With its painful lumps and bleeding lesions, Hidradenitis Suppurativa (HS) turns every morning a little frustrating for those who deal with its symptoms.
The small yet burning blisters under the skin affecting areas where the skin rubs together, such as the armpits, groin, buttocks, and breasts, are already difficult enough to manage and experience. But listening to misconceptions and insensitive remarks about your condition from others can be potentially worse than the symptoms themselves.
When it comes to dealing with a long-lasting inflammatory skin condition, awareness is crucial to truly understand its impact. Here are the 6 common misconceptions about HS so there people can stop propelling misbeliefs.
1. “It’s contagious.”
According to the American Academy of Dermatology Association (AADA), HS is not contagious. This means that a person diagnosed with HS cannot transmit it to another person. People can’t contract HS from being close to affected skin.
2. “It’s an STD.”
Since HS often appears in the groin area, specifically on the genitals, anus, and thighs, others think that their partners may have a sexually transmitted disease, but this is a total misconception. AADA also said that HS is not something a person can contract from having sexual activity.
3. “It’s just a skin problem.”
HS is more than just a physical problem. The long-term skin condition runs risks of serious infections and complications. Aside from that, HS affects more than just the body. People with HS oftentimes endure mental health issues like depression, anxiety, and low self-esteem.
4. “It’s just acne.”
Although it appears first as pimple-like bumps on the skin, HS is not just acne and cannot be treated the same as regular acne. Regular acne breaks out when the pores of the skin become blocked with oil, dead skin, or bacteria. HS, on the other hand, starts in the creases of the skin where sweat glands are located.
5. “It’s a result of poor hygiene.”
Dermatologists have already ruled out poor hygiene as one of the sources. It is a common myth that people with HS live an unsanitary lifestyle that’s why they have it. In truth, those who have been diagnosed with HS have to clean themselves most of the time to minimize flares and infections.
6. “It’s not treatable.”
The biggest myth, by far, is that people thought there is nothing that can be done to manage HS easier. Although there is no cure yet for HS, there are many ways that can be done to help prevent the disease from getting worse and forming additional scars.
Other treatment options for HS include antibiotics, topical treatments, laser treatments, and even surgery. People with HS should also try simple tips that could help manage their condition better like losing weight, quitting smoking, wearing comfy cotton clothes, and caring for their skin properly.
Still, the best approach to treating HS lies with a proper patient-dermatologist relationship. With a combination of medical treatment, surgical therapy, and lifestyle changes, your one step away to get the best results for your HS.
To know more about the symptoms, treatments, self-care, diet, and coping mechanisms for HS, visit AADA.
DISCLAIMER:
The information presented on AllergyKB is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Our knowledge base website is for general informational purposes only. It should not be construed as a standard of care to be followed by a user of the website. We highly urge everyone to always seek the advice of their physician or other qualified health providers.
