Hydradenitis develops as a purulent inflammatory process that affects the apocrine sweat glands. This disease is not typical for children and the elderly, since their apocrine glands do not function. Most often, women under the age of 55 go to the doctor with hidradenitis, since hormonal fluctuations are a predisposing factor for the development of the disease, and women are most susceptible to such fluctuations. With hormonal fluctuations, the pH of the sweat that the sweat glands secrete changes, and this provokes infection of the glands with Staphylococcus aureus, after which inflammation develops.
Manifestations of hidradenitis and provoking factors of the disease
Most often, hydradenitis develops in the armpits, but sweat glands in the inguinal folds, in the anus and labia majora can be involved in the inflammatory process. Staphylococcus aureus can penetrate through skin lesions caused by epilation, through scratching with itching caused by excessive sweating or the presence of pruritic dermatoses.
The development of infection can occur when hygiene is not observed, with obesity, with disruption of the sweat glands due to certain endocrine diseases (for example, diabetes mellitus).
The main symptoms of hidradenitis and its possible complications
The full cycle of the disease - from the appearance of a slightly painful dense nodule to the formation of a scar at the site of the opened node - is approximately two weeks. The nodules formed in the area of the sweat glands quickly increase in size, become edematous, very painful, bluish in color and pear-shaped. At the peak of the disease, the nodules resemble phlegmon, and the patient experiences severe pain even at rest, his body temperature rises, and there is a general malaise. Such sensations mean the maturation of hydradenitis, on about the tenth day the node is opened with the release of thick purulent contents. The patient feels better, the ulcer formed at the site of the node gradually heals with the formation of a retracted scar.
If left untreated, hidradenitis becomes chronically protracted. Next to the healed scar, new inflamed nodules may appear, and dozens of times. Strengthens the process of general weakening of immunity, poor hygiene of the body. The most dangerous complication of hidradenitis is sepsis, when, without proper treatment, an infection from inflamed areas enters the bloodstream and spreads throughout the body.
Principles of treatment of hidradenitis and features of skin care
Hydradenitis is treated with antibiotics, the skin is treated with antiseptics. The use of dressings with ointments is not recommended, as they can cause skin maceration, as well as the application of compresses - this contributes to increased suppuration. A mature node with hydradenitis is subject to surgical treatment - with a wide dissection, removal of pus and infiltrated tissues. If the disease often recurs, specific immunotherapy is prescribed.
Patients are advised to follow a special diet - with the exception of sweet, spicy foods, seasonings, as well as hygiene procedures only in the shower, after covering the inflamed area of the skin with a band-aid. Recommended multivitamin preparations that strengthen the body's defenses.
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