Hidradenitis

Hidradenitis is any disease in which the histologic abnormality is primarily an inflammatory infiltrate around the eccrine glands. This group includes neutrophilic eccrine hidradenitis and recurrent palmoplantar hidradenitis.

It can also be defined more generally as an inflammation of sweat glands.

Hidradenitis suppurativa is a chronic cutaneous condition originally thought to be primarily characterized by suppurative inflammation of the apocrine sweat glands. However, recent evidence supports that the primary event is follicular hyperkeratosis and obstruction.

Treatment of symptoms

The Mayo Clinic suggests the following: antibiotics (has generally the least side-effects compared to other treatments); corticosteroids (i.e. prednisone); but corticosteroids have many side effects, including "moon face" for the duration of the medication's trial usage, as well as unwanted hair growth for females and/or osteoporosis with long term use. Tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha inhibitors like infliximab (Remicade) and adalimumab (Humira) have shown promise for some, but it should probably be considered a third-line treatment; as it can increase risk of infection, heart failure and certain types of cancers. Surgery is also available for those overwhelmed by the condition, but it will not cure the condition, just relieve the skin-related issues for a while. The disease is pernicious and is almost always guaranteed to return, if not in the same spot where the surgery was held.