Understanding Hidradenitis Suppurativa (HS) and Its Ayurvedic Management & Treatment Approach
Table of Contents
Introduction
Hidradenitis Suppurativa (HS) is a chronic skin condition that manifests as painful boils, abscesses, and pustules primarily in areas where skin rubs together, such as the armpits, groin, buttocks, and under the breasts. While it may initially appear as a mere skin condition, HS can affect multiple body systems and significantly impact an individual’s quality of life. Treating HS effectively is crucial to prevent the condition from worsening or affecting other parts of the body.
The Cause of Hidradenitis Suppurativa (HS)
To date, no medical treatment can entirely cure Hidradenitis Suppurativa. This condition primarily affects individuals who are genetically predisposed to autoimmune diseases. The exact cause of HS is unknown, and treatment must be individualized. HS is generally triggered by the body’s immune system, where it mistakenly attacks healthy skin tissue, causing inflammation and blockage of hair follicles (Gulliver et al., 2020; Saunte et al., 2020).
The Importance of Treatment
HS is a chronic autoimmune disease that cannot be cured but can be managed effectively. The disease starts when the immune system erroneously targets the body’s own tissues, leading to inflammation and abscess formation. As HS progresses from mild to severe, the burden of comorbidities often increases.
Associated Comorbidities:
- Cardiovascular and Related Illnesses: Type 2 diabetes, hypertension, high cholesterol, metabolic syndrome, and obesity.
- Inflammatory Disorders: Crohn’s disease, asthma, and rheumatoid arthritis.
- Hormonal Illnesses: Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) and thyroid disorders.
- Skin Diseases: Psoriasis, acne, dissecting cellulitis of the scalp, pilonidal cysts, and pyoderma gangrenosum.
- Psychological Diseases: Depression, anxiety, poor sexual health, and social isolation.
Studies have shown that these comorbidities are significantly more frequent in adults with HS compared to those without HS. For instance, pilonidal cysts are 35 times more common in HS patients than in the general population (Kouris et al., 2016).
Treating Hidradenitis Suppurativa (HS) with Ayurveda
In Ayurveda, HS is considered a result of imbalances in the Kapha and Pitta doshas. When the digestive fire (Agni) or Pitta is out of balance, it can vitiate Kapha, slowing down metabolism. This disruption causes the accumulation of fat molecules in muscles, leading to painful, swollen sores in areas such as the groin, buttocks, thighs, and armpits.
Relevant Shloka:
“क्षारो भिषग्द्वारपरः प्रतिषेधति दोषजं तत्।
यस्मिन्सर्वे समीक्ष्यन्ते दोषा दोषा निवर्तकाः॥”
(Charaka Samhita, Chikitsasthana 15.105)
“Kshara (alkali) therapy, administered skillfully, overcomes dosha imbalances. When all factors are considered, doshas are rectified.”
Ayurvedic Treatment Protocols
1. Body Detoxification
Detoxification is a critical aspect of Ayurvedic treatment for HS. It involves cleansing the body of toxins and impurities that contribute to the progression of the illness. Detoxification can be facilitated through:
- Ayurvedic External Therapies: Various specialized techniques to cleanse the body.
- Herbal Ayurveda Medications: Herbs and formulations that possess cleansing and purifying properties to clear toxins and promote cellular rejuvenation (Sharma & Dash, 2013).
2. Internal Herbal Medications
Internal medications are used to balance the doshas and address the underlying imbalances in HS. Ayurvedic practitioners provide individualized herbal formulations based on the patient’s Prakruti (constitution) and Vikruti (imbalance). These formulations may include anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and immune-modulating herbs (Singh et al., 2003).
Relevant Shloka:
“त्रयो दोषा, प्रकृत्या च, दूष्यन्ति च बलात्कृताः।
दोषास्तु बालदोषस्य, दूष्यन्ति सदा नवा॥”
(Charaka Samhita, Sutrasthana 18.44)
“Three doshas, inherently balanced, can become vitiated. These doshas, when aggravated, always need to be balanced anew.”
3. Ayurvedic External Therapies
External remedies play a significant role in Ayurvedic treatment for HS. These applications help with wound healing, irritation reduction, and infection prevention. They include herbal pastes and medicated oils designed to soothe and heal the skin (Kumar et al., 2011).
4. Lifestyle Adjustments
Ayurveda emphasizes the importance of lifestyle adjustments to support the treatment of HS. This includes:
- Dietary Modifications: Emphasizing foods that balance Kapha and Pitta doshas.
- Stress Management: Techniques such as yoga, meditation, and pranayama to reduce stress and improve overall health.
- Proper Hygiene: Maintaining cleanliness and using natural skincare products to prevent infections and flare-ups.
Relevant Shloka:
“रोगा: सर्वेऽपि मंदाग्नौ, क्षीणे तु बलवर्जिते।
बलस्योत्पादनं तेषां, हेतुर्मेध्या: प्रकीर्तिता॥”
(Charaka Samhita, Sutrasthana 18.49)
“All diseases arise from a weak digestive fire. Strengthening the body and intellect is the remedy for all conditions.”
Conventional Hidradenitis Suppurativa (HS) Treatment Methods
While conventional treatments for HS can provide relief, they often come with risks. Strong medications, such as antibiotics, immunosuppressants, and biologics, can cause adverse effects and long-term problems. These drugs frequently disrupt the immune system’s normal function, weakening the body’s defenses against illnesses. Moreover, several conventional treatments may require prolonged use, leading to dependence and antibiotic resistance (Saunte & Jemec, 2017).
Long-term Management and Remission
At EliteAyurveda, we focus on treating the underlying causes or triggers of HS to achieve long-term remission rather than temporary relief. Our approach involves:
- Identifying and Addressing Core Causes: Treating the root causes or triggers that led to the illness.
- Regulating Body Response: Adjusting the body’s response to medications and lifestyle changes to achieve a state of balance.
- Motivation and Support: Encouraging patients to adhere to lifestyle modifications and, in some cases, providing preventive medications to maintain remission.
Conclusion
Hidradenitis Suppurativa (HS) can be a frightening condition, but with the right care, you can live a full and pleasant life. Public awareness and understanding of HS are growing, which helps reduce the stigma associated with it. Although it might initially seem like a minor skin condition, untreated or poorly managed HS can have serious consequences, leading to other comorbidities.
Ayurvedic medicine offers a holistic and personalized approach to managing HS, focusing on restoring balance and promoting long-term health. At EliteAyurveda, we are committed to providing compassionate care and guiding you on the path to well-being. Connect with us to learn more about our treatment plans and to speak with our patients about their experiences with Ayurveda.
For more information, visit EliteAyurveda and embrace the wisdom of Ayurveda for effective management and long-term relief from Hidradenitis Suppurativa.
References
Gulliver, W., Zouboulis, C. C., Prens, E., Jemec, G. B. E., & Tzellos, T. (2020). Evidence-based approach to the treatment of hidradenitis suppurativa/acne inversa, based on the European S1 guideline. Journal of the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology, 34(7), 1485-1493. Link
Kouris, A., Armyra, K., Christodoulou, C., Karypidis, D., & Kontochristopoulos, G. (2016). Quality of life, psychiatric comorbidity, and economic impact of hidradenitis suppurativa. Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology, 9, 105-112. Link
Kumar, N., Singh, B., & Kaushal, V. (2011). Panchakarma in skin diseases. AYU (An International Quarterly Journal of Research in Ayurveda, 32(4), 525. Link
Saunte, D. M. L., & Jemec, G. B. E. (2017). Hidradenitis suppurativa: Advances in diagnosis and treatment. Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology, 76(1), 17-26. Link
Saunte, D. M. L., Boer, J., Stratigos, A., & Jemec, G. B. E. (2020). Diagnostic delay in hidradenitis suppurativa is a global problem. British Journal of Dermatology, 183(6), 988-994. Link
Sharma, R. K., Dash, B., & Dwyer, A. (2013). Charaka Samhita: Sanskrit text with English translation & critical exposition based on Cakrapani Datta’s Ayurveda dipika (Vol. 4). Chowkhamba Sanskrit Series Office. Link
Singh, S. S., Pandey, S. C., Srivastava, S., Gupta, V. S., Patro, B., & Ghosh, A. C. (2003). Chemistry and medicinal properties of Tinospora cordifolia (Guduchi). Indian Journal of Pharmacology, 35(2), 83-91. Link
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