Hydradenitis under the arm is a fairly common problem that is accompanied by inflammation of the sweat glands. In this case, the gland increases significantly, which is accompanied by pain and discomfort. Fortunately, modern methods of medicine are able to get rid of this disease.
Hydradenitis under the arm: main causes
In fact, hydradenitis can affect any part of the human body, but it is in the armpit that the largest number of sweat glands is localized. The main cause is a staphylococcal infection, although in some cases other groups of bacteria may be the causative agents. However, there are several risk factors that can lead to the development of the disease.
- For a start, it is worth mentioning excessive sweating, since it is people with this problem who most often suffer from inflammation. After all, bacteria multiply much faster in a warm and humid environment.
- In addition, non-observance of personal hygiene rules can be attributed to risk factors. On the other hand, when shavingunderarm hair often appears small, microscopic skin lesions, which become an excellent gateway for infection.
- Hydradenitis under the arm often develops against the background of hormonal disruptions, for example, during puberty, when the composition and pH of sweat changes.
- The state of the immune system also matters. With a decrease in the body's defenses, the likelihood of developing inflammation is much higher.
Hydradenitis under the arm: main symptoms
The disease begins with the formation of a small subcutaneous node in the armpits. Sometimes the infection affects several sweat glands at once, which is accompanied by the growth of several tubercles at once. As the disease develops, more and more pus accumulates in the cavity of the gland - now the tubercle rises above the surface of the skin and acquires a very characteristic purple-bluish hue. Often, hydradenitis under the armpit is accompanied by severe itching or sharp pain. In some cases, there is an increase in temperature, general weakness and body aches. In the absence of qualified assistance, the abscess, as a rule, opens on the 5-7th day, forming rather large fistulas and scars on the skin.
Hydradenitis under the arm: treatment
In no case should you try to open the abscess yourself, as this can only aggravate the situation - the infection will easily spread to neighboring tissues and even penetrate into the bloodstream and cause sepsis. Therefore, if there is a tubercle in the armpit, you should immediately seek medical help.
- First, the doctor will prescribe antibiotics, and the course of treatment lasts at least 7-14 days.
- In addition, it is recommended to regularly treat the affected skin area with antiseptic and bactericidal drugs, such as Vishnevsky ointment or a 2% salicylic acid solution.
- In the most severe cases, surgery is needed. During the operation, the surgeon completely removes the affected sweat gland, cleanses the tissues of pus, and eliminates fistulas. Along with this, antibiotic therapy is used, as well as dressings with antiseptics.
In any case, it is worth remembering that the sooner you see a doctor, the more likely it is that the treatment will do without a surgical procedure. After all, only a doctor knows how to treat hydradenitis under the arm correctly.
