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Hidradenitis Suppurativa services offered in Great Neck, NY
Hidradenitis suppurativa is an inflammatory skin condition that often develops in childhood and can be very difficult to diagnose and manage. For families in and around Great Neck, New York, Jonathan Trager, MD, of TeleDerm Kidz, is a wonderful resource for this relatively rare skin condition. Book your visit online in just a few clicks, or give our office a call to set up an appointment.
Hidradenitis Suppurativa Q&A
What are some of the symptoms of hidradenitis suppurativa?
One reason hidradenitis suppurativa, sometimes called acne inversa, is so challenging to diagnose is that the skin lesions that form with the disease tend to come and go. If these lesions are only in the beginning stages of forming or have mostly healed, it isn’t always clear what’s causing them.
When symptoms are present, they might include:
- Blackheads that develop in skin folds
- Pea-size lumps beneath the skin
- Pain
- Bumps or spurs that leak pus or fluids
- Tunnels beneath the skin that connect lumps
Left untreated, these skin abnormalities can cause scarring.
What causes hidradenitis suppurativa?
Much like acne, hidradenitis suppurativa develops when hair follicles become blocked. Some factors that could cause or contribute to the condition include being overweight or obese, having a family history of hidradenitis suppurativa, or hormonal fluctuation.
Hidradenitis suppurativa isn’t caused by poor hygiene, and it isn’t contagious. It may not be possible to reduce the risk of developing this condition, but bringing kids in promptly if symptoms develop can facilitate early treatment.
What kinds of treatments help with hidradenitis suppurativa?
These skin lesions are often painful, so Dr. Trager’s first step is managing discomfort. Over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medications are often helpful in reducing discomfort. Limit your child’s participation in strenuous physical activities during flare-ups.
Open lesions should be carefully cleaned and cared for to avoid infection. This involves inspecting the areas at least once a day and covering them as needed.
Topical medications can help reduce the symptoms of hidradenitis suppurativa. Some help by decreasing microbial colonization, while others help minimize bacterial resistance and act as antiseptics.
Systemic antibiotic therapy with oral medications is a common treatment option. Your child may need to take medication for 12 weeks or more, and Dr. Trager often uses this approach in combination with topical treatments.
Biologic and hormonal therapies can also be beneficial in treating hidradenitis suppurativa. Your child’s treatment plan will be shaped according to the severity of symptoms, their age, and their overall health.
At TeleDerm Kidz, Dr. Trager can get to the bottom of symptoms and get your child started on treatment as quickly as possible. Online and phone-based booking options mean it’s never difficult to set up a visit, so call or click today.