Hydradenitis
Hydradenitis is a disease consisting in inflammation of the apocrine sweat glands. In colloquial speech, an outdated name for this disease is often found – “bitch udder” – because neoplasms on the body resemble nipples in shape.
Visual manifestations of hydradenitis are the appearance of painful bumps filled with pus on the surface of the skin. Most often this pathology affects the armpits.
Localization of hydradenite
Hydradenitis develops only in those places where apocrine sweat glands are present: in addition to the armpits, it can also be the inguinal folds, the area of the labia majora in women and the scrotum in men, the areoles of the nipples, the area around the anus.
It is also worth noting that this pathology does not occur in children and senile people, since the function of the apocrine glands develops during puberty and fades to old age. The age category most susceptible to hydradenitis is from 16 to 55 years. Women suffer from this disease more often.
Causes and causative agent of hydradenitis
The causative agent of hydradenitis is mainly Staphylococcus aureus. The bacterium infects the excretory ducts of the apocrine glands, penetrating them through the mouths of hair follicles. As a result, an inflammatory process occurs with the formation of painful nodes on the skin.
Factors contributing to the development of hydradenitis are increased sweating, general weakening of the body as a result of diseases or overwork, an alkaline reaction of sweat in places of localization of apocrine sweat glands. Hydradenitis can be provoked by improper hygiene, especially when combined with microtrauma (for example, cuts when shaving or combing rashes).
Symptoms and diagnosis of hydradenitis
In general, the symptoms of hydradenitis are quite obvious, so determining the exact diagnosis is not difficult. The disease can be identified by the characteristic shape of the nodes and their soreness, the blue-red tint of the skin, by the swelling of the tissues that occurs.
But it is possible to independently determine the presence of hydradenite only at an advanced stage. Prior to this, patients usually notice diaper rash, often a change in skin tone on the affected area, diaper rash. It is very important to visit a dermatologist in time, find out the cause of the discomfort and start treatment. If you start the disease, the removal of the contents and postoperative care will be painful, so if there is any suspicion of hydradenitis, you should immediately seek help.
The patient may also complain of general malaise. Temperature measurement in most cases shows a moderate increase. It is important to pay attention to the fact that with hydradenitis, neoplasms never contain a necrotic rod, which distinguishes it from a boil.
Treatment and prognosis
Hydradenitis has a tendency to relapse. Independent treatment of this disease is highly not recommended. The decision on the form of treatment is made based on the overall picture: this can be both surgical intervention and combination therapy, including taking antibiotics, diet, UHF therapy, sunbathing.
It is also necessary to prevent the spread of hydradenite to adjacent areas. To do this, the patient is recommended to exclude bathing in the bath and open reservoirs, hygienic procedures should be carried out only under the shower, most often – by pre-sealing the affected area of the skin with a bactericidal adhesive plaster. A solution of potassium permanganate, boric or salicylic alcohol is also used to cleanse the skin.
Possible complications and prevention
Hydradenitis is fraught not only with relapses, but also with complications in the course of the disease. So, when suppuration spreads to adjacent soft tissues, an abscess or phlegmon may develop. If the disease goes into an extremely advanced stage, even blood poisoning and sepsis are possible.
To prevent hydradenitis, it is necessary to carefully observe the hygienic regime, strengthen the immune system, and choose the right body care products. In case of excessive sweating, it is recommended to visit a dermatologist.
It is also worth paying attention to body weight, since the risk of hydradenitis increases with obesity.
