If you’re living with hidradenitis suppurativa in Phoenix, Buckeye, Surprise, and the nearby areas, relief is available to you. We offer hidradenitis suppurativa surgery to help with this debilitating condition.
Hidradenitis suppurativa is a chronic inflammatory skin condition that affects approximately 1% to 4% of the population. It is characterized by inflammation at the hair follicles, and can manifest as painful red nodules, bumps, cysts, and boils that appear in the abdominal folds, armpits, under the breasts, and in the groin and perianal area. Because the symptoms develop in highly sensitive areas, hidradenitis suppurativa can have a devastating impact on an individual’s psychology, comfort, and quality of life.
The painful nodules that appear with hidradenitis suppurativa may also rupture and become even more inflamed. They can even fuse together and develop sinus tracts which can drain and create an unpleasant odor. Scarring and infection can also occur, and the nodules can cause extreme discomfort, depending on how severe they are.
Those suffering from hidradenitis suppurativa may experience anxiety and/or depression due to the condition. Due to the fact that the disease is often misdiagnosed, many individuals who have it are left without proper treatment for long periods of time. The condition can be socially problematic, and can impact an individual’s life in the area of work, sports, exercise, and intimacy.
Hidradenitis suppurativa is caused by inflammation in the body and a disregulation of the immune system, particularly around the hair follicles.
The condition is twice as common in females than males, and typically becomes noticeable between puberty and the age of 40. There are several factors which contribute to the development and worsening of hidradenitis suppurativa, including genetic susceptibility, obesity, smoking, diet, and hormonal factors. Approximately 40% of people with hidradenitis suppurativa have a first-degree family member with the skin condition as well.
Hidradenitis suppurativa is more common in those who are overweight or obese; however, it is not limited to them. The majority of those who have this condition are smokers, and smokers are typically found to have more severe symptoms. Hormones are thought to play a role in hidradenitis suppurativa because it is typically only seen post-puberty.
Hidradenitis suppurativa is diagnosed with a thorough exam from a medical dermatologist and a discussion about the patient’s medical history.
Treatment for hidradenitis suppurativa includes lifestyle modifications, over-the-counter products, and prescription medications. Weight loss and smoking cessation can also help decrease the severity of symptoms.
It is also recommended to wear loose, light clothing to avoid friction and trauma to the areas. Over-the-counter antiseptic washes are advised starting once a week to the affected areas, and increasing to once daily as tolerated by the skin. If none of these treatments improve the condition, surgery is often recommended.
The specific type of surgery for your hidradenitis suppurativa will depend on what stage your condition is at, what areas of your body are being affected, and how many lesions you have. Surgery can be a very small local excision, done under local anesthetic. If the condition is more severe, general anesthesia can be used for a lengthier procedure.
Growths are removed along with a large area of healthy skin around the growths in an attempt to keep them from returning.
Only the affected areas of skin are removed.
One growth at a time is removed. This treatment is best for those who only have a few affected areas.
The top part of the tissue over the sinus tract is removed with surgical scissors, a laser, or electrosurgery, leaving the wound to heal over with minimal scarring.
A temporary solution for hidradenitis suppurativa involves the surgeon cutting open the lumps and draining them. Although this provides quick relief, hidradenitis suppurativa often returns after this treatment.
At Regency, dermatology is one of our specialties. If you’re interested in hidradenitis suppurativa surgery in Phoenix, Buckeye, Surprise, or the nearby areas, schedule a consultation with us. We are a multi-specialty group delivering the very best treatments in dermatology, and our team provides the highest level of care and availability, with professionalism, sensitivity, and warmth. We make you feel welcome from the moment you enter our door to your very last follow-up appointment. To learn more or schedule a consultation, please call 623-243-9077 or contact us online.
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