Purulent inflammation of the sweat glands

Description

Hidradenitis suppurativa or purulent inflammation of the sweat glands. An inflammation, swelling and infection of the sweat glands, mostly under the armpit, in groin, on thighs or under the breasts.A soft bumps are being formed which may grow into collections of pus (abscesses). Afftected area is painful, warm to touch and yellow smelly fluid may leak out of it. The inflammation starts after a blockage of the sweat glands in the affected area, which enables bacteria to infect the skin and sweat glands. A suppurative inflammation of sweat glands starts usually after the puberty and may be recurrent. If the disease in not treated, chronic scars and infections to the surrounding skin may occur, this is called cellulitis.Occasionaly the cellulitis may life-threatening.

Symptoms

Redness and swelling of the affected area. The skin is warm on touch and may be hard. The area is very sensitive and may limitate the moves. Small red bumps with black heads may also be seen. A yellow smelly fluid may leak from the swollen area.

Overview

Anamnesis will be taken and medical examination will be done. Other tests are usually not required. If a doctor is concerned about the presence of bacterium such as methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), smear of the pus may be done.

Tests

Smear of content change.

Specialists

Urgent Medicine, General Practice, General Surgery, Internal Medicine

Therapy

Very light cases may be treated with warm compresses. Oral antibiotics are needed in most cases. Intravenous antibiotics might be necessary if an infection to the surrounding skin (cellulitis) occured. If an abscess is developed, it might be necessary to open and drainage that surface. If same surface got infected several times, a surgeon might have to remove a damaged skin and sweat gland.