Breast-related Hidradenitis Suppurativa: Information on Prevention, Treatment, and Additional Details
Hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) is an inflammatory skin disease that can affect various parts of the body, including the breasts. This condition is characterised by blocked hair follicles, leading to painful inflammatory lesions.
Causes and Risk Factors
Hidradenitis suppurativa on the breasts is primarily caused by follicular occlusion—the blockage of hair follicles due to keratin buildup and follicular epithelial hyperplasia. This blockage results in cyst formation, bacterial growth, and subsequent inflammation. Risk factors for HS include a genetic predisposition, smoking, obesity, hormonal influences, and immune system dysfunction. The disease typically starts after puberty and is more common in women [1][3][5].
Symptoms
Common symptoms of HS on the breasts include painful, red nodules or lumps under the skin, abscesses that may become inflamed, hard, and filled with pus, lesions that break open and drain foul-smelling pus, formation of tunnels (sinus tracts) under the skin that connect lumps, scarring, and thickened skin over time, which can cause deformity and movement restriction [1][2][3][5].
Treatment
The treatment for HS on the breasts varies depending on the severity of symptoms. For mild cases, topical or oral antibiotics, anti-inflammatory medications, and lifestyle changes such as weight loss and smoking cessation may be recommended. In moderate to severe cases, systemic therapies like biologics (targeted immune modulators) may be necessary. Surgical intervention is considered when medications fail and includes drainage of abscesses, removal of sinus tracts, and excision of affected skin areas. Surgery can be performed on an outpatient basis or in the hospital, depending on the complexity [2][3].
Other supportive treatments include good hygiene, antibacterial washes, and addressing aggravating factors like excessive sweating and friction [3][4]. In some cases, laser hair removal may be helpful in the early stages of HS.
Diagnosis and Complications
Diagnosing HS can be challenging and may require a sample of pus to learn about any bacteria present, or observation and medical history. People with HS are more likely to have metabolic syndrome, a group of conditions that increase the risk of stroke, diabetes, coronary heart disease, and other health concerns [6].
Hidradenitis suppurativa can also affect other parts of the body, such as the face and neck, back, and front or back of the legs. In severe cases, injected or oral steroids can help to reduce inflammation and pain. Treatment options for HS include antibiotics, hormone therapy, steroids, biologics, surgery, and laser hair removal [2][4][6].
In summary, HS on the breasts results from blocked hair follicles leading to painful inflammatory lesions that can progress to abscesses and scarring. Treatment aims to manage inflammation, infection, and symptoms, with surgery reserved for refractory or advanced disease [1][2][3][5].
- In addition to affecting the breasts, hidradenitis suppurativa may also impact other body parts such as the face, neck, back, and legs, owing to an obstruction in hair follicles.
- Considering the health-and-wellness implications of HS, it's crucial to address aggravating factors like excessive sweating and friction in the routine of skin-care practices.
- Interestingly, people with hidradenitis suppurativa face a higher risk of developing metabolic syndrome, a cluster of medical-conditions that increase the likelihood of various health complications, including diabetes and heart disease.
