Symptoms | Hidradenitis Suppurativa

An Overview of Hidradenitis Suppurativa

Hidradenitis Suppurativa (or HS) is a chronic skin disorder that usually affects the sebaceous and sweat glands in various areas of the body like the groin, inner thighs, underarms, and breasts. The non-communicable disease, also occasionally called Acne Inversa, typically manifests as clusters of long-term, painful, pus-filled cysts of varying types.

Symptoms of the disease can include blackheads; red abscesses that can grow, leak and break open; inflammation; lesions; scarring; and infections that can form in subcutaneous tracts. Abscesses associated with HS can inflame to the size of golf balls or sometimes baseballs. Rarely, severe complications can lead to a type of cancer and, even more rarely, death.

HS is understudied and easily misdiagnosed. As such, there is a lack of consensus among experts regarding causes. It is believed to occur when apocrine glands become plugged due to excessive sweating, genetic predisposition, bacterial infection, genetic disorders in cells, or other factors. It is more common in woman and adults, and can be exacerbated by obesity, tight clothing, and very humid climates.

Treatments vary depending on severity. They can include alterations in lifestyle like avoiding inflammatory foods, losing weight, using warm compresses, icing inflamed areas, and hydrotherapy. Medical treatments include antibiotics and a wide variety of drugs, therapies, and electron beam radiotherapy. More severe HS can be treated via surgeries in which the affected area is removed and skin grafts are applied.

There is much to be understood about hidradenitis suppurativa. But given advancements in medicine and continued study of the rare skin disease, HS treatments will become more effective and severe cases, even more rare.

Filed Under: General, Symptoms | Tagged: Tagged With: Cutaneous conditions, Hidradenitis Suppurativa, Sweat gland

Hidradenitis Suppurativa Treatment

Image via Wikipedia

Hidradenitis suppurativa is a skin disease that affects areas that contain sweat glands, such as the underarms, inner thighs, and breasts. People often refer to it as a severe form of acne. This disease causes abscesses, or puss filled, blister-like sores and often results in scars. These abscesses are extremely painful leave wounds that often will not heal.

There are several misconceptions about this disease, but despite these misconceptions, Hidradenitis suppurativa is not contagious or caused because of poor hygiene. This disease may be linked to genetics, and women with a history of acne are more likely to get it. If you think you are susceptible to hidradenitis suppurativa or that you may have it, there are ways to treat it.

This disease is treated by certain antibiotics given either orally or applied to the skin. In some mild cases, simply applying warm compresses and washing the affected area with soap can help treat it, but in more severe cases certain medication is required.

There is no definite way to prevent a flare-up once you have it, but avoiding tight clothing, hot climates, shaving, deodorant, and stress, may help to prevent it. Maintaining a healthy diet and exercise schedule may also prevent flair-ups.

The best way to get the best treatment is to talk to your doctor. The sooner you talk to your doctor, the faster you can get treated without it getting out of hand. Your doctor will be able to prescribe an antibiotic that will help treat your disease, which will prevent pain and scarring.

Filed Under: Health, Symptoms, Tests and Diagnosis, Treatments and Drugs | Tagged: Tagged With: Disease, Health, Hidradenitis Suppurativa

What Causes Hirdradenitis Suppurativa

Whenever anyone suffers from an illness or medical condition they want to know why the condition is happening to them. If you are experiencing problems with hidradenitis suppurativa you may be wondering exactly what the cause of this skin condition is. Here is a look at the cause of hidradenitis suppurativa.

Hirdradenitis suppurativa is a skin condition that occurs when the various glands of the body become blocked. Usually the blockage occurs in the armpits, groin and hair follicle area. The blockage is usually filled with dirt, bodily fluids, dead skin cells and other matter that has become trapped within the oil and sweat glands. Many medical experts believe that the blockage is a result of the mixture of these foreign substances and the oil or sweat the body produces.

When these areas of the body experience a blockage it can then attract various types of bacteria. When bacteria are introduced to this condition it can result in the painful, tender bumps and lesions of the body that are part of having hidradenitis suppurativa. The bumps and lesions become painful due to the inflammation that is caused by the infection and blockage of the pores and sweat or oil glands.

At the moment it is unclear exactly why this particular skin condition exists. There have been many tests and research conducted to figure out exactly why the sweat and oil glands start to act like this. One of the most common beliefs regarding this condition is that it can be directly related to other auto-immune diseases such as Crohn’s disease or Graves’ disease. However, there is no solid evidence that these conditions are directly related to the skin condition. Another common belief is that this skin condition is really just aggravated by surrounding environmental factors such as exposure to smoke, pollen or gaining weight and could be a condition that is more environmental than medical.

Filed Under: Symptoms | Tagged: Tagged With: Cutaneous conditions, Hidradenitis Suppurativa, Skin

Symptoms of Hidradenitis Suppurativa

Hidradenitis suppurativa is a rare skin condition that will usually start to show up around puberty. While this skin condition will usually start out like a mild form of acne it can turn into something a lot worse. Many dermatologists and health care providers recommend that those that believe that they have this type of skin condition seek early medical attention as it can lead to less symptoms and a great chance to prevent scarring.

In order to seek medical attention you will need to know what type of symptoms come with the skin condition of hidradenitis suppurativa. Here is a list of the symptoms that are commonly associated with this skin condition.

Blackheads. Blackheads are the first signs of this skin condition. These are usually small tiny pitted areas of the skin. Blackheads are usually common as the pores of the body get clogged. However, with this skin condition many people will experience blackheads in pairs which give it an appearance of having a double barrel.

Red Bumps. Red bumps will usually start to form over time with this skin condition. The bumps will usually start out small and eventually grow to an enlarged size. Many times these bumps are tender to the touch and can be extremely painful. These bumps can also contain a large amount of pus and when it drains there will be a foul odor. Also accompanying the bumps can be extreme itching, a burning sensation or even excessive sweating.

Small Lumps. These small lumps will start to form under the skin in areas where the sweat glands are present. For many people these bumps are not painful but they can over time start to enlarge and become inflamed.

Leaking Bumps or Open Sores. The bumps or sores of the body will open up and drain themselves naturally. These sores or bumps will usually be present in parts of the body that have sweat or oil glands. In many cases when the bumps or sores drain it will take a long time to heal which can cause the excessive scarring that is present with this condition.

Filed Under: Health, Symptoms | Tagged: Tagged With: Cutaneous conditions, Health care provider, Hidradenitis Suppurativa

Some Easy Steps To Prevent Eczema

A patch of eczema that has been scratched

Image via Wikipedia

Eczema is one of the most irritating skin diseases. It creates many problems in your daily life. Anyone of you can get attacked of this infection. But it can be prevented by taking some precautions and steps. Keep it in your mind that any kind of irritants is the source of eczema. Irritants can be developed into eczema. So, always try to be away from it at the initial stage. The clothes you wear should be washed and cleaned always. Avoid using tight undergarments and wash it daily if possible. Many medicines and lotions are there with which you can prevent it.

Many people think that some fancy lotions and creams are enough to cure eczema quickly. Actually it is a wrong notion. Eczema can be prevented permanently from inside. Your skin should be able to fight against the symptoms of eczema first. Only good food can create this ability in your body. First of all avoid those foods that contain high acidity as acid is responsible for irritation on your skin. Kelp supplement is the right solution for this skin infection. High alkali is there in kelp which can neutralize the acid in your body. Go to a good doctor to get a diet chart of the skin friendly foods.

You know that dry skin can cause crack or itch. Always apply the moisturizing cream or lotion after taking bath. Damp or wet skin is perfect for applying these creams. This is the perfect way to keep enough moisture level in the skin. Do it twice daily. Keep your infected area strictly away from scent or perfume, scented soaps, detergents, shampoos and toiletries. These things can encourage the symptoms of eczema. It is advised to use unscented natural soaps. The detergent you use to wash clothes should also be natural product. These precautions should be taken if you are really eager to get rid of eczema.

Filed Under: Symptoms | Tagged: Tagged With: Eczema

Easy Steps To Cure Flaky And Peeling Skin

Flaky and peeling skin is one of the common skin diseases. Most of you are affected by this disease. It is very problematic for you to have this infected skin. It can effect on your self confidence because skin is always expected to be shinny and disease free. There are many medicines that can cure your affected area but using home remedies is better option for you. These are easy available, easy maintained and low cost. The things that are available in your kitchen can be the best preventive remedy for these skin problems.
A dried peeled orange could be the best option for it. After drying it properly you need to grind it in a food processor. After some time remove orange peel include tablespoon of yogurt in this mixture. Apply it on all over the affected skin gently. Orange peel is very preventive on flaky skin. Lactic acid is there in yogurt which can remove the damage and dead skin to ensure that you look yound. This mixture is very helpful to moisturize your skin also. Apply it twice or thrice to see faster results.
You can also make a mixture of honey, and turmeric powder. Glycolic acid is present in sugarcane juice which can remove dead skin tissues and cells. Turmeric powder is known for faster healing. Moisture gets locked inside the skin to avoid dryness because of honey. You are advised to apply the mixture of avocado oil and safflower oil. Vitamin E is included in avocado and as you know that it is very important for your skin. Broken tissues can be repaired quickly with safflower oil. Side by side you should use good moisturizing cream daily. All these steps and treatments must be taken if you really want to get rid of flaky and peeling skin.

Filed Under: Symptoms | Tagged: Tagged With: Skin Care

Get Rid Of Hand Crack With Taking Needful Steps

Be conscious if your hands are cracked, peeling, itchy, swelling or bleeding. It is really very painful condition for those people who are suffering from these skin dieses. If you are developing dry hands then there are many chances for you to get attacked by these diseases. Decrease of moisture level because of low humidity, air and water pollutants, pathogens, skin ageing, and sun can make your skin dry. So, you have to pay attention to keep ample moisture in your skin.

This is the only thing that can help you to get rid of these problematic and painful diseases. Don’t worry, hand crack can be cured or avoided easily by taking some easy steps. First of all you should apply moisturizers on your dry hands. Various types of moisturizer creams are available in the market for cosmetic purpose. These moisturizer creams can keep the moisture level in a perfect stage.

These are useful for skin protection and improved skin tone also. If you don’t have crack hand then also you can use these creams as precaution. You just need to be well known about the nature of your skin as many chemical components that are included in many creams can cause skin irritation and rashes. Using dry soaps must be avoided. Go for the soaps that contain glycerin. Glycerin is helpful to make your skin moisturize and soft.

If you prefer home remedies to cure this problem then apply olive oil on the dry hand while bathing. Aloe Vera plant can be rubbed on the infected area. Egg yolk which is very much available in your kitchen is an effective remedy for moisturizing your dry and cracked hands. As seasons changes is mainly responsible for these skin diseases so try to protect your hand in the winter season by wearing mittens and gloves. These steps are very easy to take and affordable to you.

Filed Under: Health, Symptoms | Tagged: Tagged With: Aloe Vera, Egg yolk, Glycerol, Moisture, Skin

The Dangers of Mold

Mold is a common fungus and one that many people take for granted. It can be found on various types of surfaces or organic matter. The fungus tends to thrive best in moist or warm areas. Bathrooms and basements, especially these with leaky pipes are prime sources of mold growth. It is easy to dismiss this fungus as an irritating and unsightly growth but it can actually prove quite harmful to individuals of any age. Children and the elderly, however, tend to be more susceptible to its presence in the home.

How Mold Spreads

It is actually the process of mold reproduction that causes the most problems. Mold produces spores which can have serious implications when inhaled. The health issues commonly associated with the spread of mold include:

•Allergies: This is a common health problem that can be triggered by a number of factors, which includes the inhalation of mold spores. Allergy attacks caused by mold can be severe or even lead to serious health condition.
•Infection: Anyone with a compromised immune system is particularly at risk. They could develop fatal infections from inhaling mold spores.
•Headaches: Many people have developed headaches due to the presence of mold in their homes or place of employment. In some cases, bouts of dizziness are experienced as the mold affects the central nervous system.

Protecting the Home

It is important to remember that mold can occur in even the unlikeliest of places. Be sure to check any spot where water could settle, and areas of the house that tend to be warmer. Even air conditioning vents can be a nice home for the fungus to live. Getting rid of the mold itself is not enough. The fungus is hardy and will bounce back relatively quickly if the source of contamination is not dealt with. For example, leaks should be identified and quickly fixed if you have any hope of ridding your home of mold for good.

Filed Under: Symptoms | Tagged: Tagged With: Allergy, Fungus, Mold

Smoking and the Skin

: Image via Wikipedia

With the damage placed on the body by smoking, it is possible to look at the skin of two people and compare them to tell if either person smokes. Cigarette smoke is not good for the internal organs, but also the external organ, the skin, is also affected by smoking. For example, the majority of people who smoke will show early signs of wrinkling on their skin. There is also an increased risk of being diagnosed with a chronic skin condition called psoriasis that can affect the nerve endings producing pain and blemishes.

Most of the scientific testing has been on the effect of smoking on the internal organs, but more is needed on how smoking affects the skin. Previous studies have found that smokers have a higher amount of wrinkles compared to nonsmokers. In comparison to those smokers who eventually quit and those who continued to smoke, the group that continued to smoke had more wrinkles and skin conditions than those who had quit.

Using the knowledge of what all that is known about smoking and its effects on health, especially the health of the skin, some smokers have started using alternative methods to quit. One alternative method is an electric cigarette. The electric cigarette has the same look and feel of a real cigarette and releases a dose of nicotine to help the smoker with cravings. The cigarettes have a battery that keeps the device charged. At a party no one will know the difference and it is also possible to buy flavored versions of these cigarettes. Using this alternative, the person can reduce the amount of wrinkles he or she gets but can smoke around family and friends. You can also reduce how much nicotine is in each cartridge, which can help with smoking cessation if you want to quit completely. There are even cartridges available with no nicotine at all.

Filed Under: Alternative Medicine, Health, Risk Factors, Symptoms | Tagged: Tagged With: Cigarette, Electronic cigarette, Health, Nicotine, Skin, Smoking cessation, Tobacco, Tobacco smoking

Understanding Vitiligo

: Image via Wikipedia

Before Michael Jackson used this skin disease to explain his changing skin color many persons had never heard of vitiligo. It affects people of all skin color, but is most obvious in darker skinned individuals. Statistically, between one to two percent of the US population is affected. The condition generally develops between 20 and 40, but can occur at any age.

What is Vitiligo?

It is an autoimmune disease which results when the cells (melanocytes) responsible for skin color die or begin to malfunction. The most affected areas are the extremities such as fingers, around the eyes, nostrils, mouth and genital area. It also causes premature graying.

The two types of vitiligo are non-segmental and segmental. Persons with non-segmental vitiligo have patches widely distributed over their bodies. With the latter type, the patches do not spread as readily, if ever. The condition can be inherited, but most children of parents with vitiligo do not get the disease.

Can the Condition be Treated?

There is no cure for vitiligo, but some treatment options exist. Affected persons can slow down or improve the impact on skin’s pigmentation by:

• Using makeup to camouflage the affected area.
• Avoiding tanning or too much sun exposure especially for sufferers with fair skin.
• Topical creams which re-pigment the skin have been tested and shown to have some positive impact.
• Surgery and laser treatment are sometimes used to help treat the condition. This is rare, however, and is primarily experimental. Surgical intervention usually involves skin grafting. Tattooing is also used when the de-pigmentation is not too severe.
• Complete de-pigmentation. When the discoloration affects most of the skin, what remains of the original skin color can be removed. This process can take as little as six months to well over two years to be completed.
• Use of sunscreen, especially on lighter areas is recommended.

The treatment option depends on how much of the body is affected.

Many persons have lived and continue to live successful and happy lives with vitiligo. In fact, there are quite a few celebrities who have the condition, including The Cosby Show’s Tempestt Bledsoe and actor/comedian Joe Rogan.

Filed Under: Health, Risk Factors, Symptoms, Tests and Diagnosis | Tagged: Tagged With: Conditions and Diseases, Michael Jackson, Skin Disorders, Vitiligo