What causes hidradenitis suppurativa?

Hidradenitis suppurativa develops when hair follicles become blocked. The exact cause for this isn’t known. Experts think it could be connected to hormones, genetic predisposition, cigarette smoking or excess weight.

Is hidradenitis suppurativa a chronic illness?

Hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) is a chronic skin disease. It causes painful, boil-like lumps that form under the skin. It often affects areas where the skin rubs together, such as your armpits and groin. The lumps become inflamed and painful.

How debilitating is hidradenitis suppurativa?

Hidradenitis suppurativa is a debilitating chronic skin disease of intertriginous areas, which may be misdiagnosed as boils or ingrown hairs in the early stages. Treatment often requires a combination of lifestyle modifications, medications and laser or surgical interventions.

What is hidradenitis suppurativa stages?

HS is divided into three stages, based on how severe it is, called Hurley stages. Hurley stage I: A single bump with no sinus tracts. Hurley stage II: More than one bump but little tunneling. Hurley stage III: Multiple bumps with a lot of sinus tracts and scars, involving an entire area of your body.

Can you give blood if you have hidradenitis suppurativa?

Can I still donate blood? Although HS itself will not stop you from donating blood, some of the medications used may not allow this.

Does Keflex treat hidradenitis?

Cephalexin is a drug treatment rarely tried in the hidradenitis suppurativa community. It has been reported as tried by 1% of the members with mixed effectiveness reports.

Is hidradenitis an autoimmune disease?

Areas affected by hidradenitis suppurativa While people sometimes use the term “autoimmune disease” to describe HS, research has shown that it’s actually a systemic inflammatory condition that’s related to the immune system.

Can I claim disability for hidradenitis suppurativa?

The Social Security Administration (SSA) recognizes hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) as a potentially disabling disease. For HS to be considered a disability, your symptoms must be severe enough to keep you out of work for 12 months or longer.