June is the month dedicated to raising awareness about hidradenitis suppurativa, a chronic dermatological disease characterized by the formation of abscesses, fistulas and nodules, mainly in the groin, armpit, under the breasts and buttocks, causing pain, discomfort and significant impacts on the quality of life. life and mental health of patients.
In most cases, the disease manifests itself for the first time after puberty, between the ages of 20 and 30. Women are more affected, with a prevalence up to three times higher than men. Hidradenitis suppurativa evolves in crises, with inflammation of the lesions, constant pain, secretion of pus, bad odor and sometimes the need for drainage, which can last for weeks or months.
These characteristics make hidradenitis suppurativa one of the most impactful and limiting dermatological diseases. Movement restrictions, scars and other symptoms and consequences generate stigma, social isolation and embarrassment for patients. Dermatologist Dr. Wagner Galvão César, from the Oswaldo Cruz and Sírio Libanês hospitals, says: “It is a very complicated disease that affects several areas of the patient’s life. Many report compromised sex and work lives due to pain from the lesions and discharge during periods of increased inflammation.” About 42% of patients end up developing depression and/or anxiety due to living with the disease.
Furthermore, hidradenitis suppurativa is a difficult to recognize condition, and patients take an average of 7 years to obtain the correct diagnosis. Finding a specialist capable of properly identifying and treating the disease is a challenge. The specialist explains: “The signs of hidradenitis suppurativa can be easily confused with boils, acne and other dermatological conditions. Therefore, it is important to create awareness about the disease.”
The causes of hidradenitis suppurativa in medicine are not well established, but family history may be related to its occurrence. Risk factors such as smoking, obesity, and stress are thought to be triggers that can contribute to the development of inflammation. In addition to specific drug treatment for each case, some day-to-day measures can help alleviate symptoms.
“For smokers, quitting smoking is essential. Avoiding emotional stress and adopting an anti-inflammatory diet can also help alleviate symptoms,” concludes the doctor. In addition, shaving or waxing, as well as wearing clothes that are too tight, increases discomfort due to skin friction.
June is the month dedicated to raising awareness about hidradenitis suppurativa, a chronic dermatological disease characterized by the formation of abscesses, fistulas and nodules, mainly in the groin, armpit, under the breasts and buttocks, causing pain, discomfort and significant impacts on the quality of life. life and mental health of patients.
In most cases, the disease manifests itself for the first time after puberty, between the ages of 20 and 30. Women are more affected, with a prevalence up to three times higher than men. Hidradenitis suppurativa evolves in crises, with inflammation of the lesions, constant pain, secretion of pus, bad odor and sometimes the need for drainage, which can last for weeks or months.
These characteristics make hidradenitis suppurativa one of the most impactful and limiting dermatological diseases. Movement restrictions, scars and other symptoms and consequences generate stigma, social isolation and embarrassment for patients. Dermatologist Dr. Wagner Galvão César, from the Oswaldo Cruz and Sírio Libanês hospitals, says: “It is a very complicated disease that affects several areas of the patient’s life. Many report compromised sex and work lives due to pain from the lesions and discharge during periods of increased inflammation.” About 42% of patients end up developing depression and/or anxiety due to living with the disease.
Furthermore, hidradenitis suppurativa is a difficult to recognize condition, and patients take an average of 7 years to obtain the correct diagnosis. Finding a specialist capable of properly identifying and treating the disease is a challenge. The specialist explains: “The signs of hidradenitis suppurativa can be easily confused with boils, acne and other dermatological conditions. Therefore, it is important to create awareness about the disease.”
The causes of hidradenitis suppurativa in medicine are not well established, but family history may be related to its occurrence. Risk factors such as smoking, obesity, and stress are thought to be triggers that can contribute to the development of inflammation. In addition to specific drug treatment for each case, some day-to-day measures can help alleviate symptoms.
“For smokers, quitting smoking is essential. Avoiding emotional stress and adopting an anti-inflammatory diet can also help alleviate symptoms,” concludes the doctor. In addition, shaving or waxing, as well as wearing clothes that are too tight, increases discomfort due to skin friction.
