Hidradenitis Suppurativa Groin

Hidradenitis suppurativa is a rare chronic (long lasting) skin disease that is also known as ‘acne inversa’ due to the condition of inflammation of the skin that mostly occurs after puberty in both men and women. The skin disease is not contagious although may be quite grotesque looking due to the inflammation of the skin that may manifest as clusters of abscesses or lesions, red tender bumps, blackheads, large or pea-sized bumps that are very painful and may cause leakage or discharge pus. The condition can persist for several years with frequent to occasional periods of inflammation and recurrence.

Hidradenitis suppurativa most commonly affects areas of the body that contain sweat or oil such as the apocrine sweat glands and sebaceous glands, and can also occur in areas where there is skin to skin contact such as under arms or armpits, breasts, inner thighs, perianal region (under or around the anus that can inhibit defecation) and the groin area.

Symptoms of the disease that affect sensitive areas of the body such as the groin, can be a major cause for concern in male patients since the appearance of an abscess and or a large or small bump that can also cause leakage and may be very painful to the touch, may cause them hindrance or hesitation in conducting sexual acts with ease.

Patients affected with Hidradenitis suppurativa usually are hesitant in going to a doctor at the onset of the symptoms due to being too ashamed or afraid to speak out. However, the condition can get worse and become chronic if left undiagnosed and treated and or lead to permanent damage in terms of scarring.

Hidradenitis suppurativa that affects the groin area should be properly diagnosed to confirm the condition since the symptoms could also be caused by other disorders.