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HS is more than just a skin disorder. It can harm your health in a variety of ways.
Hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) is a skin ailment that causes tiny, painful lumps under the skin in certain places of the body. While the lumps may gradually heal on their own, they frequently return, leading to tunnels under the skin and scarring. HS can be crippling and terrible for individuals who suffer from it.
“Painful nodules, bumps, and/or boils typically in the armpits, breast, or groin area, These can be excruciatingly painful and drain foul-smelling fluid.” Unfortunately, because HS is not as well known and is frequently misdiagnosed, patients may go years without seeking appropriate therapy.”
According to the American Academy of Dermatology Association, some persons have HS for 12 years or longer before being recognized, as the disorder is frequently misdiagnosed.
What Causes Hidradenitis Suppurativa?
It’s unclear what causes HS, although there appear to be risk factors ranging from hormones and family history/genetics to cigarette smoking and obesity. Individuals in their 20s and 30s are more prone than other age groups to have HS, as are women when compared to men.
Experts do know that the disorder is linked to other major health problems. “We don’t fully understand why, but HS is associated with other conditions, such as obesity, metabolic syndrome, and Crohn’s disease, In addition, since HS is a disorder of the hair follicle, it often occurs with similar related disorders, such as acne conglobata and dissecting cellulitis of the scalp.”
Hidradenitis Suppurativa Health Issues
While there is still much to discover about HS, we do know that it can increase your chances of developing other potentially catastrophic health problems. Here are six of the most important ones to be aware of.
1. Metabolic disorder
HS appears to be associated with an increased risk of metabolic syndrome, a group of disorders that frequently occur simultaneously (high blood pressure, high blood sugar, extra body fat around the waist, high cholesterol or triglycerides). An study of studies exploring the probable link between HS and metabolic syndrome revealed a high association, according to a review published in the International Journal of Dermatology in May 2019.
Metabolic syndrome, if left untreated, can raise your risk of type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and stroke. While there are numerous approaches to treating metabolic syndrome, implementing lifestyle changes such as eating a healthier diet and increasing physical activity may help minimize the chance of major problems.
2. Spondyloarthritis
This type of arthritis primarily affects the spine, while it can also affect the joints in the arms and legs, as well as the skin, intestines, and eyes in some people. According to research, persons who also have this ailment are more likely to get HS. A research of axial spondyloarthritis patients in the Netherlands published in the journal Seminars in Arthritis and Rheumatism in February 2019 discovered that HS was more prevalent in that group than in the general population.
Lower back discomfort is the most common symptom of axial spondyloarthritis, but some people also feel swelling in their arms and legs. Medication, physical therapy, exercise, and lifestyle changes may be used to treat the problem.
3. IBD (Irritable Bowel Disease)
Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is an umbrella term for illnesses characterized by chronic inflammation of the digestive tract. Ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease are the two most common forms.
Diarrhea, rectal bleeding, stomach pain, weight loss, and exhaustion are common symptoms of IBD, and treatment may include drugs, nutritional support, and, in some circumstances, surgery.
A systematic evaluation of large-scale studies published in the journal JAMA Dermatology in July 2019 discovered a substantial link between HS and the risk of IBD in patients. Based on their findings, the study authors recommended that persons with HS contact a gastroenterologist if they have recurring symptoms including diarrhea, bloody stool, or stomach pain.
4. Cardiovascular disease
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, heart disease is the top cause of death in the United States, with one person dying every 36 seconds.
There are many different types of heart disease and causes of cardiovascular death, but research has revealed that HS is connected with greatly higher chances of negative cardiovascular outcomes such as stroke, heart attack, and death. Researchers discovered that having HS substantially raised the chance of having a heart attack or stroke in a study published in the journal JAMA Dermatology in November 2019.
Treatment for heart disease varies greatly from case to case, but lifestyle changes and drugs, as well as medical treatments or operations, may be required in some circumstances.
5. Suicidal ideation, depression, and anxiety
Skin illnesses that create visible symptoms can be emotionally draining and contribute to feelings of worthlessness, shame, and social isolation. According to a review published in the International Journal of Dermatology in August 2021, this may raise the risk of anxiety, sadness, and suicidal thoughts, as well as negatively impact overall quality of life.
Depression and anxiety are widespread among persons with HS, according to a review of ten research published in the journal JAMA Dermatology in June 2019. Given this association, the researchers advise devising measures to manage mental health disorders associated with HS.
6. Sexual dysfunction
There are various types of sexual dysfunction, but the phrase typically refers to any issue that inhibits a person or couple from experiencing sexual fulfillment.
According to a study published in the journal Dermatology in August 2019, patients with HS have a particularly high prevalence of sexual dysfunction. According to the findings, being in a stable relationship seems to protect women with HS from experiencing sexual dysfunction, implying that the problem may be related to disease activity, active lesions, and other symptoms.
Treatment for sexual dysfunction is dependent on the underlying reason and circumstances, as both medical and psychological factors may be at work.
Getting treatment for HS
Even though HS can affect much more than your skin, consulting our Ayurveda Specialists who specializes in such skin conditions. “Our Specialists are trained and carry the experience to recognize, appropriately diagnose, and treat hidradenitis suppurativa, with the correct diagnosis, we can manage it appropriately to prevent progression and worsening of HS, relieve pain, and reduce scarring.”
From there, you can work to create a more thorough treatment plan, which may include the involvement of additional healthcare providers to assist you in managing linked diseases.
While HS is still not fully understood, experts believe that emerging research will provide alleviation to those with HS in the future. “While there is still a lot we do not know about HS, there has been a lot of research in the last several years, fortunately, we have made several breakthroughs that have resulted in a wide range of treatment options for this condition.” We hope that more people become aware of this issue so that they can seek treatment sooner and lessen its impact on their quality of life.”
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