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Acne Inversa: What is it?
 Acne
inversa is a chronic inflammatory skin condition
that can occur after puberty. It is also known as
Hidradenitis suppurativa or simply HS. Acne inversa is
not an inverted acne! It usually starts in areas where there
is skin-to-skin contact, such as armpits, the top of
the inner thigh, the groin and under the breasts. It can
also develop in the region where sweat and oil gland can be
found. Similar to acne, the inflammation of acne inversa may
be associated with infection, which, in turn, may cause pus
to form.
The causes of acne
inversa are not yet known. It develops when
sweat glands become clogged, either by
perspiration or because incomplete development makes it
difficult for them to drain properly. The trapped fluids are
then forced into the surrounding tissue, causing
inflammation and infection. Individuals with tightly curled
hair, such as those of African ancestry, are at an increased
risk of developing acne inversa. And ingrown hairs can
predispose someone to developing acne inversa, as well.
Like acne, Acne inversa has also
different stages:
- Stage 1: The
formation of single or multiple areas of inflammation
and pus without sinus tracts and scar formation.
- Stage 2:
Single or multiple pus develops, possibly at widely
separated areas of the body. Sinus tracts form and
there is scarring.
- Stage 3: Multiple pus develops across an entire area of
the body. Sinus tracts may connect otherwise
separate abscesses.
Although
obesity does not cause HS, it can make it
worse. Stress, the onset of the
menstrual period, extreme heat or
excessive perspiration can also increase
symptoms.
One reason hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) is most
likely under-diagnosed is that it can look like
other conditions, such as boils, carbuncles or
skin infections. It is painful and can be
disabling. It is rarely fatal, except when an
overwhelming systemic infection develops in an
immunocompromised person.
 Symptoms of Acne Inversa
The symptoms of acne
inversa are:
- Single or
multiple areas of inflammation and pus,
similar to acne in appearance.
-
Non-inflamed, hard lumps under the skin
that are very painful to the touch and
may persist for years. These lumps have
the potential to become inflamed, and,
in some people with acne inversa, they
can get as large as a baseball.
-
Painful, rounded deep-rooted
inflamed lumps. These sores heal
slowly or not at all, causing
scarring. They can also chronically
seep fluid, leading to the
development of sinus tracts, or
tunnels under the skin. This, in
turn can lead to further
inflammation and lumps. Bacterial
infection is also possible.
Some relieves for Acne Inversa
There is
no known cure for acne inversa, but
the symptoms can be
lessoned with various
treatments. Several options have
been found to be helpful in some
cases. These are some relieve for
acne inversa:
-
Reduce the presence of bacteria
on the skin by applying topical
antibiotics, antiseptics or acne
preparations.
-
Wear loose clothing to
prevent skin irritation.
-
Loose weight to reduce
the number of areas
where there is
skin-to-skin contact.
-
Oral antibiotics,
such as
flucloxacillin,
dicloxacillin,
clindamycin or
rifampicin, which
may be prescribed to
reduce bacterial
infection.
-
Tetracycline or
metronidazole,
which may be
prescribed to
reduce
inflammation.
-
Sometimes
surgery is
necessary to
drain
infected
areas or
remove
scarred
tissue.
Surgery is
reserved for
only very
severe
cases.
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