At SuperGroup, PLLC, our reconstructive surgeons specialize in solving complex problems and addressing challenging clinical pathologies. For patients in Texas, we are known as skilled hidradenitis suppurativa doctors, prepared to offer a comprehensive range of treatment options for this uncommon but potentially very painful condition. Not only can we treat the underlying pathology, but we also offer full reconstructive surgery services, rebuilding the surrounding skin and tissue. Our services in treating hidradenitis suppurativa are available in Fort Worth, TX, Denton, TX, and Plano, TX.
What Causes Hidradenitis Suppurativa?
Hidradenitis suppurativa is a chronic condition that involves recurrent swollen, red, painful abscesses. The most likely cause of hidradenitis suppurativa is hair follicle occlusion. The condition can occur anywhere you have hair or have two areas of skin that rub together. The most common location is the axilla (e.g., the armpit), but it can also occur near the groin, anus, or breasts. These painful abscesses may last for several weeks or months, and they typically reoccur.
What are the Symptoms of Hidradenitis Suppurativa?
There are a few telltale signs that you have this condition; if you notice any of the following symptoms, we would recommend seeking treatment from a hidradenitis suppurativa doctor at SuperGroup, PLLC.
Common symptoms include:
- Blackheads. Hidradenitis suppurativa may manifest as small, pitted areas of skin, marked with patterns of blackheads.
- Painful lumps. Another common symptom is the appearance of painful, pea-sized lumps under the skin.
- Tunnels. Tracts connecting these lumps may form under the skin; often, they leak pus or emanate a foul odor.
Blackheads
Hidradenitis suppurativa may manifest as small, pitted areas of skin, marked with patterns of blackheads.
Painful Lumps
Another common symptom is the appearance of painful, pea-sized lumps under the skin.
Tunnels
Tracts connecting these lumps may form under the skin; often, they leak pus or emanate a foul odor.
Diagnosing Hidradenitis Suppurativa
The most effective way to treat hidradenitis suppurativa is to intervene as early as possible. We recommend seeing a hidradenitis suppurativa doctor if you have any of the symptoms listed above, especially if they are painful, persist for multiple weeks, or reoccur within a short span of time.
When you join us for an evaluation at SuperGroup, PLLC, your doctor will perform a physical examination, as the signs and symptoms of hidradenitis suppurativa will typically be visible with the naked eye. If your wound is secreting pus, we may also perform lab work on the pus to confirm your diagnosis.
Meet Your Reconstructive Surgeons
SuperGroup, PLLC is a team of reconstructive surgeons with a penchant for solving complex problems. We treat a range of pathologies, including hidradenitis suppurativa, and also provide full reconstructions to the affected skin and tissue. Our team has years of experience treating patients throughout Texas, with offices in Denton, Fort Worth, and Plano.
Treating Hidradenitis Suppurativa
There are several potential treatments for hidradenitis suppurativa, depending on the severity of the disease.
For the mildest cases, medication may be an effective treatment. This may involve a combination of topical medications to fight infection, as well as oral painkillers to minimize the discomfort.
For more extreme cases, surgery may be required. At SuperGroup, PLLC, we are skilled in surgical intervention to completely eradicate hidradenitis suppurativa and facilitate total healing.
Surgical intervention usually begins with the abscess being drained via an incision. After this, contaminated tissue is removed. The wound may be packed and left open to heal on its own, covered with a skin graft, or reconstructed with a skin flap. Flap reconstruction involves making an incision in the inner arm, dissecting the skin and the underlying tissue, and rotating the tissue into the armpit to conceal the open wound.
The recommended way to learn more about surgical solutions is to schedule a consultation at SuperGroup, PLLC.
Post-Surgery and Recovery
If you have hidradenitis suppurativa treated via surgery, it may take some time for your wound to heal. The timeline for your recovery will depend on the size of the wound. For larger wounds, it may take a couple of months before you experience a complete recovery. Smaller wounds may heal in as little as three or four weeks.
You may continue to experience some mild pain for a week or two after the procedure. Pain medications can be used to minimize discomfort. Your doctor will provide additional instructions to ensure proper healing, including instructions about how to care for your wound.
The goal of hidradenitis suppurativa treatment is to ensure the abscesses do not recur. As such, we may recommend follow-up appointments to check your treatment site and ensure there are no signs of a re-emergence.
With any other questions about recovering from hidradenitis suppurativa, reach out to SuperGroup, PLLC at your next opportunity.
Seek Treatment for Hidradenitis Suppurativa
Hidradenitis suppurativa can be painful, and when left untreated, it can worsen with time. The ideal approach is early detection and rapid intervention, whether through medication or surgery. SuperGroup, PLLC helps patients throughout Texas who are in need of surgical intervention for hidradenitis suppurativa.
To learn more about treatment options from a hidradenitis suppurativa doctor, reach out to SuperGroup, PLLC via our offices in Fort Worth, Denton, and Plano.
