Hydradenitis under the armpit is a fairly common problem, which 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 can get rid of this disease.
Hydradenitis under the armpit: the 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 are localized. The main cause is staphylococcal infection, although in some cases other bacteria may be the causative agents. However, there are several risk factors that can lead to the development of the disease.
- To begin with, 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 precisely in a warm and humid environment.
- In addition, non-compliance with personal hygiene rules can be attributed to risk factors. On the other hand, when shaving hair in the armpit area, small, microscopic skin injuries often appear, 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 the sweat change.
- 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 armpit: 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 pus accumulates in the gland cavity - now the tubercle rises above the surface of the skin and acquires a very characteristic crimson-cyanotic shade. Often, hydradenitis under the arm is accompanied by severe itching or severe pain. In some cases, there is an increase in temperature, general weakness and body aches. In the absence of qualified help, the abscess, as a rule, opens up for 5-7 days, forming quite large fistulas and scars on the skin.
Hydradenitis under the armpit: 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 the bloodstream and cause sepsis. Therefore, if there is a tubercle in the armpit, you should immediately seek medical help.
- To begin with, 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 area of the skin with antiseptic and bactericidal drugs, for example, Vishnevsky ointment or 2% salicylic acid solution.
- In the most severe cases, surgical intervention is necessary. During the operation, the surgeon completely removes the affected sweat gland, cleanses the tissue from pus, 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.