Which are the causes of Hidradenitis Suppurativa?
See some of the causes of Hidradenitis Suppurativa according to people who have experience in Hidradenitis Suppurativa
Hidradenitis Suppurativa (HS) is a chronic inflammatory skin condition that affects the apocrine sweat glands, typically in areas where skin rubs together, such as the armpits, groin, and buttocks. The exact cause of HS is still not fully understood, but it is believed to be a multifactorial disease with several contributing factors.
Genetics
Genetic predisposition plays a significant role in the development of HS. Studies have shown that individuals with a family history of HS are more likely to develop the condition themselves. Certain genetic variations may affect the immune system and the body's ability to control inflammation, making some individuals more susceptible to HS.
Hormonal Factors
Hormonal imbalances have been linked to the development and worsening of HS. The condition tends to occur after puberty when hormone levels are fluctuating. Androgens, a group of hormones including testosterone, have been implicated in HS as they stimulate the apocrine sweat glands. Hormonal changes during menstruation and pregnancy can also influence the severity of symptoms in some women.
Obesity
Obesity is a significant risk factor for HS. Excess weight can lead to increased friction and sweating in skin folds, creating an environment conducive to the development of HS. Moreover, obesity is associated with chronic low-grade inflammation, which may contribute to the disease's progression.
Smoking
Smoking has been identified as a potential trigger for HS. It is believed that smoking damages the lining of hair follicles and impairs the immune system's ability to respond effectively, leading to the development or worsening of HS symptoms. Quitting smoking may help improve the condition and reduce flare-ups.
Immune System Dysfunction
Abnormalities in the immune system are thought to play a role in HS. The immune system's response to normal skin bacteria may be exaggerated in individuals with HS, leading to inflammation and the formation of abscesses. Additionally, an overactive immune response can contribute to the chronic nature of the disease.
Blockage of Hair Follicles
Blockage of hair follicles is a key factor in the development of HS. The exact cause of the blockage is unknown, but it is believed to involve a combination of factors, including excessive sweating, friction, and abnormal keratinization (the process of skin cells forming hair). When the hair follicles become blocked, they can become infected and inflamed, leading to the characteristic painful nodules and abscesses of HS.
Other Factors
Several other factors may contribute to the development or worsening of HS, although their exact role is not yet fully understood. These include:
- Stress: Stress can exacerbate HS symptoms, although it is not considered a direct cause of the condition.
- Environmental Factors: Exposure to certain environmental factors, such as heat and humidity, may trigger or worsen HS symptoms.
- Autoimmune Factors: Some studies suggest that HS may have an autoimmune component, where the immune system mistakenly attacks healthy tissues.
- Bacterial Infections: Bacterial infections, particularly with Staphylococcus aureus, can contribute to the inflammation and progression of HS.
It is important to note that while these factors are believed to contribute to the development of HS, the condition can vary greatly among individuals. Each person's experience with HS may be influenced by a unique combination of these factors, making it a complex and challenging condition to manage.
Posted Aug 21, 2017 by Penny 2150
There are two forms of HS, familial and sporadic. The HS family is one in which
the affected individual has blood relatives who are also affected, although the degree of
involvement can be very different. Assumes at least 40% of the cases, while our research
in the Spanish population indicate that we might get to correspond to 85% of the cases. The HS family is
a hereditary disease and is directly caused by genetic factors, i.e. mutations
specific genes in our genome, which can be identified through analysis genéticomoleculares.
For its part, the HS sporadic is one in which the affected individual do not have blood relatives with
HS. This can be explained both because his HS does not have genetic origins as by the fact that yes
the have and have not seen other family members affected - either because the mutation original founder of
the disease has occurred in that particular patient (who may have descendants affected), well
because the chance of the inheritance has done that you do not have affected relatives known.
In any case, it should be clear that as a general rule, not all the descendants of a patient
HS will inherit the disease.
Posted Aug 12, 2017 by NAT 1910
Posted Aug 12, 2017 by Ana 1000
Posted Oct 1, 2017 by Sonia 1000
