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Experts discuss whether the chronic skin condition is contagious, as well as ways to help avoid or reduce the intensity of flare-ups.
HS is a chronic inflammatory disorder that causes boil-like lumps to form in a person’s sweat glands, frequently in skin folds such as the armpits, groin, or beneath the breasts or belly. It affects between one and four percent of the global population. HS, also known as acne inversa, can affect one or more parts of a person’s body and can range from minor to severe.
According to Dr. Adil Moulanchikkal, lead specialist from EliteAyurveda, Bangalore, India.., in mild HS cases, a person may have one or a few areas of swelling and inflammation limited to just one area of the skin; in more severe cases, people experience widespread swelling and inflammation that can lead to chronic pain and difficulty moving. For example, if a person has HS lumps in their underarms, they may find it difficult to lift their arms.
Dr. Adil claims that HS sores can become even more severe if they create sinus tracks, which arise when cysts unite beneath the skin and become encircled by scar tissue. “You end up with painful nodules, inflammation, and sometimes pus,”. HS can potentially cause persistent scarring over time.
All of these elements can have an impact on a person’s quality of life. “If you have hidradenitis suppurativa extensively, your life is significantly impaired,” says Dr. Adil.
In addition to the physical pain and discomfort associated with HS, the condition can have a severe emotional impact on patients. The disease can make patients feel socially isolated, and studies show that persons with hidradenitis suppurativa are more likely to suffer from despair, anxiety, and suicidal ideation.
Is hidradenitis suppurativa spreadable?
The quick answer is no. According to Dr. Adil, hidradenitis suppurativa is a noninfectious, non-contagious disease by nature, which means you can’t catch it from another person (and thus, if you have HS, you won’t pass it on to someone else).
Hidradenitis suppurativa is sometimes treated with medicines, which are typically used to treat infection, hence there has been some stigma and misinformation about this ailment. According to Dr. Adil, the use of antibiotics does not imply that HS is an infectious condition. “In the world of skin, many sterile, non-infectious entities are also treated with antibiotics just because they are anti-inflammatory,” he said.
However, one HS byproduct can cause illness under certain situations. According to Dr. Adil, the sores can develop infections, most usually with staph or strep bacteria. While hidradenitis suppurativa is not a contagious disease in and of itself, the secondary bacterial infection can hypothetically transmit to another person. “If there’s pus coming off the lesions and you come into contact with it, you could get the bacterial infection, but you would have to have a cut or an open wound,”.
According to Dr. Adil, most HS lesions occur in areas concealed by a person’s clothing, such as the underarms, belly folds, under the breasts, or in the crotch. You could catch it if you have skin-to-skin contact with someone who has a secondary skin infection, such as during sex. But, as Dr. Adil points out, you’d need some weakened skin for that to happen.
How to Lower the Infection Risk
Lancer recommends that patients undertake lifestyle adjustments that minimize inflammation, such as ensuring adequate hydration and proper nutrition focused on anti-inflammatory foods, reducing stress levels, limiting alcohol use, and quitting smoking, to reduce the chances of flare-ups and infection. According to Dr. Adil, patients with HS should wear breathable, cotton-based clothing that does not rub against the skin and cause friction.
If you do have an HS infection, Dr. Adil recommends keeping the region clean, dry, and well dressed. If you come into close contact with someone who has a bacterial infection, such as dressing a wound, he recommends wearing gloves or other protective clothing to reduce the chance of transmission.
Hidradenitis Suppurativa Treatment with Ayurvedic Methods
Ayurveda takes a holistic approach to treating Hidradenitis Suppurativa, addressing the underlying cause and improving general well-being. The treatment aims to balance the Kapha and Pitta doshas while also cleansing the body and mending scars. It consists of a combination of internal drugs, exterior applications, and lifestyle changes that are suited to each person’s particular Prakruti (constitution) and Vikruti (imbalance).
Detoxification of the Body
Body detoxification is an important part of Ayurvedic treatment for Hidradenitis Suppurativa. This entails ridding the body of toxins and impurities that contribute to the condition’s growth and progression. Detoxification is aided by a variety of ways, including:
Panchakarma: Panchakarma is an all-encompassing detoxification therapy that consists of a series of specialized procedures.
Herbal preparations: Detoxification is also aided by Ayurvedic herbs and formulations. These herbs have cleansing and purifying characteristics that aid in the elimination of pollutants and promote cellular renewal.
Internal Medications
Internal drugs are important in balancing the doshas and treating the underlying imbalances in Hidradenitis Suppurativa. Ayurvedic practitioners recommend personalized herbal formulas depending on the Prakruti and Vikruti of the individual. Herbs having anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and immune-modulating activities may be included.
External Therapies
Ayurvedic treatment for Hidradenitis Suppurativa also includes external therapies. These applications aid in the healing of sores, the reduction of inflammation, and the prevention of infection.
You can also talk to our patients about their experiences getting their ailment treated by us and Ayurveda in general. We are dedicated to delivering compassionate care and assisting you on your path to wellness.
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