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What is the history of Hidradenitis Suppurativa?

When was Hidradenitis Suppurativa discovered? What is the story of this discovery? Was it coincidence or not?

History of Hidradenitis Suppurativa

Hidradenitis Suppurativa (HS) is a chronic inflammatory skin condition that affects the apocrine sweat glands, typically in areas with a high concentration of hair follicles and oil glands, such as the armpits, groin, and buttocks. The disease is characterized by recurrent painful nodules, abscesses, and sinus tracts that can lead to scarring and disfigurement.



The history of Hidradenitis Suppurativa dates back to ancient times. The first documented cases resembling HS were found in the writings of the Greek physician Claudius Galen in the 2nd century AD. Galen described the condition as "inflammation of the sweat glands" and recommended treatments such as warm compresses and surgical drainage.



Over the centuries, various terms were used to describe HS, including "acne inversa" and "Verneuil's disease," named after the French surgeon who extensively studied the condition in the late 19th century. However, it wasn't until the 1980s that the term "Hidradenitis Suppurativa" was widely adopted.



Advancements in medical understanding and research on HS have been relatively recent. In the early 20th century, HS was often misdiagnosed or misunderstood as a form of tuberculosis or syphilis due to its chronic and debilitating nature. It was not until the 1930s that the condition was recognized as a distinct entity.



Since then, research has focused on understanding the underlying causes and developing effective treatments for HS. The exact cause of HS remains unknown, but it is believed to involve a combination of genetic, hormonal, and immune system factors. The disease is more common in women and tends to run in families.



Diagnostic criteria for HS were established in the 1980s, allowing for more accurate identification and classification of the disease. This has led to improved understanding of the prevalence and impact of HS on patients' quality of life.



Treatment options for HS have also evolved over time. In the past, surgical interventions were often the primary approach, with wide excision of affected areas. However, this approach was associated with high recurrence rates and significant morbidity. Today, a multidisciplinary approach is recommended, including medical management with antibiotics, anti-inflammatory medications, and biologic therapies.



Despite these advancements, HS remains a challenging condition to manage. The disease can have a profound impact on patients' physical and emotional well-being, leading to social isolation and decreased quality of life. Ongoing research efforts aim to further unravel the pathogenesis of HS and develop more targeted and effective treatments.


Diseasemaps
3 answers
HS was first described in 1839 by French physician Alfred Velpeau, hence it was initially called Velpeau's disease. In 1854, Aristide Verneuil also described HS, so it is also known as Verneiul's disease. It is believed that Karl Marx suffered from HS and that its effects contributed to his writing. Only now, is HS just beginning to be recognized and acknowledged. Still, there are many medical professionals who have never heard of it.

Posted Aug 21, 2017 by Penny 2150
Translated from spanish Improve translation
What is Hidradenitis Suppurativa?
Hidradenitis suppurativa (HS), also known as
acne inversa or Hidrosadenitis, is an inflammatory disease that
it affects the skin, produced by the blockage of follicle pilosebá-
ceo (the cavity where it is born the hair and sebum) in the
there is an imbalance of the immune system subyacente1
.
 Is a chronic, recurrent and debilitante2
.
 Is not a contagious disease nor is it
transmits sexualmente3.
 Nor is it a disease caused by a infección4.
 Not due to the habits of hygiene, or lavado3.
What?
It is estimated that 1 to 4% of the population has HS.
Tends to affect more women and it is usually more
severe hombres4
.
Usually appears after puberty, between
the 20 and 30 years of age, however, sometimes the
disease makes its debut at older ages 3,6.
Their severity seems to decrease with the years.
20-30 years
Who?
 Currently still the cause is not known, but it seems
the genetic and hormonal factor influencing some casos5
.
 The blocked follicle pilosebaceous, can not leave the content
of the apocrine glands located in the hair follicles
hair of the folds, which causes the formation of cysts
that usually infected by their own bacteria (such as Staphylococcus
aureus) present in the piel4
.
 In parallel to this event, the immune response
that occurs as a result of this obstruction
and follicular rupture is altered, producing a reaction
exaggerated inflammatory.
Why?
4
What are the features?
 Is characterized by the presence of inflammatory lesions
painful, occasionally supurativas (secrete pus) and foul-smelling
in skin folds where there are plenty glands
apocrine sweat; specifically around the
armpits, breasts, groin, anus, buttocks and genitales5,7.
 Manifests with nodules (bumps) red that appear
and grow rapidly until they break, forming ulcers, abscesses
inflamed, tunnels under the skin and cicatrices4
.
 The first signs are itching localized, burning, redness
and the appearance of a pain sharp. In this context, appear
nodules and painful abscesses and occasionally supurativos that
can be transformed into a fistula and with the time in cicatrices6
.
5
 Abscesses only usually heal leaving scars
that end opening in the skin. The multiple abscesses are connected
each other forming tunnels, or fistulas below the piel4
.
 If you press the injuries can leave pus liquid or dense
can be maloliente4
. The drainage tends to relieve the pain they produce.
 In women the lesions are more frequent under the arms,
breasts and thighs, whereas in men, are presented
in buttocks and ingles4
.
 There are alternating periods of high disease activity
(with the pain flares up frequently), and periods of remission (without
outbreaks)3
.
English
Breasts
Armpits
Buttocks
Thighs




 
6
What different grades are there?
MODERATE
About 25% of patients have
this form, characterized by the presence of
painful nodules and recurrent associated
the presence of abscesses and fistulae
in low numbers in one or more areas
of the body. These nodules and abscesses may
rupture and drain and re-form.
May develop scars.
SERIOUS
Affects 4% of the patients with HS, the
which have outbreaks of abscesses
painful continuously. Presented
large swollen areas that do not
resolve spontaneously and that produce
pain and oozing virtually
constant.
MILD
The majority of patients (70%) have the
milder form. Manifest painful points
during a few weeks in a row
for periods of weeks or even months
without problems. These cases are usually
do not progress to severe cases
MODERATE
About 25% of patients have
this form, characterized by the presence of
painful nodules and recurrent associated
the presence of abscesses and fistulae
in low numbers in one or more areas
of the body. These nodules and abscesses may
rupture and drain and re-form.
May develop scars.
SERIOUS
Affects 4% of the patients with HS, the
which have outbreaks of abscesses
painful continuously. Presented
large swollen areas that do not
resolve spontaneously and that produce
pain and oozing virtually
constant.

Posted Aug 12, 2017 by NAT 1910

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Stories of Hidradenitis Suppurativa

HIDRADENITIS SUPPURATIVA STORIES
Hidradenitis Suppurativa stories
It started in 2003 when I got a pilonidal cyst that had to be surgically removed. For the years after, I would deal with flares starting from my thighs and the back of my neck and eventually around the armpits, breasts and leg creases. I was too scar...
Hidradenitis Suppurativa stories
I've had HS since I was 20, and am now 40.  I also had the pilonidal cyst which is very closely related.  I've been to many dermatologists and GPs without any success. Tried many treatments...  I do finally have it under control at this point. �...
Hidradenitis Suppurativa stories
Had recurring boils during late teens/early twenties. Doctors told me it was clogged hair follicles. Had one doctor lance one and not very gently.  I had first surgery in 2008 on a pilonidal cyst. That doctor didn't mention HS, but he left a hole i...
Hidradenitis Suppurativa stories
It can take forever and a whole lot of stubbornness to get a diagnosis. If you know something is wrong keep pursuing the answers, Dr's have become lazy in their diagnostic skills. Keep looking!
Hidradenitis Suppurativa stories
My story began at the age of 13. I had developed pneumonia. Shortly after getting treatment, I started to develop bumps on my inner thighs as well as my labia and vaginal lips. They were almost like pimples, but larger. They would hurt and pop on the...

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Hidradenitis Suppurativa forum

HIDRADENITIS SUPPURATIVA FORUM
Hidradenitis Suppurativa forum
I have a lifetime experience with this disease.  There seems to be emerging evidence that dairy and nightshade vegetables create the conditions for HS proliferation.    I can demonstrate potato's cause an inflamation two hours later...
Hidradenitis Suppurativa forum
I might be reseaving ribuximab or  immune suppressants for a autoimmune  condition but  can't find out if it would make the HS worse, and I don't see the dermo till 2 weeks after the other doctor who'll decide what treatment to put me ...

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