In this video Dr. Mihir Shankar, reconstructive plastic surgeon at The Venkat Center in Bangalore, speaks of a condition called Hidradenitis Supparativa (HS). He goes on to state how this condition becomes noticeable in people. Another prominent characteristic of HS is that it is a recurring condition. The occurrence of the symptoms is either magnified or could wane away.
In brief, Hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) is a chronic skin condition that causes painful, pus-filled bumps to form in areas with hair follicles and sweat glands, such as the armpits, groin, and buttocks. These bumps can become infected, leading to abscesses and scarring.
Symptoms of Hidradenitis Suppurativa:
Notable symptoms of Hidradenitis Suppurativa are:
Painful bumps: These bumps can be red, tender, and filled with pus.
Abscesses: Infected bumps can develop into abscesses, which can be larger and more painful.
Scarring: Repeated infections can lead to scarring.
Tunnelling: In severe cases, tunnels or tracts may form under the skin.
Odour: The affected areas may emit a foul odour due to bacterial infection.
Dr. Mihir then explains the types of treatment options for HS. He states that there are topical treatments and in extreme cases surgery is also recommended.
Some common treatment options include:
Topical medications: Creams or ointments can help reduce inflammation and prevent infection.
Oral medications: Antibiotics and anti-inflammatory drugs can be used to treat infections and manage symptoms.
Surgery: In some cases, surgery may be necessary to drain abscesses or remove affected tissue.
Dr. Mihir also underscores the importance of seeking help when patients have been diagnosed with HS. This is because the patient may develop psychological issues and may start to isolate themselves and this may negatively impact their relationship with others. So, the best option is to seek help from a plastic surgeon to deal with HS. Additionally, tight clothes and corrosive deodorant products may aggravate HS and hence, the patient needs to be mindful of this.
Future Steps:
Many patients with Hidradenitis Suppurativa (HS) suffer from prolonged periods of uncontrolled symptoms and permanent skin damage. This is partly because there are limited effective treatment options available. However, researchers are currently investigating several new medications that target different aspects of the disease. Among these, drugs that block Interleukin-17 (IL-17) and Janus kinase-signal transducer and activator of transcription (JAK-STAT) pathways seem to be the most promising.
To improve patient care, we need to focus on several areas:
Faster diagnosis: Early detection is crucial to prevent long-term damage.
Better classification: We need a clearer understanding of different types of HS and their characteristics.
Standardized measurements: Clinical trials should use consistent methods to evaluate treatment effectiveness.
Higher treatment goals: We need to aim for more significant improvements in patient outcomes.
By addressing these issues, we can hope to provide better treatment options for patients with HS.
To know more visit: https://www.venkatcenter.com/
Venkat Center for Hair, Skin & Plastic Surgery (formerly known as Venkat Charmalaya) is a state-of-the-art center for advanced care in hair transplant, dermatology, liposuction, and plastic surgery in Bangalore, India. Visit: https://www.venkatcenter.com
You can do a video consultation or visit our clinic for more info regarding hair transplant surgery or other cosmetic treatments. Contact us on Mobile: +91 7022101689 or drop in a mail to: [email protected]
Disclaimer: These videos by Venkat Center for Skin, ENT & Plastic Surgery are intended to provide unbiased scientific information to patients. The videos are of generic nature and are meant only to provide general information for educational purposes only. They do not serve as a guide for treatment in any individual case. Patients are advised to consult a practicing doctor for specific treatment advice.
