Hidradenitis suppurativa Describe the skin condition causing painful small lumps that form under the surface of the skin. These lumps create symptoms of irritation, causing affected individuals trouble with managing pain symptoms. The lumps may also break open and weep, causing further irritation and pain symptoms in the patient.
On some occasions, the lumps create tunnels under the skin, causing red or black discoloration that’s necrotic in appearance. This condition typically affects areas of the skin where rubbing occurs. Common areas include the groin, between the buttocks, under the armpits, and the breasts.
Most cases of hidradenitis suppurativa occur after the patient starts puberty. The condition persists for years in some cases and gets worse over time. People who are suffering from this condition notice a significant reduction in their quality of life. Patients can benefit from surgery and medications to help manage their symptoms and prevent any complications that may occur as a result of the condition.
1. Changes in the Skin
One of the first symptoms to manifest in affected individuals are changes in their skin. The patient may start and notice that the skin around the affected area turns pink or reddish in appearance. The skin may also start to feel bumpy and start to present symptoms of irritation and pain that are mild in the beginning.
As the condition progresses, the patient notices the discoloration around the skin turns from reddish-pink to purple, or black in some cases. This discoloration does not fade over time and gets steadily worse over the coming weeks and months.
The bumps associated with the condition typically start to form in the skin, as the patient reaches puberty. In many cases, the patient may feel embarrassment with the development of the condition, causing them to delay treatment. In some cases, the patient may refuse to remove clothing, causing them to abstain from activities such as sports or gym class while at school.