What is Hidradenitis Suppurativa?

Hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) is a chronic inflammatory skin condition. It primarily affects areas where skin rubs against skin and where there are many hair follicles and sweat glands.

What symptoms does Hidradenitis Suppurativa cause?

Initially, painful nodules often form under the skin. As it progresses, recurrent inflammations may develop.

Typical symptoms include:

• painful nodules
• abscesses
• pus discharge
• unpleasant odor
• sinus tracts
• scarring
• recurrent inflammations

Where does Hidradenitis Suppurativa occur?

The condition tends to develop in skin folds.

The most commonly affected areas are:

• armpits
• groin
• genital area
• buttock crease
• area under the breast

How does Hidradenitis Suppurativa develop?

The exact causes are not fully understood. It is believed to be a combination of various factors.

These include:

• follicular occlusion
• genetic predisposition
• excessive inflammatory responses
• smoking
• obesity

Hidradenitis suppurativa is not a result of poor hygiene and is also not contagious.

How is Hidradenitis Suppurativa diagnosed?

The diagnosis is usually based on the typical skin changes and the course of the disease. Imaging techniques such as ultrasound can be used to better assess the extent of sinus tracts and inflammations.

What treatment options are available?

Treatment depends on the stage of the disease.

Conservative Therapy

• antibiotics
• anti-inflammatory medications
• biologics
• topical treatments

Surgical Procedures

In advanced cases, inflamed tissue may be surgically removed.

Laser Therapy for Hidradenitis Suppurativa

Laser therapy is a modern treatment option for selected forms of hidradenitis suppurativa. Depending on the severity, inflamed areas and sinus tracts can be specifically treated with a medical laser. The goal is to treat the affected tissue as precisely as possible while preserving the surrounding tissue.

What are the benefits of laser therapy?

• minimally invasive procedure
• precise treatment
• preservation of surrounding tissue
• possible on an outpatient basis
• potential shortening of wound healing
• treatment of complex sinus tracts possible

After the Treatment

After the procedure, regular wound checks and follow-up examinations are conducted. Since hidradenitis suppurativa is a chronic condition, inflammatory flare-ups can occur even after successful treatment.