can let in :

Biologics and biosimilars

If initial treatment is ineffective , a doctormay considerprescribingbiologics or biosimilars , which are specialized medications that derive from living cell and organisms , like flora or animal cadre .

Biologics or biosimilars help manage HS bysuppressingspecific part of the immune system , helpingreduce fervor .

At present , two biologics have approval from the Food and Drug Administration ( FDA ) for treating HS . These includeadalimumab , a monoclonal antibody , andsecukinumab , an interleukin inhibitor .

It is significant to note that because these medications suppress the immune system , mass may be susceptible toinfectionwhile taking them .

Surgery

If medicinal drug alone are not effective , a MD may recommendsurgery . Typically , surgical discussion ismore effectivein compounding with medicine .

A doctor may use a surgical blade , optical maser , or other surgical instrument to enfeeble a painful bump orremovean abscess or wound that keeps return after treatment . Doctors will choose the most desirable operative choice calculate on the individual .

Surgery is normally an effective pick for managing HS . A small2022 studynotes that many people report mellow gratification rates and rapid recovery . However , complications can occur . The study point that only45%of those who underwent HS surgery progressed to elementary wound healing with no complications .

After surgery , it is essential to like for the surgical wound to help prevent an infection . A doctor will provide teaching for wound care , such as regularly transfer stuffing and using an antiseptic lavation .

Self-care options

grant to theAmerican Academy of Dermatology Association , the following ego - concern confidential information can facilitate with managing HS :

Learn aboutHS home redress .

Summary

discussion options for HS may vary depending on the rigour of the condition . With earlier HS , a doctor may commend antibiotics , hormonal therapy , or steroids . In more severe cases , they may urge biologics or surgery .

In addition to medicinal drug and surgery , multitude can also watch self - care tips to help them manage the shape . This can include using antimicrobic washes , affectionate water compresses , and an effective antiperspirant .