Hi XXXXXX
Thanks for writing to us.
I can understand your concern. Hidradenitis suppuritiva is a chronic disorder of apocrine sweat glands. These glands are found in axilla, groins, buttocks, inframammary area (in females) and hence the disease affliction in these areas.

HS presents as inflammatory swellings, cysts, abscesses which may rupture to form sinuses draining pus etc and heal with scarring. These lesions can be painful, tender causing intense discomfort to the person.

Firstly remain stress free as it is not contagious and would not spread to your wife or children.


Now as far as treatment of HS is concerned,these are the standard treatment guidelines-
1)Avoid exacerbating factors like stress, sweating ,shaving , obesity, tight synthetic clothes etc. So go for regular walks, exercise daily. Avoid sweating by using an aluminium hexahydrate based antiperspirant. Wear loose cotton clothes to avoid friction in the area. Avoid refined carbohydrate based foods.
2) use antibacterial soap for bathing.
3) do warm saline water compresses of the area followed by application of clindamycin gel twice daily
4) antibiotics like rifampicin, clindamycin, tetracycline, minocycline, doxycycline is added for its antiinflammatory role. If lesions seem to be infected pus culture sensitivity should be done to add a suitable antibiotic
5) oral isotretinoin has a very good role in controlling the disease. It should be taken in dose of 1 mg to 1.5 mg per kg body weight daily.
6) if very painful, oral antiinflammatory drugs can be taken along with trypsin chymotrypsin preparation.

If the above treatment suggestions are followed, it would give you results and control of the disease. The basic aim of the treatment is to control disease flare up and induce remission.

I would advise that you XXXXXXX a qualified dermatologist , so that proper treatment can be started.
Hope that helped.
Take care

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HiXXXXXXX
Thanks for writing back.
As I am based in north, I would not be able to help you find a dermatologist out there. However you may use this website to look for qualified dermatologists in your area by using this link

WWW.WWWW.WW
Another option would be to visit the dermatology department of the government medical college in chennai and take treatment from a XXXXXXX consultant or professor

Hope that would help you out.
Wish you speedy recovery..

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Hi XXXXXX
Thanks for writing back.
The treatment prescribed by Dr XXXXXXX and will definitely improve your condition.
I would just like to add two things,
Use antibacterial soap to bathe.
If having tender lesions, do warm water compresses of the area and apply clindamycin gel.

Isotretinoin should be taken after meals as fat helps with better absorption of the drug.

There are various side effect of isotretinoin mentioned on leaflet, however most of them are uncommon. Most common side effect that it causes is dry skin, dry lips and may induce slight redness over face. So I would just advise that do not worry regarding side effects as you would hardly face any apart from redness and dryness. These side effects can be tackled with use of mild moisturiser and lipbalm.
Moreover you are taking it under a doctor's guidance and if in case you feel you are having any side effect, you can let your doctor know.

Now regarding use of contact lenses. Isotretinoin can cause dry eyes and hence contact lens wearers can have some problem in wearing the same. However use of artificial tears and lubricants takes care of the same. This side effect too is not seen in all. However to be on the safer side wear glasses for few days. Contact lens should be strictly avoided if your eyes are very dry or red.

Isotretinoin is a wonder drug for many skin conditions and is safe if taken under a doctor's guidance.
Hope that answers your query.
Take care

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