How to treat axillary hidradenitis. Hidradenitis: treatment, symptoms, under the arm, in the groin. Honey cake against inflammation of the sweat glands

The disease requires mandatory treatment, often surgical. If you do not seek medical help in a timely manner, hidradenitis can result in a number of complications.

Features of the disease

Apocrine glands are localized only in the axillary fossa and perianal (near the anus) region of a person. These small tubular structures produce a thick secretion with a pungent and unpleasant odor, which is discharged directly into the follicles.

This anatomical feature explains why ICD10 classifies hidradenitis as a disease of the hair follicles, although the true inflammatory process occurs in the sweat ducts.

Appearance

By calling hidradenitis of the armpits a bitch's udder, people probably meant the external similarity of the inflamed lumps to dog nipples.

The source of suppuration may look different. If the structure of the affected tissue is not disturbed, then it resembles a fluctuating (moving) subcutaneous compaction, red and hot to the touch. If hidradenitis has an open duct on the surface of the skin, pain and swelling are much less pronounced. When pressure is applied to the inflamed area, pus is released from the stomata of the sweat glands.

Age dependence

Hidradenitis in the armpit occurs only during puberty and after, while the apocrine glands are actively working. With old age, their functionality fades, so the disease practically does not bother older people.

Sex addiction

It has been noticed that it mainly affects the fairer sex in the armpit area. Young girls of puberty and post-menopausal women are more susceptible to the disease. Pathology often develops in pregnant women and young mothers in the first month after childbirth.

Classification

Clinical medicine considers several options for axillary hidradenitis:

Acute form with suppuration. It proceeds brightly and without appropriate medical care can result in a lot of complications. Occurs due to insufficient armpit hygiene.
Chronic inflammation. It develops over a long period of time, with constant remissions and repeated exacerbations. The affected area gradually increases. Lack of treatment is dangerous for the development of sepsis.
Hidradenitis nodosa. Occurs due to inaccurate shaving of the armpits. If medical attention is not given in a timely manner, it threatens to develop into a purulent one.

Each stage of axillary inflammation lasts from 10 to 14 days and ends with recovery or transition to a more complex phase.

Symptoms and stages

Hidradenitis can be either unilateral or bilateral. It begins with the formation of a small subcutaneous compaction in the folds of the dermis. If several sweat glands are affected, a corresponding number of painful tubercles appear.

Further symptoms of hidradenitis of the armpits depend on the stage of the disease:

While the infiltrate is forming, and this takes 7–10 days, the patient experiences general malaise, fatigue, lethargy, and may develop a temperature in the range of 37.2-37.8 °C.
At the acute stage, the size of the inflamed node can reach 3–5 cm in diameter. The lump fills with pus, becomes purple-blue in color and causes severe pain. The temperature rises to 38-40 °C, the tissue around the lesion itches, becomes stretched and has a glossy shine.
At the peak of inflammation, the node takes on a conical shape. In the absence of qualified help, the abscess can spontaneously open, forming a fistula.
After a few days, the symptoms of hidradenitis subside, the lump becomes soft and pus begins to come out through the resulting hole.

The process of acute inflammation lasts an average of 2 weeks and ends with scarring. If relapses occur and the disease becomes chronic, the recovery period is delayed. In this case, signs of general intoxication of the body, cephalgic syndrome, and hyperthermia appear.

Causes

The causative agents of hidradenitis of the axillary region are most often Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, streptococcus or Escherichia coli. Bacteria invade the apocrine glands through ducts or lymphogenously.

Sometimes hidradenitis of the armpits occurs as a hereditary disease, but more often it develops under the influence of provoking factors:

increased sweating;
insufficient body hygiene;
hormonal surges;
injury to the armpit area with a narrow sleeve, synthetic clothing, or a dull razor;
state of stress;
poor immunity;
work in hot climates;
endocrine disorders.

In pregnant women, hidradenitis of the armpits often occurs due to hormonal imbalance or weakened immunity. Then any cold or hypothermia can provoke inflammation and suppuration of the sweat glands.

Which doctor treats hidradenitis under the arm?

At the very beginning of the disease, when the symptoms of hidradenitis are not sufficiently pronounced, you should consult a dermatologist. If conservative treatment does not help or the process is in the active stage of suppuration, it is better to consult a surgeon. Women expecting a child should consult their gynecologist.
If any of the specified specialists are not available at the local clinic, you must submit a voucher to your local physician.

Diagnostics

Any form of hidradenitis of the armpits requires laboratory testing because visual inspection and palpation do not always allow differentiation bitch udder and make the correct diagnosis.

A bacteriological examination will help verify the presence of inflammation of the sweat glands. The analysis identifies the pathogen and determines which antibiotics it is most susceptible to.

Material for bacteriology is taken at the time of opening the abscess or from an already formed wound. Cultures most often reveal Escherichia coli, Proteus, streptococci or staphylococci.

For chronic hidradenitis of the armpits, the patient is prescribed an immunogram. The study shows the level of immunity and whether maintenance therapy is required or not.

Treatment

In any case of the disease, you should not open the abscess yourself. This will only worsen the development of hidradenitis and provoke the spread of infection to neighboring tissues and organs. Therefore, if you have inflamed lumps in your armpit, you should immediately consult a doctor for treatment.

Therapeutic methods

You can resort to therapeutic measures immediately after making a diagnosis, which implies the separation of hidradenitis from carbunculosis, lymphadenitis or furunculosis.

This treatment is especially effective at the initial stage of the disease. It includes complete removal hair in the armpit area and daily wiping the affected area with an alcohol solution.

There are others, no less effective ways combating hidradenitis:

exposure to dry heat - applying a towel heated with an iron to the sore spots. The procedure can be performed 3–4 times a day;
warming the armpit area with sunlight or an ultraviolet lamp.

Such procedures slow down the development of hidradenitis and accelerate the resorption of cones.

Medicines

For multiple and large foci of inflammation, antibiotic treatment is prescribed. If Staphylococcus aureus is detected as the causative agent of the disease, Monomycin or Amoxicillin is used. Lincomycin, Penicillin, Erythromycin, Azithromycin or Rifampicin are also prescribed.

To reduce suppuration, pure ichthyol is applied topically, the skin around the inflammation is wiped with calendula tincture or salicylic alcohol.

As symptomatic treatment for hidradenitis of the armpits is prescribed vitamin complexes, with active progression of hidradenitis, anti-staphylococcal plasma, bacteriophage, immunoglobulin or toxoid are used. It is possible to introduce a protein blood substitute.

When hidradenitis suppurativa develops in the armpits in a pregnant woman, a course of antibacterial treatment is used, despite the possible harm to the fetus. Otherwise, the disease can cause severe side effects in a woman and lead to sepsis with subsequent death.

Surgery

If hidradenitis under the arm goes into the suppuration phase or signs of abscess melting appear, surgery is necessary. During the procedure, the surgeon removes the inflamed apocrine gland, cleans out the pus, and eliminates the fistula. Then he rinses the cavity with antiseptics, administers an antibiotic, installs drainage and partially sutures the wound.

If the affected area is large, the doctor excises the inflamed tissue and transplants the removed area of skin.

Traditional methods

With hidradenitis of the armpits, it can also help Alternative medicine, but only in the initial stages of inflammation.

To eliminate the disease, the following are most often used:

flatbreads with flour and honey;
fresh leaves white cabbage or plantain;
oatmeal dressings with kefir or sour cream;
boiled onion;
a mixture of honey, egg yolks and white flour.

All of the above remedies should be used after consultation with a doctor. With active suppuration and inflammation of the infiltrate, it is better to refuse alternative treatment.

Complications

Severe axillary hidradenitis causes quite serious consequences, for example:

deterioration of lymphatic drainage;
, scars and various tissue changes leading to limited hand mobility;
repeated infections;
depression, social isolation.

In rare cases, hidradenitis of the armpits develops into squamous cell skin cancer. This prognosis is more typical for patients over 60 years of age.

Prevention

The main way to avoid the appearance of a bitch udder under the arm is to maintain hygiene and keep the skin folds dry. It is also necessary to maintain a balanced diet, avoid stress and hypothermia, increase immunity and strengthen the body.

Someone may need to reconsider the process of shaving their armpits - replace the machine, use a special foam or gel, and treat the skin with antiseptics after the procedure.

The prognosis for hidradenitis is most often favorable - with timely and competent treatment, recovery occurs in 7–15 days. If you contact a doctor late or your body is weakened, the disease may become chronic. But even in this case, it is not difficult to achieve complete recovery. The main thing is not to give up and strictly follow the doctor’s recommendations.

Useful video about the treatment of hidradenitis under the armpit

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Hidradenitis or “bitch udder” is a pathology of the sweat glands, which is caused by inflammatory processes. With the right and timely treatment You can get rid of the disease within 5-7 days. Hidradenitis (in its uncomplicated form) does not cause any particular discomfort, except for an obvious cosmetic defect.

Hidradenitis is a widespread disease. For people without medical education, this pathology is better known under the popular names “bitch udder” and “wolf udder” because of the characteristic inflamed growths that resemble dog nipples.

Hidradenitis or “bitch udder”: how to cure it at home

What it is

Hidradenitis is a pathology of the sweat glands caused by an inflammatory process. The most common causative agent of infection is Staphylococcus aureus. The disease can be chronic.

According to the location they are distinguished:

in the armpit area;

and hidradenitis pilaris (in men).

The neck, face and mucous membranes are affected in rare cases.

Women who have reached puberty are most susceptible to the disease. The etiology of hidradenitis is quite simple: a bacterial infection enters the mouth of the hair follicle through a wound on the skin. At this stage, you can see a small pimple or abscess, a little painful, possibly with a pus cap. As the infection grows, pathogenic microorganisms penetrate the sweat glands and provoke an increase in foci of infection.

There are several stages in the development of a bitch udder:

Redness and pain on palpation.

The appearance of red boils.

Spontaneous opening of abscesses, appearance of purulent discharge.

Scarring stage.

Often, patients take only local treatment methods - all sorts of lotions and creams, which allows them to forget about the problem for a while. But soon after a slight remission and the scarring stage, the wolf's udder appears again and all stages of the disease are repeated.

With proper treatment, the pathology can be eliminated within 5-7 days.

But, oddly enough, people who have been tormented by a bitch’s udder for several years turn to doctors. This statistics is due to the fact that in our country the system of self-diagnosis and self-medication is very “developed”. On early stages bitch udder can be confused with furunculosis, folliculitis and a number of other skin pathologies. Due to improper treatment, the disease begins to progress and scars appear.

Hidradenitis in an uncomplicated form does not bring much discomfort to the patient, except for an obvious cosmetic defect. But as inflammation increases, crusting, tissue damage, and sepsis may occur.

Signs of hidradenitis or how to distinguish knot udder from other skin diseases

Hidradenitis of the axilla is localized mainly in the area of only one armpit. In some cases (complicated by concomitant chronic diseases), lesions appear on two armpits and in the folds of the mammary glands.

At the infection stage, the nodules have the red shape of inflamed pimples. They itch when sweating and are painful on palpation. Unlike furunculosis, hidradenitis extremely rarely appears on the face and in the shoulder girdle. In places where there are no sweat glands or hair, hidradenitis appears as a concomitant dermatological phenomenon.

The udder is pea-shaped and has a blue-red hue for a long time(with furunculosis, acne with a purulent cap, small). Unlike folliculitis, hidradenitis does not affect scalp areas. At the second stage, the knotted udder has a pronounced round shape and is very painful. Several lesions can merge into one.

At the maturation stage, the patient experiences general weakness, pain at the site of inflammation, fever and other signs of infection. At the third stage, the nodules begin to soften, become less painful and open.

Opened lesions can fester for several days, and serous fluid with blood fragments may be released. Thick purulent masses have an unpleasant, pungent putrefactive odor. As soon as the discharge from the wound ends, it heals. In patients with the chronic form, new lesions and ulcers appear next to the scars, which later heal.

Causes of hidradenitis

Hidradenitis is considered one of the forms of pyoderma(bacterial infections that cause pustular lesions of the skin). Pathogenic microorganisms can be introduced after shaving, combing, or squeezing a pimple. y. Hidradenitis in the armpits in women is common, since this area of skin is subject to frequent destruction during hair removal, and sweating increases the number of bacteria.

The occurrence and development of infection can be influenced by a number of factors; triggers for the disease can be:

high degree of sweating;

transferred dermatological diseases;

working conditions that do not meet sanitary standards;

wearing dirty underwear;

frequent use of products that mask the smell of sweat;

wearing tight synthetic underwear;

pregnancy;

microtraumas.

In people with normal immune functions, hidradenitis resolves within a week or two. x with the use of antibacterial drugs internally and local external ointments.

The complicated form is accompanied by the constant appearance of weeping ulcers, scarring, and an unpleasant odor. The long course of hidradenitis, which cannot be treated with drugs of choice, indicates concomitant pathologies.

Diseases that make it difficult to get rid of a bitch's udder:

diabetes mellitus type 1 and 2;

pathologies of the endocrine system;

diseases of the cardiovascular system;

systemic disorders of lymph outflow;

obesity.

A common cause of complications can be neglect of personal hygiene rules or incorrectly selected care products for this area of skin.

Hidradenitis in the groin and labia area develops in most cases in girls during puberty. The first symptoms of the disease are itching, redness and soreness. Lesions affect the groin area and can spread to the inner thighs and labia majora. The inguinal form of the disease is painful and with a large number of complications. The process is aggravated by the inaccessibility of lesions to fresh air and constant contact with items of clothing.

Unlike the axillary form, the knotted udder in the groin has a wide focal localization and can manifest itself in dozens of abscesses at the same time. This type of pathology often becomes chronic, which is difficult to get rid of. A complication of hidradenitis inguinalis can be deep inflammatory processes of adjacent tissues, the formation of scars and fistulas in the urethra, weeping ulcers, purulent arthritis, the appearance of purulent inflammation on the rectal mucosa.

IN neglected form the disease involves a complex of skin inflammatory processes the form of folliculitis of the scalp, acne, cutaneous tuberculosis, and granulomatulosis. Hidradenitis in men groin area often spreads to the buttocks and anus.

Bitch udders in pregnant women

Hidradenitis is a common disease during pregnancy. There are several reasons why sweat glands become inflamed in pregnant women:

decline immune functions;
decreased skin elasticity;
gaining extra pounds;
hypovitaminosis;
pregnancy diabetes;
hormonal imbalance;
excessive sweating.

Hidradenitis during pregnancy can be localized in the armpits, in the folds of the mammary glands and in the groin. During pregnancy, they try to use only local drugs for treatment. The use of antibiotics and surgical excision of ulcers is not indicated until the end of the second trimester.

Diagnostic procedures

Diagnosis for knotted udders includes:

external examination by a dermatologist;

visiting an infectious disease specialist;

taking a blood test for bacteriological culture;

Ultrasound of the thyroid gland;

urine collection;

histological analysis (for complicated purulent form).

In chronic cases, diagnosis includes a series of tests to identify the causes of weakened immunity.

This series diagnostic procedures aimed at excluding pathologies with similar symptoms. Wolf udders are often confused with mycoses, manifestations of sexually transmitted diseases, carbuncles, boils, tularemia and pathologies of the lymphatic system.

Therapy methods

Hidradenitis is treated with a wide range of therapeutic measures. This complex includes: antibacterial therapy depending on the causative agent of the infection, local therapy (painkillers, drugs that accelerate wound healing), surgical excision of ulcers.

In the chronic form, treatment of concomitant diseases and triggers is prescribed.

The treatment method is developed individually depending on the stage of the disease. At an early stage, it is necessary to get rid of hair in the focal area, but without damaging the skin. Wipe the infiltration area with a disinfectant (calendula tincture, hydrogen peroxide, brilliant green). Do not use drugs that can cause burns(concentrated alcohol, pepper and iodine tinctures).

Afterwards, you need to apply a bandage or patch soaked in chlorophyllipt or dioxylin. This procedure must be repeated every 4-6 hours. If after 5 days the infiltrate does not resolve on its own, increases in size and becomes purulent, it is necessary to apply antibacterial therapy. Antibiotics are prescribed only when the udder reaches the stage of abscess formation.

During self-diagnosis and self-medication, antibiotic therapy is often useless due to the resistance of pathogens to the active component of the drug.

For a successful antibacterial therapy The discharge is collected for bacteriological culture to establish the exact type of bacteria and determine the most effective means to eliminate it. Taking the medication lasts no more than 10 days.

The complex takes vitamins, corticosteroids and antihistamine ointments. In the chronic stage, the formation of fistulas and scars, surgical excision of foci of infection is used for effective treatment. The operation is carried out under local anesthesia and last no more than 45 minutes, with large affected areas.

Treatment at home

There are many “folk” recommendations on how to get rid of a bitch’s udder, but some of them may contradict common sense and aggravate the pathology. If you decide to get rid of a bitch udder without the help of a doctor, you need to know a few basic rules of therapy, and only then resort to folk recipes.

1. If a growth with purulent discharge appears, warm bandages should not be applied under any circumstances.
You cannot open boils and try to sanitize them yourself.

2. You cannot apply ointments and masks directly to open ulcers.

An effective and absolutely safe method of treating hidradenitis without drugs is sunbathing. Just clean your armpit of hair and lie in the sun. Unfortunately, this method only helps at the early stage of the disease.

You can wipe the inflammation with decoctions and herbal tinctures with antiseptic properties (calendula, chamomile, St. John's wort, celandine).

Nutrition for hidradenitis

Adjusting the diet for hidradenitis is indicated for patients with a chronic form of the disease who have endocrine disorders.

For overweight people, calorie restriction and a low-carbohydrate diet are recommended.. In addition, it is recommended avoid fatty and spicy foods. Helps speed up recovery with a diet rich in vitamins and fiber.

If you have hidradenitis suppurativa, you should avoid sweets and baked goods., since such products provoke the proliferation of pathogenic bacteria and fungi. It is undesirable to eat hot and spicy foods, which provokes increased sweating.

Prevention

The basis of preventive measures is compliance with all norms and rules of personal hygiene and careful care of the groin area and armpits. To avoid illness, women need to use high-quality razors that do not injure the skin, and products that moisturize the skin before and after shaving. If you cut yourself while shaving, you should immediately treat the wound with an antiseptic.

The intensity of sweating plays an important role in the development of the disease. Dermatologists advise washing your armpits more often. Underwear should be made from natural, breathable materials and loose-fitting. In summer, clothing should not create friction in areas of increased sweating. published.

If you have any questions, please ask

P.S. And remember, just by changing your consumption, we are changing the world together! © econet

The occurrence of hidradenitis under the arm is associated with the development of an inflammatory process in the ductal glands. The disease can occur in young people, children during puberty, and pregnant women. In older people, the disease is rarely diagnosed, which is due to a decrease in hormonal activity and the production of natural enzymes. The disease is accompanied by abscesses that resemble the appearance of the mammary glands in dogs, so hidradenitis was quickly dubbed “bitch udder” by the people.

Timely treatment can eliminate the disease without surgery, but even rapid therapy does not guarantee that unpleasant symptoms will not recur.

Features of the disease

Hidradenitis is a process of inflammation of the sweat glands, often caused by staphylococcus bacteria. Damage to the sweat glands also affects the apocrine glands, which are responsible for normal sweating and giving each person a unique natural aroma. The occurrence of the disease in the armpit is the most common place of occurrence. Hidradenitis may appear in the groin area, near the navel, and on the external genitalia.

Hidradenitis does not differ according to the gender of patients and can occur equally in both men and women. In addition to the sweat gland, the apocrine gland, which is responsible for natural pheromones (a person’s individual odor), is affected. The apocrine gland begins to form precisely during puberty in adolescence, and stops functioning normally after 50 years, so hidradenitis cannot occur in children and the elderly. The trigger for the onset of the disease is always infection. The main difference between hidradenitis and other types of dermatological purulent formations(eg boils) is considered to be the absence of a root of dead cells.

Video about the relationship between hidradenitis and deodorants:

Types and classification

Hidradenitis can occur in varying degrees of severity, which completely depends on the time the patient contacts a dermatologist or surgeon. According to the severity of the disease, hidradenitis can be divided into the following stages:

initial when the process of clogging the sweat gland has just occurred (swelling, redness, itching and soreness);
average when the inflamed “nodules” grow and the pain intensifies;
heavy the degree when the pathological process is characterized by the appearance of purulent abscesses with blood.

The main factors for determining treatment tactics are the generally accepted classification not only according to the degree of severity, but also according to the form of the course.

Purulent form (acute process)

The form is characterized by the rapid development of the inflammatory process as a result of blockage of the sebaceous, sweat and apocrine glands. The appearance of abscesses in this form is often a consequence of insufficient hygiene of the axillary area and trauma to the skin during depilation.

The course of the disease is identical to the manifestations of a common cold with malaise, increased body temperature, which is later joined by soreness in the armpit area. The purulent form poses a serious danger to the patient’s life if not properly treated.

Chronic (recurring) form

The development of the chronic form is characterized by a long course of the acute process. The disease can be caused by a purulent abscess that was not fully treated. The chronic form has several stages of development:

Stage I(formation of dense nodular formations under the skin, the appearance of pain);
Stage II(enlargement of nodes, the beginning of their mobility, change in skin color to a red-blue hue);
Stage III(formation of a purulent viscous composition that ruptures the granuloma (capsule) and comes out with blood).

Important! Having correctly determined the stage and development of the disease, the doctor can quickly develop the necessary treatment tactics. During treatment acute form Speed is important for hidradenitis, because a protracted acute process always leads to the formation of a chronic disease.

Causes of the disease

In surgical dermatology, the main cause of the disease is a regular moist environment caused by excessive sweating sick. Any organic liquids in the human body become a favorable environment for the proliferation of harmful and conditionally harmful bacteria. Harmful microorganisms clog the sweat glands and provoke the occurrence of acute inflammatory formation. In addition to staphylococcus, hidradenitis can be caused by bacteria from the group of streptococci and others. More often, hidradenitis occurs due to the following factors:

weakened immunity of the patient;
hormonal disorders in the body;
diseases of the thyroid or parathyroid gland;
chronic dermatological diseases;
overweight or obesity;
abnormalities in the development of sweat glands:
changes in the functioning of the central nervous system;
lack of diet;
taking drugs that suppress the immune system;
fasting or poor diet;
chemotherapy for cancer;
insufficient hygiene;
inaccurate shaving of hairs in the axillary area:
skin trauma;
low quality hygiene products;
allergic reactions to personal hygiene products (gels, oils, shaving foam, etc.).

There are many factors that can cause hidradenitis. If the patient is at risk, is overweight or has other diseases that contribute to the development of purulent growths in the armpit, then his chances of developing chronic hidradenitis are quite high.

Signs and features of the course

In the acute and chronic course of hidradenitis, some signs of the disease can differ greatly in severity and in the nature of manifestations. Inflammation of the sweat glands in the axillary area is accompanied by the following conditions:

the appearance of a small nodule and pain;
enlargement of the nodule up to 2 cm;
skin discoloration;
the appearance of new nodules;
the formation of several nodules in one affected area;
swelling;
the appearance of swelling and pus;
increased temperature (sometimes up to 39-40°C);
a feeling of severe itching mixed with pain;
stiffness of movements.

Important! Severe inflammation may be accompanied by the release of pus with bloody spots from the burst capsules of nodular formations. The danger of a prolonged course of the inflammatory process can result in severe sepsis (spread of pus through the bloodstream) and intoxication for the patient.

Hidradenitis during pregnancy

Even in the first trimester of pregnancy, a woman’s hormonal levels change, her immunity naturally decreases, and general weakness appears. The appearance of a disease of a bacterial or viral nature can overshadow the course of pregnancy. The main causes of hidradenitis in pregnant women are considered to be frequent colds or the herpes virus (any herpes virus). It is important for women to maintain careful hygiene of the armpit area, try to use only proven personal hygiene products, avoid shaving with machines or epilators, and deal with unwanted hairs with mild depilatory creams.

Any potentially traumatic shaving methods can trigger hidradenitis. Emerging hidradenitis always occurs with severe symptoms, and therefore, if the first signs of the disease develop, you should immediately contact an obstetrician-gynecologist, dermatologist and surgeon. Taking antibiotics during pregnancy is prohibited, but when the threat to the mother’s life exceeds the harm to the fetus from the active substances of the drug, prompt treatment is started.

Diagnostic methods

Dermatologists and surgeons are involved in identifying hidradenitis. Before treatment, it is important to determine the nature of the disease, its form and development characteristics. The following diagnostic methods are distinguished:

interviewing the patient for complaints;
visual inspection of the armpit area;
feeling the seals and pressing on the nodules;
determining the appearance of the disease;
blood sampling for biochemical testing;
test collection of purulent material;
urine test (if necessary).

Important! The purpose of diagnosis is not only to determine the nature of hidradenitis, but also to separate it from other types of diseases, for example, lymphogranulomatosis, chronic lymphadenitis, furunculosis or tuberculosis. If the primary data on the disease is not enough, additional research methods (for example, ultrasound) may be prescribed.

Despite some differences in the course of different forms of hidradenitis, treatment tactics do not differ significantly. Official medicine involves the following types of treatment of the disease:

medicinal;
operational;
physiotherapy;
traditional methods.

It is important to choose the right medications for local and internal use in order to quickly relieve the unpleasant symptoms of hidradenitis.

Treatment with drugs

Medicines can be prescribed as intramuscular or intravenous injections or in tablets. For successful treatment, several targeted medications are prescribed at once, which correspond to the form and stage of the course:

Antibiotics. Tetracycline and macrolide class drugs are prescribed, which have a depressing effect on the development of the inflammatory process (Ceftriaxone, Summed).
Hormonal agents. Hormones prevent the development of inflammation at various stages of their appearance and are introduced into the lesion itself (Prednisolone).
Immunomodulatory drugs. Used to strengthen local immunity (gamma globulins). Contraindicated for pregnant women, as they can lead to miscarriage (Viveron, Immudon).
Antiseptics. Prescribed to disinfect the skin of the armpits from harmful microflora (Miramistin, Chlorhexidine, Iodinol).

Any medication treatment must be prescribed by specialists. When self-medicating hidradenitis, you can not only not cure the disease, but also aggravate the course of the disease.

Surgical treatment

Surgical treatment is required for purulent separation with incision of the nodule and installation of drainage. Manipulations help eliminate inflammation and prevent the risk of residual purulent fragments. After the wounds have healed, special therapy with antibiotics and disinfectants is carried out.

Important! Successful and timely treatment helps the patient quickly recover from inflammation and eliminate the risk of unwanted recurrences. Of course, with absolute observance of hygiene rules and treatment of concomitant diseases, which in one way or another could contribute to the development of hidradenitis.

Physiotherapy

To speed up the recovery process, doctors prescribe physiotherapy, which includes the following procedures:

UHF procedures;
photochemotherapy;
magnetic laser therapy;
infrared therapy.

All procedures are aimed at postoperative treatment of scars, healing of damaged pores, and alleviation of the patient’s general condition.

Traditional methods of treatment

Treatment of hidradenitis with folk remedies can be carried out at the end of the disease to speed up the healing process. For example, decoctions of chamomile, linden, and yarrow will help relieve tension from damaged skin, and an infusion of thyme or sage will create antibacterial protection. Well-known traditional methods of treatment here will not be a panacea for the inflammatory process.

Herbal infusions and compresses will help quickly restore the skin after surgery and become additional natural antiseptic preparations for treating the armpits.

The doctor talks about the treatment of hidradenitis

Lifestyle during illness and diet

It is recommended to combine moderate physical activity with breathing exercises. This way the body is more quickly saturated with oxygen and increases resistance to various bacteria. A healthy lifestyle helps strengthen the immune system. For hidradenitis suppurativa, following a special diet and healthy image life is extremely important. Alcohol and tobacco should be excluded, since during the breakdown of harmful substances (alcohols and resins), their components come out with sweat through the pores. Intoxication does not contribute to a quick recovery.

The diet of a patient with hidradenitis should include fresh fruits, vegetables, and herbs. In the winter season, you should drink vitamin complexes for general tone. Important products during illness are:

dairy products;
nuts and cereals;
flour products;
lean meat and fish;
vegetables fruits.

Additionally, you should follow the correct drinking regime. The volume of fluid should correspond to the age norm. For example, it is important for an adult to drink about 2 liters of fresh water per day. This allows you to quickly remove the infection from the body, promoting a speedy recovery.

Prevention and complications

At the heart of everything preventive measures compliance with hygiene standards and rules for caring for the armpits is laid down. The main measures include the following:

organization of daily hygiene care;
wearing comfortable clothes;
treatment of hormonal disorders;
prevention of obesity, diabetes;
selection of high-quality cosmetics for the armpit area;
soft shave.

In case of chronic hidradenitis, it is important to additionally treat the armpit area with boric or camphor alcohol. Especially if the skin was injured during shaving. It is worth adding vitamin complexes during the cold season, and weather-appropriate clothing during the hot months. It is necessary to exclude colds and other infectious diseases that may lead to the development of hidradenitis or its complications. Special dangers of the disease include:

entry of a purulent infection into the central bloodstream (sepsis);
development of hidradenitis suppurativa;
spread of inflammation to other parts of the body;
the appearance of putrefactive phlegmon (skin formation with pus without clear boundaries);
development of lymphadenitis.

It is important to eliminate any inflammatory process in the body quickly and efficiently, because the development of complications against the background of a spreading infection can have serious consequences, including the development serious illnesses brain and central nervous system. Hidradenitis under the arm has vivid symptoms (pain, swelling, discomfort in the armpits, fever), so the development of the disease can be recognized even before the formation of a purulent form of the disease. Compliance with prevention and attention to your own body will protect you from many dangers, including hidradenitis.

Question answer

How to get rid of armpit pain?

If the pain occurs suddenly, and you cannot see a doctor today, you can resort to taking Ibuprofen (one of the safe drugs) or apply a cold compress. With hidradenitis, the pain can be severe, so there is usually time to see a doctor.

What means can be used to remove inflammation?

Using only traditional methods for any form of hidradenitis will only worsen the general condition of the patient. Methods traditional medicine will be effective along with traditional drug treatment. After proper treatment, to speed up healing, you can make compresses with a decoction of chamomile, celandine, and string.

What can become inflamed under the armpit?

Hidradenitis occurs as a result of inflammation of the sweat gland, spreading to the apocrine glands. It is their blockage that leads to inflammation with the subsequent formation of purulent nodules.

Inflammation of the sweat glands in the armpit is a very common problem, which is medically known as “hidradenitis.” The disease is accompanied by an accumulation of pus in the area of the affected gland, as well as constant discomfort, pain and swelling.

This is why many people are interested in additional information about why inflammation of the sweat glands in the armpit develops. Symptoms, treatment and possible complications are information that you should definitely familiarize yourself with.

Hidradenitis: general information

Hidradenitis is a disease that is accompanied by inflammation of the sweat glands. The glands located in the armpit area are most susceptible to inflammation.

Hidradenitis does not develop in children of preschool and primary school age, as well as in elderly patients. Statistics show that 85% of patients with inflammation of the sweat glands are women aged 16 to 55 years.

Inflammation of the sweat glands in the armpit: causes

Of course, first you should understand the reasons for the development of the disease, because the treatment regimen chosen by the doctor largely depends on this.

In most cases, inflammation of the sweat glands in the armpit is associated with the activity of pathogenic bacteria. According to statistics, Staphylococcus aureus most often plays the role of pathogen. Most often, microorganisms penetrate the gland from the outside, through its duct. This often happens with various damage to the skin, for example, during hair removal or shaving, as well as as a result of constant friction of the skin against the fabric.

By the way, hyperhidrosis (excessive sweating) is also potentially dangerous. The skin in the armpit area constantly gets wet, the tissues become macerated, which leads to a weakening of the barrier functions. Under such conditions, it is much easier for pathogenic microorganisms to penetrate the sweat gland or deep skin layers.

Infection, by the way, can enter tissues not only from the external environment. The infection often spreads throughout the body along with the flow of blood and lymph. Of course, this only happens against the backdrop of a weakened immune system.

Main risk factors

Of course, inflammation of the sweat glands in the armpit is associated with the activity of staphylococcal infection. However, the likelihood of developing the disease is much higher if the body is severely weakened.

That is why it is worth studying the risk factors:

diabetes mellitus (accompanied by serious hormonal disorders and weakened immunity);
diseases of the endocrine system;
tuberculosis;
the presence of HIV infection, as well as other immunodeficiency conditions;
toxoplasmosis;
helminthic diseases (infestation of pinworms, roundworms, etc.);
rheumatic diseases;
systemic lupus erythematosus;
anemia (tissues do not receive enough oxygen, which weakens their barrier functions);
following a strict diet (this depletes the body, making it more susceptible);
poor nutrition (again, leads to the development of vitamin deficiencies);
obesity (overweight people often suffer from hormonal disorders and excessive sweating);
severe hypothermia (local or general);
pregnancy period (associated with hormonal changes).

All these diseases significantly weaken the body's defenses, negatively affect the immune system, and make the skin more susceptible to infection.

By the way, the inflammatory process can develop against the background of an allergic reaction caused by the use of low-quality cosmetics: antiperspirants, face washes, etc.

Inflammation of the sweat glands in the armpit: photos and symptoms

Typically, the development cycle of hidradenitis takes about two weeks. Symptoms of inflammation of the sweat glands in the armpit depend on the stage of development of the disease:

First, a small nodule appears in the armpit area - its diameter does not exceed 1-2 cm.
Gradually the tumor grows. Severe itching appears, and then pain, which causes a lot of inconvenience to the person.
Small black pimples form around the nodule - these are sebaceous glands, the ducts of which are blocked by a horny plug.
The inflammatory process and the formation of pus is associated with stagnation of blood - as a result of which the skin in the area of hidradenitis becomes reddish, sometimes with a blue or purple tint.
General symptoms of intoxication also appear. Patients complain of weakness, nausea, joint pain, and body aches. Body temperature rises.
The tissues in the armpit area swell, which leads to compression of the nerve endings. Patients suffer from acute, shooting pain that appears during movements in the shoulder joint.
Purulent masses continue to accumulate in the soft tissues. It is not uncommon to see white or yellowish pus under the skin.
In the absence of therapy, the abscess often opens either arbitrarily or as a result of some kind of injury.
After opening the hidradenitis, the patient's condition improves - fever and pain disappear. Nevertheless, it is worth understanding that the focus of inflammation remains, and in the absence of therapy, the likelihood of a relapse in the near future is very high.

If you have such signs, you should immediately consult a doctor. Only a specialist will be able to cleanse the tissues of pus and create an effective drug treatment regimen.

Possible complications

Inflammation of the sweat glands in the armpit responds well to treatment. However, the possibility of complications cannot be ruled out.

Sometimes the purulent process spreads to adjacent soft tissues, which can lead to the development of an abscess or phlegmon (a large abscess with a dense membrane). If the abscess is not drained in time, it can open on its own. In this case, purulent masses spread to nearby tissues and often enter the systemic circulation. The most dangerous complication of hidradenitis is sepsis (infection of the whole body is observed).

Statistics show that such complications usually develop in the absence of therapy. Patients with severely weakened bodies and diseases of the immune system are at risk.

Diagnostic measures

You already know about the causes and symptoms of inflammation of the sweat glands in the armpit. If you notice the above-described disorders, you need to urgently consult a doctor. Only a specialist can create an effective and safe treatment regimen.

Diagnosis of inflammation of the sweat glands in the armpit is rarely associated with any difficulties. It is enough for an experienced doctor to examine the skin in the affected area and listen to the patient’s complaints.

Of course, additional research is being carried out in the future. For example, a blood test is informative: an increase in ESR, as well as an increase in the number of leukocytes, indicates the presence of an inflammatory process. In addition, samples obtained from the sweat gland are used for bacteriological culture. Thus, the doctor has the opportunity to accurately determine the type of pathogen and select the appropriate medication.

If there are frequent relapses or the disease is difficult to treat, the patient is referred for an immunogram - this allows the functioning of the immune system to be checked.

Conservative treatment

Since inflammation is associated with the activity of bacterial microorganisms, the treatment regimen necessarily includes taking antibiotics. Erythromycin and Doxycycline and Tetracycline are effective. Therapy lasts at least two weeks.

The affected tissues, as well as the skin around the abscess, should be treated with antiseptic solutions 2-3 times a day. This will help prevent further spread of bacteria. For disinfection, a solution of salicylic acid, tincture of iodine, brilliant green, and alcohol are suitable. Also, inflamed tissues are lubricated with Vishnevsky ointment or Levomekol.

If during the tests it was possible to confirm the presence of a staphylococcal infection, then specific therapy can be carried out, in particular, the administration of staphylococcal gamma globulin. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are also used to help cope with pain and fever.

Precautionary measures

You need to understand that infections (especially if we are talking about staphylococcus) can quickly spread to neighboring, healthy areas of the skin. This is why the area of hidradenitis needs to be covered with a dry bandage.

You will have to give up baths for a while. You can only take a shower after covering the area of inflammation with a bandage and plaster. The skin around the abscess needs to be treated with antiseptic solutions several times a day.

Treatment of inflammation of the sweat glands in the armpit must be supplemented with a proper diet. Dishes should be light, but high in calories. Your daily menu should definitely include foods rich in phosphorus and iron. Various berries, black currants, fermented milk products, nuts, and liver will be useful. Experts recommend drinking fresh fruit juices. Fish and lean meat will be useful, but in boiled form. You should avoid sweets, spicy and fatty foods, and alcohol.

Physiotherapy

Drug treatment of inflammation of the gonads in the armpit is necessarily complemented by physiotherapeutic procedures. UHF and infrared irradiation are considered effective. In addition, local ultraviolet therapy, laser therapy and magnetic therapy are sometimes performed. Sometimes patients are prescribed electrophoresis with codeine or dionine. Such procedures, as a rule, are carried out after the inflammatory process has been stopped with the help of medications.

Surgical intervention: indications and features

Sometimes it is necessary to allow the abscess to mature, after which the doctor will be able to open it and clean it of purulent masses. Warm, wet compresses are not suitable for this, as this leads to maceration of the skin. Sunbathing is suitable for warming up (in the warm season). You can heat a terry towel with an iron, which you then apply to the skin in the armpit area.

Warming up the abscesses allows them to mature and soften. And after this, as a rule, hidradenitis needs to be opened. After cutting the tissue, the doctor first evacuates the purulent masses, after which he carefully removes the infiltrated fatty tissue.

If there are constant relapses, and cleansing the ulcers and drug therapy do not give the desired effect, then the patient needs more radical treatment. The area of hidradenitis is first opened and cleaned, but the wound heals under open conditions. The patient takes antibiotics all the time. After the inflammatory process subsides, complete resection of the skin and subcutaneous tissue is performed. Of course, after this, plastic surgery is needed to help close the defect.

Traditional methods of treatment

Treatment of inflammation of the sweat glands in the armpit with folk remedies is also possible, but prescriptions can only be used with the permission of a doctor.

Cabbage has anti-inflammatory properties. A fresh cabbage leaf should be applied to the affected skin, secured with a bandage and left overnight. To achieve greater effect, the leaf can be smeared with a small amount of natural honey.
Aloe will also help cope with inflammation. Rinse the mature leaves thoroughly, rinse with boiled water, cut lengthwise and apply the fleshy side to the affected skin. The compress should remain on the skin for several hours. Aloe has bactericidal properties. Moreover, the leaves of the plant draw pus out, accelerating the maturation of the abscess.

How to avoid illness: prevention

The disease responds relatively well to treatment, at least as evidenced by reviews. Treatment of inflammation of the sweat glands in the armpit in most cases results in complete recovery. But following some recommendations will help prevent the development of hidradenitis:

It is important to carefully observe personal hygiene rules, especially if you suffer from excessive sweating.
Remember that infection can occur during hair removal or shaving your armpits.
It is better to give preference to fairly spacious clothing made from natural fabrics (constant friction in the armpit area is a risk factor).
Be responsible when choosing cosmetics and deodorants.

Of course, do not forget about strengthening the immune system. Proper nutrition, physical activity, periodic intake of vitamins - all this will help increase the resistance of skin tissue and various types of infection.

Inflammation in the armpit can occur due to poor hygiene or as a result of a serious illness. The article describes possible causes of inflammation, symptoms and treatment methods.

Due to the accumulation of sweat and sebaceous glands and the location of the lymph nodes, the armpits are vulnerable to various types of inflammation. Most often, inflammation is accompanied by pain, redness, and thickening under the skin. Depending on the cause of the disease, the treatment tactics for the patient will be chosen.

Causes of armpit inflammation

Inflammation in the armpit is not always a symptom of the disease. It is relatively easy to cure inflammation that occurs for the following reasons:

Using other people's hygiene products. In this case, inflammation develops due to the ingress of foreign microflora, which may contain pathogenic microorganisms.
Allergic reaction to care products. Sensitive skin armpit with an abundance of nerve endings and a cluster of blood vessels often reacts to the composition of shower gels, antiperspirants, and toilet soap. The result is redness, swelling, irritation, and sometimes itching.
Depilation. The most common cause of inflammation that is not associated with disease. Microcracks after shaving hair in this area often cause irritation. Especially for women who undergo hair removal procedures during menstrual cycle when the skin is extremely sensitive. Pain and inflammation also occur among those who like to remove hair with wax, electric epilator and tweezers.
Incorrect use of antiperspirants. Applying a sweat suppressant immediately after a bath and before an intense workout blocks the sweat glands, leading to swelling and inflammation.

If inflammation in the armpit appears in a nursing mother, then the woman is likely to experience mastitis or milk stagnation. Diseases that are accompanied by inflammation in the armpits include:

Lymphadenitis - inflammation lymph nodes caused by infectious diseases
Hidradenitis is a blockage of the sweat gland as a result of bacterial infection, most often staphylococcus.
Atheroma - benign cyst of the sebaceous duct
Furuncle. Purulent inflammation of the hair follicle caused by Staphylococcus aureus

Define the real reason inflammation is necessary in the doctor’s office, since self-medication in this situation will only worsen the health condition.

Signs of the disease

There are a number of symptoms that indicate the presence of the disease. The following signs will indicate axillary lymphadenitis:

Why do my armpits hurt?

At the first stage, the lymph nodes increase slightly, discomfort in the armpit does not cause pain.
Inflammation and redness of the node indicates a transition to the serous form: the flesh becomes hot, swollen, painful to touch, the node increases in size, but the general state of health does not worsen.
If this stage of lymphadenitis is left unattended, it turns into a purulent form. Lymph nodes begin to fester, body temperature increases, and pus may break out at the site of inflammation through the fistula.
Lymphadenitis mainly occurs against the background of infectious diseases: ARVI, influenza, measles. Therefore, the patient should pay attention to swelling in the armpit during the treatment of other diseases.

Symptoms of another cause of armpit inflammation, hidradenitis, include:

the appearance of itching and swelling in the armpit
gradual increase in pain
formation of a compaction ranging in size from a few millimeters to 2 cm
simultaneous increase in compaction and intensity of pain
if several glands are involved in the process, then the foci of inflammation merge into one dense lump

Against the background of ongoing hidradenitis, the patient experiences an increase in body temperature to 38.5°, signs of intoxication, and weakness. The skin at the site of inflammation becomes bluish or purple-red. After 10-15 days, the abscess mixed with blood breaks out.

The symptoms of hidradenitis are similar to a boil. The difference between a boil: the disease begins with rashes in the armpit, redness of the skin and the formation of one purulent core. With atheroma, a painful dense ball is felt in the armpit; the skin turns red only if an infection is attached.

Due to the abundance of similar symptoms, it is necessary to diagnose the cause of inflammation in the armpit by a qualified dermatologist or therapist.

Treatment methods

Effective treatments

If the cause of inflammation is an allergy to cosmetics, then specific treatment not required. Usually it is enough to change the antiperspirant or gel to a hypoallergenic analogue and the inflammation goes away on its own.

You can get rid of irritation after shaving using baby powder or talcum powder. Prevent inflammation by taking baths with decoctions of medicinal plants with a natural anti-inflammatory effect: chamomile, string, calendula, coltsfoot, aloe.

In case of inflammation in the armpit, the cause of which is an infectious disease, the treatment will be much more serious.

Hidradenitis, detected at the initial stage, usually responds to conservative therapy:

Use of antibiotics (most often these are drugs based on amoxicillin, ampicillin or erythromycin)
Taking painkillers (Nimesulide, Ketorol)
Treatment of the inflammation with tetracycline ointment, Levomekol, Neomycin, boric alcohol, salicylic acid

Typically, treatment for axillary hidradenitis takes about 14 days. If it does not bring results, surgeons open the abscess. It is strictly forbidden to open the inflammation yourself: carelessness and lack of disinfection can cause blood poisoning.

After removing the abscess, the wound under the armpit is cleaned of pus and a bandage with an antiseptic (chlorhexidine) is applied. During the treatment period, the patient is recommended to adhere to a diet limiting spicy and smoked foods, as well as alcohol.

Treatment of axillary lymphadenitis depends on the stage at which the disease is detected. Inflammation of the lymph nodes without purulent contents can be treated conservatively. First of all, it is necessary to eliminate the original source of infection, since the lymph nodes become inflamed due to infectious diseases.

If lymphadenitis has already entered the purulent stage, then the inflamed node in the armpit will have to be opened: abscesses and ulcers must be cleared of their contents. Broad-spectrum antibiotics and ointments for local use (Tibonic or Tubazid), compresses with streptomycin are required.

Treatment of armpit inflammation should be entrusted to a doctor: self-medication for serious forms of disease will inevitably lead to surgical intervention.

The disease requires mandatory treatment, often surgical. If you do not seek medical help in a timely manner, hidradenitis can result in a number of complications.

Features of the disease

This anatomical feature explains why ICD10 classifies hidradenitis as a disease of the hair follicles, although the true inflammatory process occurs in the sweat ducts.

Appearance

By calling hidradenitis of the armpits a bitch's udder, people probably meant the external similarity of the inflamed lumps to dog nipples.

Age dependence

Sex addiction

It has been noticed that hidradenitis in the armpit area mainly affects the fairer sex. Young girls of puberty and post-menopausal women are more susceptible to the disease. Pathology often develops in pregnant women and young mothers in the first month after childbirth.

Classification

Clinical medicine considers several options for axillary hidradenitis:

Acute form with suppuration. It proceeds brightly and without appropriate medical care can result in a lot of complications. Occurs due to insufficient armpit hygiene.
Chronic inflammation. It develops over a long period of time, with constant remissions and repeated exacerbations. The affected area gradually increases. Lack of treatment is dangerous for the development of sepsis.
Hidradenitis nodosa. Occurs due to inaccurate shaving of the armpits. If medical attention is not given in a timely manner, it threatens to develop into a purulent one.

Each stage of axillary inflammation lasts from 10 to 14 days and ends with recovery or transition to a more complex phase.

Symptoms and stages

Further symptoms of hidradenitis of the armpits depend on the stage of the disease:

While the infiltrate is forming, and this takes 7–10 days, the patient experiences general malaise, fatigue, lethargy, and may develop a temperature in the range of 37.2-37.8 °C.
At the acute stage, the size of the inflamed node can reach 3–5 cm in diameter. The lump fills with pus, becomes purple-blue in color and causes severe pain. The temperature rises to 38-40 °C, the tissue around the lesion itches, becomes stretched and has a glossy shine.
At the peak of inflammation, the node takes on a conical shape. In the absence of qualified help, the abscess can spontaneously open, forming a fistula.
After a few days, the symptoms of hidradenitis subside, the lump becomes soft and pus begins to come out through the resulting hole.

Causes

Sometimes hidradenitis of the armpits occurs as a hereditary disease, but more often it develops under the influence of provoking factors:

increased sweating;
insufficient body hygiene;
hormonal surges;
injury to the armpit area with a narrow sleeve, synthetic clothing, or a dull razor;
state of stress;
poor immunity;
work in hot climates;
endocrine disorders.

In pregnant women, hidradenitis of the armpits often occurs due to hormonal imbalance or weakened immunity. Then any cold or hypothermia can provoke inflammation and suppuration of the sweat glands.

Which doctor treats hidradenitis under the arm?

Diagnostics

Any form of hidradenitis of the armpits requires laboratory tests, since external examination and palpation do not always allow one to differentiate a knotted udder and make a correct diagnosis.

A bacteriological examination will help verify the presence of inflammation of the sweat glands. The analysis identifies the pathogen and determines which antibiotics it is most susceptible to.

Material for bacteriology is taken at the time of opening the abscess or from an already formed wound. Cultures most often reveal Escherichia coli, Proteus, streptococci or staphylococci.

For chronic hidradenitis of the armpits, the patient is prescribed an immunogram. The study shows the level of immunity and whether maintenance therapy is required or not.

Treatment

Therapeutic methods

You can resort to therapeutic measures immediately after making a diagnosis, which implies the separation of hidradenitis from carbunculosis, lymphadenitis or furunculosis.

This treatment is especially effective at the initial stage of the disease. It includes complete removal of armpit hair and daily wiping of the affected area with an alcohol solution.

There are other, equally effective ways to combat hidradenitis:

exposure to dry heat - applying a towel heated with an iron to the sore spots. The procedure can be performed 3–4 times a day;
warming the armpit area with sunlight or an ultraviolet lamp.

Such procedures slow down the development of hidradenitis and accelerate the resorption of cones.

Medicines

To reduce suppuration, pure ichthyol is applied topically, the skin around the inflammation is wiped with calendula tincture or salicylic alcohol.

As a symptomatic treatment for hidradenitis of the armpits, vitamin complexes are prescribed; with active progression of hidradenitis, anti-staphylococcal plasma, bacteriophage, immunoglobulin or toxoid are used. It is possible to introduce a protein blood substitute.

Surgery

If the affected area is large, the doctor excises the inflamed tissue and transplants the removed area of skin.

Traditional methods

Alternative medicine can also help with hidradenitis of the armpits, but only in the initial stages of inflammation.

To eliminate the disease, the following are most often used:

flatbreads with flour and honey;
fresh leaves of white cabbage or plantain;
oatmeal dressings with kefir or sour cream;
boiled onion;
a mixture of honey, egg yolks and white flour.

All of the above remedies should be used after consultation with a doctor. With active suppuration and inflammation of the infiltrate, it is better to refuse alternative treatment.

Complications

Severe axillary hidradenitis causes quite serious consequences, for example:

deterioration of lymphatic drainage;
scars, scars and various tissue changes leading to limited hand mobility;
repeated infections;
depression, social isolation.

In rare cases, hidradenitis of the armpits develops into squamous cell skin cancer. This prognosis is more typical for patients over 60 years of age.

Prevention

Someone may need to reconsider the process of shaving their armpits - replace the machine, use a special foam or gel, and treat the skin with antiseptics after the procedure.

Useful video about the treatment of hidradenitis under the armpit

Complications of the disease are:

Inflammation of the lymphatic vessels and lymph nodes.
On the side of hidradenitis, lymphedema sometimes develops - swelling of the soft tissues of the upper limb on the side of hidradenitis.
When inflammation spreads to the subcutaneous tissue, phlegmon develops.

Rice. 8. The photo shows the consequences of hidradenitis under the armpit - hypertrophic and keloid scars.

Rice. 9. At the site of inflammation of the sweat glands under the armpit, ugly, retracted scars often form.

Rice. 10. The photo shows inflammation of the lymphatic vessels, as a result of a boil, carbuncle, abscess or hidradenitis.

There are three forms of the disease. There are non-purulent, purulent and chronic hidradenitis.

Non-hidradenitis suppurativa is characterized by the absence of signs of inflammation. With this form, there is only a slight swelling, a dense nodule that does not cause discomfort (sometimes there is pain, which goes away over time).

The purulent form is characterized by the presence of all clinical manifestations diseases. The picture of the disease is violent with severe pain and symptoms of intoxication.

Chronic hidradenitis is characterized by regular recurrence of the disease. Most often it appears in people with weakened immune systems or against the background of hormonal fluctuations. As a rule, when the underlying disease is eliminated, the pathology ceases to bother the person.

The places where hidradenitis occurs are the areas where the apocrine sweat glands are located. The most common inflammation is in the armpits. In second place are the genital, perianal (in men) areas and the area under the mammary glands (in women).

Hidradenitis most often appears in the axillary area.

The initial stage of the disease is the penetration of infectious agents into the sweat gland duct. As a result of their increased reproduction and disruption of the processes of desquamation of the surface epithelium, the release of secreted fluid is first disrupted, and then completely stops due to blockage of the outlet.

As it develops, the lump gradually begins to swell, itch, and then turn red, while pain in the localized areas increases every day, becoming more and more intense. This is the active phase of inflammation. In addition, the patient has an increased temperature from low-grade to high (from 37.5 to 39–40 oC), increased weakness, drowsiness and lethargy are observed, dizziness, headaches and nausea are possible.

Then the abscess breaks through, and its contents come out. The bacteria contained in its composition fall on clean skin, penetrating into the healthy ducts of the glands. Then history repeats itself. Thus, more and more new areas are involved in the process. The tissues become swollen and acquire a bluish-purple tint.

Many people know that any disease is best treated in the initial stages of development. It is at the first stage of the formation of the infectious process that hidradenitis responds well to conservative therapy, which avoids surgical intervention and further complications. Surgeons treat this pathology. It is these specialists that you should contact if you discover lumps that look like a knotted udder.

Treatment without surgery consists of drug therapy, dietary recommendations and physical therapy.

Hidradenitis under the arm is an inflammation of the apocrine sweat glands. Pathological processes are most often associated with the penetration of Staphylococcus aureus or bacteria of the streptococcal group. Pus begins to accumulate and a burgundy or bluish nodule forms. The site of inflammation hurts, burns, swells and brings a lot of discomfort.

Factors provoking the disease:

decreased immunity;
diseases of the endocrine system;
skin diseases;
frequent use of deodorant;
failure to comply with hygiene rules.

When you notice the first symptoms, you need to know some rules that will help prevent the spread of infection:

You can't wash in the bathroom. You are only allowed to shower, but first you need to cover the affected area with a bandage.
After a shower, you can treat the area with a weak solution of potassium permanganate.
You cannot shave the area, only carefully trim the hair around the inflammation.
You should avoid tight clothing made of synthetic fabric.
Change the towel and underwear should be done every day.

You cannot squeeze out the pus yourself; only a surgeon can do this. It is imperative to find the cause of hidradenitis in order to prevent re-inflammation.

At home, to alleviate the condition and speed up the healing process, you can use compresses and lotions that can draw out pus and eliminate inflammation. Immunity enhancing agents are used.

The ICD-10 (International Classification of Diseases) code for axillary hidradenitis is L 73.2 (pathologies of the skin appendages). People call the disease “bitch udder” because the skin abscesses under the armpits look like dog nipples.

Type of hidradenitis	Symptoms	Peculiarities
Acute purulent	Temperature up to 38 degrees, discomfort, turning into pain in the armpits.	People who do not maintain hygiene in the axillary area are susceptible to this disease. The deviation manifests itself when the apocrine and sebaceous glands are clogged. The purulent form, if the patient does not see a doctor, can become life-threatening, since the infection can spread throughout the body.
Chronic	Exacerbations with specific symptoms of an acute illness are replaced by relapses.	With each exacerbation, the area of inflamed apocrine glands increases. Without treatment, there is a risk of sepsis with a fatal outcome.

In addition to the armpit area, hidradenitis can appear in the groin, neck and under the breasts.

IN separate form Hidradenitis suppurativa, also called acne inversus, is isolated. The inflammatory process occurs against the background of acne after puberty. It can even appear on the face.

Structure of sweat glands.

There are other risk factors for the inflammatory process:

a sharp decrease in immune defense;
use of immunosuppressants and hormonal pharmaceuticals;
various abnormalities of the endocrine system;
low-calorie diets;
excess weight;
streptoderma and dermatoses.

The disease is quite rare in older people, since the activity of the sweat glands is inhibited with age. Girls and women are more likely to suffer from the disease due to functional features body. During hormonal surges in women ( puberty, pregnancy, menopause) the risk of hidradenitis increases.

The development of dermatological pathology is provoked by an infectious agent such as staphylococcus. A bacterium that accidentally enters the sweat gland contributes to the development of the inflammatory process.

It has been noticed that purulent inflammation of the sweat glands is more common in the female population than in the male population. The age group under 35 years of age is most susceptible to the disease, since it is during this period of life that the most active work of the sweat glands is observed.

It would take a long time to describe the disease, but to complete the picture of perception, we will show a photo of hidradenitis under the arm. Depending on the stage of development, the udder has certain external manifestations. So, in the photo of hidradenitis at the initial stage (shown below), when the inflammatory process has just begun, swelling and small formations are striking, which will increase over time.

But the last stage of hidradenitis (photo) looks like this.

At the last stage of hidradenitis, fluid begins to be released from the formations. Initially, a purulent focus is formed, then the abscess breaks through. The last stage is scarring. The resulting wounds must be treated, as complications may arise in the form of:

lymphadenitis, when the lymph nodes located under the armpit become inflamed;
phlegmon, when purulent inflammation spreads to nearby skin;
sepsis (blood poisoning), which can be fatal.

The first to appear is a small nodule that quickly grows. Upon palpation, it can be determined that the formation is located inside the thickness of the skin. As the node or nodes increase, they “move” outward, and the painful aching sensations increase in geometric progression. The neoplasm acquires a crimson-red, then bluish-violet color. The person experiences accompanying symptoms:

increase in temperature, in some cases up to 40 degrees;
general weakness;
lymph nodes enlarge;
there is a headache;
Due to pain, hand movements and crying are quite limited.

Factors causing the development of the disease

Hidradenitis is a skin disease that is expressed by inflammatory processes of a purulent nature. They appear due to the penetration of varieties of pyogenic cocci into the ducts of the sweat glands. Sweat is favorable for the development of pathogenic microorganisms, in which viruses, fungi, and pathogenic bacteria actively multiply. The following reasons contribute to the development of hidradenitis:

weakened immunity;
hormonal imbalances;
endocrine pathologies;
dermatoses;
streptoderma;
chronic or autoimmune diseases.

External reasons that may contribute to the development of pathology include:

shaving, after which microcracks remain on the skin, into which bacteria can enter, contributing to the progression of the infection;
Frequent use of antiperspirant: it clogs the ducts of the sweat glands, disrupting their functioning.

Patients at risk of developing pathology are:

ARVI;
chronic diseases;
diagnosed with AIDS, hepatitis;
overweight;
diabetes;
dermatitis.

1) synthetic tight clothing; 2) increased sweating; 3) decreased immunity; 4) injury to the armpit area during shaving5) allergic skin reaction to deodorants. 6) heredity 7) hormonal imbalance (or rather, increased sensitivity of skin cells to androgens) 8) smoking9 ) excess weight

Intense hyperhidrosis can cause hidradenitis

The main causes of hidradenitis are as follows:

violation of the integrity of the skin;
excessive hyperhidrosis;
internal pathologies;
weakened immunity.

During shaving, the skin is often damaged, which subsequently leads to the penetration of bacteria. Excessive hyperhidrosis leads to a decrease in the local immune response, which causes the development of the disease.

With such internal pathologies, like diabetes, endocrine disorders and excess weight, the body's protective functions are affected, so bacteria easily penetrate through the pores of the skin.

The causes of a knotted udder, which can be varied, must be treated promptly, as the disease can lead to further complications.

Symptoms of the disease

This disease is characterized by a certain stage in development. The main stages of its formation are the following:

Initially, a nodule appears on the skin. It itches quite a lot. When pressing on it, pain occurs.
Gradually the nodule increases in size. It can reach up to 2 cm in diameter. Such an enlargement of the nodule is accompanied by the development general symptoms. As a result, a person’s body temperature may rise, weakness and headaches may appear.
Subsequently, in the area of development of hidradenitis, the inflammatory process spreads to nearby skin. As a result, the patient's local temperature above the nodule increases. The skin becomes reddish, and touching it causes quite severe pain.

Often, with hidradenitis, symptoms of general intoxication of the body appear: fever and weakness

With timely treatment of hidradenitis, the disease gradually reverses. If measures were taken too late or no therapeutic measures were taken at all, the patient may experience complications.

Doctors note that the disease is often unilateral. But, as with any rule, there are exceptions. Hidradenitis suppurativa begins in the areas where the apocrine glands are located, which are responsible for removing and cleansing the body of sweat. If it occurs on both sides, dense, unpleasant nodes may appear on the skin.

They cause itching and irritation. The nodes begin to develop, increasing in size. Painful sensations appear. Moreover, they are felt not only when the patient moves. Even a static position does not relieve the pain. Sharp pain occurs when pressure is applied to the nodes. The size of the nodules reaches 1.5 cm. The shape of the node is pear-shaped.

The skin color changes around the lumps. It turns an unpleasant, sickly blue or bright red. The nodes swell and begin to hang over healthy areas. Nodular lesions close to each other gradually merge into one. This soldered connection of nodes resembles a disk. Density is gradually lost.

The nodes become softer. A purulent wound opens in the central part. More often, fluid comes out, accompanied by blood. Hidradenitis is difficult to confuse with a boil. The udder has a necrotic core inside. The pus is thicker than in a boil. It looks like thick sour cream. Hidradenitis is an inflammation. Therefore, the clinical picture is close to such processes.

The opening of the node occurs approximately 7 days after its first manifestation, but not detection. The release of pus improves the patient's condition. The pain goes away. An ulcer appears at the site where the wound was opened; with proper treatment, it will heal. Traces will remain - scars from damage and splitting of the skin. They will require a different therapy system.

Painful symptoms do not appear in childhood or in older people. This fact is explained by the insufficient functioning of the sweat glands. A greater number of cases of diagnosing the disease were recorded in women. The age of patients at risk is from 15 to 55 years. Statistical data gives a figure - 85% of all pathologies registered by doctors.

Symptoms:

the appearance of painful nodules;
increased body temperature;
development of ulcers in the nodes;
general weakness of the body;
feeling of malaise.

Purulent inflammation of the sweat glands involves passing through a full development cycle. On average it is 14 days. Some wounds are healing, others are just beginning to form. Inflammation develops throughout the body, affecting the patient more and more. If treatment for hidradenitis is not started, it will go into a chronic stage of development.

Sometimes patients notice a temporary stop in the appearance of new pathologies. They regard this as recovery. Most often, a relapse occurs after some time. Medical data provides examples of the course of diseases when the virus worsens up to 10 times. Treatment of bitch udders does not tolerate delays or mistakes in choosing remedies.

Failure to comply with hygiene procedures and accompanying pathological processes can worsen the patient’s condition.

Usually the cause of complications is a reduced level of the protective barrier - immunity. The disease intensifies with an incorrectly chosen system, the use of independent recipes and remedies.

Possible complications:

spread to nearby tissues;
abscess;
phlegmon;
blood infection;
sepsis.

Treatment of hidradenitis begins with a diagnostic procedure. At the first suspicion of improper functioning of the sweat gland, visit a specialist.

You will need to undergo several important tests and checks:

Blood content. The speed of movement of the ESR is checked (normal or noticeable acceleration present). The level and number of leukocyte cells is determined.
A dose of strong medical supplies, suppressing the source of infection, antibiotics.
A culture is taken from the secretions of the sweat glands on the skin.
An immunogram is performed.

Antibiotics are prescribed after studying the culture contents. Research is aimed at studying susceptibility to anti-inflammatory drugs. The attending physician will choose the option of how to treat hidradenitis according to the individual characteristics of the patient.

An immunogram is prescribed in case of severe forms of the disease, the transition of the disease to a dangerous stage, or the absence of timely medical intervention.

Hidradenitis is a purulent inflammation that develops in the ducts of the apocrine glands. Typically, the ducts located under the armpits are subject to this process; less often, such pathology occurs in the groin area, in the folds under the breasts, and in the anus area. The clinical picture is very similar to furunculous manifestations. Hidradenitis is characterized by the absence of necrotic (purulent) rods, which is what distinguishes it from furunculosis.

When the integrity of the skin is violated, infectious agents (golden and white staphylococci) enter the wounds, where they actively develop. The duct is blocked by a horny plug. The secretion produced accumulates, stretching the gland, provoking the growth of the formation.

Initially, small dense nodules appear on the skin under the armpit, which are located inside the thickness of the epidermis. During the ripening of these formations, a person may feel increased pain and unbearable itching.

Further, these nodules become increasingly larger and reach a diameter of up to 1.5 cm. Afterwards, their compaction is observed, adhesions protrude on top of the skin, which acquire a burgundy-bluish tint. Swelling appears and pain increases. Over time, the nodes join each other, merging into a huge tumor. Medicine calls it filtrate. If you do not take any action for treatment, then symptoms of general intoxication of the body will appear.

After the nodes “mature”, it takes from 7 to 12 days, the process of softening and opening occurs. Getting rid of pus significantly reduces local pain and improves the general condition of the patient. The resulting ulcer heals, and a retracted scar forms in its place. If the therapy is chosen incorrectly or the rules of personal hygiene are not followed, then the nearby ducts of the apocrine glands will be involved in the inflammatory process, and relapses cannot be avoided.

The pathology can appear in people between the ages of 16 and 55–60 years. This is due to the fact that the functioning of the apocrine glands begins during puberty and fades away at the onset of menopause.

Enlargement of the affected area indicates the development of hidradenitis

In the first days of the development of a purulent process, a person feels a small compaction in the form of a nodule in the affected area. After a few days, the lump begins to become larger and larger in size, taking on a nipple-like shape. This sign is one of the main ones for purulent disease of the sweat gland.

In addition, hidradenitis symptoms have a different nature. In addition to the growth, the patient also exhibits other signs:

itching in the affected area;
pain on palpation;
temperature increase.

Full maturation of the purulent nipple occurs on the seventh to tenth day after the onset of the infectious process. The growth opens, and a white mass mixed with blood pours out of it. After this, the pain subsides and overall health improves. A scar subsequently remains in the area of the opened nipple.

Description of the disease

Currently, doctors identify several forms of this disease. The main types among them are the following:

Purulent.
Axillary.
Recurrent.

Hidradenitis suppurativa most often occurs in those people who ignore the rules of personal hygiene. This disease develops when the apocrine and sebaceous glands are blocked.

The main cause of hidradenitis under the arm is trauma to the apocrine glands during shaving. In the vast majority of cases, the causative agent of this pathology is Staphylococcus aureus.

Often axillary hidradenitis manifests itself in multiple lesions

Recurrent hidradenitis is a chronic disease manifested by the periodic appearance and disappearance of clinical symptoms. Treatment of this pathology usually takes longer.

As mentioned above, hidradenitis, the causes of which can lead to complications, threatens the development of an abscess. In patients with a weakened immune system, this process can go further and lead to the development of sepsis, which is a general purulent infection. Against the background of this disease, the patient experiences a sharp increase in temperature, fever, signs of intoxication of the body and damage to individual organs. This pathology requires serious medical intervention with the use of powerful antibacterial therapy.

Hidradenitis is an infectious inflammatory process of apocrine sweat glands in the deep layers of the skin. Most often, this disease occurs in people during the period of highest hormonal activity, so children and the elderly are not susceptible to this pathology. The localization of the affected areas is observed in the armpits, around the anus, on the female and male genital organs, in the groin, less often on the face, the umbilical and peripapillary zone.

“Bitch udder” under the armpit is often observed in women and can be one-sided, less often bilateral. Scratches and abrasions after depilation, the use of tight synthetic clothing, and neglect of personal hygiene contribute to inflammation of the sweat glands.

Hidradenitis inguinalis occurs during or after puberty. But depending on the characteristics of physiology and the state of the endocrine system, it can also be observed at a more mature age in people of both sexes. In addition to the groin, the udder is formed on the labia majora in women and on the scrotum in men. Representatives of the fair sex are more susceptible to the risk of disease in this zone, as they get rid of unwanted hair they are exactly what they are.

The disease is aggravated by constant wearing of tight underwear and the presence of skin folds, which causes friction and the appearance of new ulcers. If treatment is refused, it changes from acute to chronic form with the appearance of fistulas and phlegmons, problems with the urethra, bladder and rectum.

Hormonal and endocrine changes during pregnancy can cause the disease. The body of a pregnant woman is especially susceptible to various infections. At the first symptoms of pathology, you should urgently consult a doctor, as pathogens can negatively affect the development of the fetus.

There are several factors that cause inflammation of the apocrine glands:

hormonal changes during pregnancy;
staphylococcal infection;
decreased immunity;
damage to the skin when shaving;
use of deodorants containing talc;
dysfunction of the reproductive glands.

Course of the disease

At the very beginning of the disease, slight swelling appears, accompanied by itching. Subsequently, this area becomes painful and an abscess forms. Skin hyperemia is observed, after some time the affected area acquires a bluish tint. The purulent lump increases in size and looks like a dog's udder during lactation. Because of this, it has the common name “bitch” or “wolf” udder.

The inflammatory process is accompanied by fever, weakness, and increased pain in the affected area. With inflammation, nodules are formed that can form one large abscess. Gradually, the swelling becomes soft, exudative fluid mixed with blood, which has an unpleasant odor, is released from it.

Diagnosing wolf udder is not difficult due to the clinical picture characteristic of this disease. During examination, it is very important to distinguish hidradenitis from furunculosis and tuberculosis of the lymph nodes. At the initial stage, a general blood test is performed. During the development of hidradenitis, an accelerated ESR and an increase in the content of leukocytes are observed.

Is there proper nutrition for hidradenitis? Of course, you will need to adhere to a balanced diet for three months. The food should contain as many vitamins and microelements as possible, a wide variety of means to maintain the body’s strength.

Enrich your diet with vitamin B foods

Principles of proper food consumption for hidradenitis:

Since such an illness weakens the body, it is necessary to fill it with vitamins and microelements.

In addition, you should take medications to boost your immunity. For example: tincture of sea buckthorn and ginseng, preparations based on dry and brewer's yeast.

Avoid sweets and other junk foods

Sweets;
Fatty and fried;
Spicy and too salty.

If the sweat gland is destroyed and an abscess has formed, surgery will be required. If the bitch's udder is represented by one abscess, then local anesthesia, the wound is treated with an antiseptic and antibiotic. A rubber drainage is installed overnight to remove the liquid. No preparation is needed for the operation; the patient returns home the same day. The doctor will tell you how to protect the wound from inflammation. It will take a week to heal.

If hidradenitis constantly recurs, the doctor will remove the affected gland. After the operation, a bandage with medicine is applied to the wound. After ten days, the wound heals and a small scar forms. In rare cases, patients experience not just one abscess, but many small ones. Then the operation is performed under general anesthesia with a piece of skin from a healthy area being implanted into the affected area.

Main danger surgical treatment in the possibility of complications. After the first operation, if the level of hygiene is insufficient, re-infection occurs. If this situation is repeated several times, the gland has to be removed, which contributes to the disruption of metabolic processes in the body.

Hidradenitis in children develops in adolescence, when the process of puberty occurs with changes in hormonal levels.

Provoking factors are also long-term infectious diseases, excessive sweating, skin rash, and insufficient personal hygiene.

You should not self-medicate, exposing children to the risk of severe hidradenitis and possible complications.

The teenager needs to be shown to a pediatrician, who will decide whether further action is necessary:

if the process is at the very beginning and there are no signs of general malaise, local therapy can help. The patient is prescribed antibiotics and external agents;
Perhaps the doctor will refer the child to a surgeon for removal of abscesses and further rehabilitation therapy.

During the recovery period, the patient needs rest, peace, a balanced diet, and taking vitamins. If necessary, the teenager is prescribed physiotherapeutic procedures.

In general, the treatment regimen is similar to that used in adults. But the use of medications is required according to the age of the child and in the appropriate dosage.

If frequent relapses of hidradenitis are observed, the teenager should undergo a full examination to identify the causes of this pathology - these could be chronic diseases or metabolic disorders in the body.

Differential diagnosis

A blood test will help confirm hidradenitis

Hidradenitis of the udder should not be confused with dermatological pathologies such as boils, lymphadenitis and tuberculosis.

To exclude the above pathologies, the dermatologist conducts an examination and prescribes a differential diagnosis. A blood test can determine the presence of hidradenitis.

Hidradenitis should be differentiated from boils, carbuncles, lymphadenitis, lymphagranulomatosis and tuberculosis. An experienced specialist will easily make the correct diagnosis based on external signs and general symptoms. However, there are times when it is necessary to conduct a number of additional studies that will help confirm the doctor’s opinion. Usually prescribed:

General blood analysis. Hidradenitis is characterized by an increase in indicators of general inflammation, namely the erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) and lymphocytes.
Bacterial inoculation of purulent masses. With its help you can find out the causative agent of the disease and what antibacterial drugs will help fight it.
Immunographic examination (immunogram). Most often performed for frequently occurring cases of the disease.

To prescribe adequate treatment for hidradenitis, a method of differential diagnosis should be used with a furuncle, carbuncle, lymphadenitis and felinosis in the early stages of the disease, and lymphogranuloma venereum, donovaz, scrofuloderma and actinomycosis in the later stages of the disease.

Rice. 11. The photo shows an enlarged lymph node in the armpit (left) and a boil (right).

Traditional medicine against hidradenitis

Treatment of hidradenitis with folk remedies is possible only at the beginning of the disease. Note that alternative medicine is effective only in combination with conservative treatment.

Before using any product, you should consult your doctor. There are products for external use and oral administration. Let's look at each of them in more detail.

Treatment of hidradenitis with traditional medicine has many contraindications.
Before using any technique, you should consult a dermatologist or herbalist.

It is much easier to prevent the disease than to wonder how to treat hidradenitis
.

With hidradenitis, nutrition plays an important role. The diet should consist of foods rich in iron, phosphorus, as well as vitamins A, C, E, B1, B2, B6.

Regular prevention of hidradenitis improves the activity of the sweat glands and the general condition of the body.

Hidradenitis, which appears in the armpit, brings many problems. Treatment of the disease must begin at the first stages. The doctor will select the correct treatment regimen.

Traditional medicine can only complement basic treatment. To treat hidradenitis at home, you can use medications and alternative medicine.

Simultaneously with the treatment of hidradenitis, it is necessary to eliminate other foci of infection (sore teeth, cholecystitis, inflamed appendages, obsessive otitis media).

A furuncle under the arm should be distinguished from hidradenitis. A furuncle is a purulent inflammation of the hair follicle of the skin, and hidradenitis is an inflammation of the sweat glands. But the causes and symptoms are the same, so the treatment methods are similar. Moreover, folk remedies for treating hidradenitis are often much more effective than official medicine. Below are many examples of how we managed to cure “bitch udders” and avoid surgery. Recipes taken from the newspaper “Vestnik ZOZH”

(popularly known as udder disease) is an acute purulent inflammation of the sweat glands. The cause of the disease is staphylococcus bacteria. Most often, the disease manifests itself in the form of a boil under the armpit, less often it is localized around the nipples, navel, or in the perineum

Causes of hidradenitis:
1). allergic inflammation skin are an open gate for staphylococcus 5) heredity 6) hormonal imbalance

Treatment of a boil under the arm with medications
As soon as you feel pain and inflammation under the armpit, you should start wiping the skin with antiseptics - salicylic or boric alcohol, chlorhexidine, alcohol tincture of calendula. After this, apply ointment to the skin: ichthyol, Vishnevsky or levomekol.

Apply the ointment generously on a napkin and apply it to the boil under the armpit. Secure the napkin with ointment. If the disease of the udder has progressed far, then change the bandage 3-4 times a day, walk constantly with this bandage. If the disease has just begun, then apply the ointment at night, wipe with a dry cloth during the day and lubricate the boil under the arm with iodine or brilliant green. Inflamed areas of the skin should not be wet. If you follow these recommendations, you can cure hidradenitis in 3-5 days.

If you don't have these on hand pharmaceuticals and there is no way to get to the pharmacy in the near future, folk remedies come to the rescue: apply the leaves of plantain, aloe, Kalanchoe, cabbage to the boil under the arm, first kneading or cutting them so that the juice comes out. For the treatment of boils, including under the arm , baked onions or a compress with grated potatoes give a good effect. Drinking tea from calendula flowers is very useful - it kills staphylococcus bacteria in the body. (HLS 2013, No. 13, pp. 12-13)

Treatment of hidradenitis with curd compress
A woman developed a boil under her arm, she was diagnosed with hidradenitis and was offered surgery. But before the operation, the patient talked to her neighbor, and she suggested trying a folk remedy that she had used to cure her daughter’s bitch udder several years ago.

Mix 1 tbsp. l. fresh sour cream, butter and cottage cheese. Place this mixture on a napkin and secure tightly to the boil under the arm overnight. Prepare the mixture fresh every evening. The woman took this advice and began making compresses. The boils under the armpit became smaller every day. Treatment of hidradenitis with compresses continued until all the seals disappeared. The operation was avoided. (2001, no. 3, pp. 18-19).

Simple cottage cheese also helps to cure the disease “bitch udder”. It must be filled with hot water so that the cottage cheese warms up and releases excess acid, stir and squeeze. Place the cottage cheese on a napkin and apply it to the boil under the arm. (HLS 2007, No. 4, p. 33).

How to treat a bitch's udder with a honey cake A woman has a boil under her arm, the severe pain, it was impossible to even move my hand. The patient went to the hospital. The boil was opened, and she lost consciousness from pain. A few months later, the disease returned again, but she was afraid to go to the hospital. In addition, a friend told her a recipe on how to treat a knotted udder using folk remedies. 1 tbsp. l.

Treatment of hidradenitis with onion-based ointment
50 g of laundry soap, 50 g of onion - grate on a fine grater. Heat 150 g of melted pork fat and add onion and soap. Heat, rubbing, until smooth. Cool. Store in the cold for no more than 2 weeks. Apply a thick layer of ointment to a napkin, apply to the boil under the arm, and secure.

Bitch udder disease - treatment with herbal ointment
The woman developed boils under her arm. The disease progressed quickly, and the abscesses became more and more numerous. It was far from a surgeon, so she decided to treat the bitch's udder at home and prepared an ointment from herbs that can treat abscesses. Preparation of the ointment.

Fresh calendula flowers - 2 parts, yarrow - 2 parts, sweet clover - 1 part, dandelion roots - 2 parts, horse sorrel roots - 1 part, tansy inflorescences - 1 part. Wash all these herbs and pass through a meat grinder. Add to the herbal gruel 1 part of Vishnevsky ointment and ichthyol ointment. Dilute this entire mixture with calendula oil to obtain a homogeneous elastic mass.

Calendula oil can be purchased at the pharmacy, but you can prepare it yourself in advance. Pour 1.5 cups of calendula flowers with a glass of vegetable oil at a temperature of 80-100 degrees, stir. Leave in the dark for 40 days, strain. When treating hidradenitis, the patient wiped alcohol solution affected skin, applied a compress with this ointment in the morning, and changed the bandage in the evening. A day later, the boils under the armpit increased in size and white heads appeared. On the third day the abscesses burst and the pus came out. (2006, no. 18, p. 31)

Treatment of a bitch's udder with a compress
The girl developed hidradenitis. Neighbors advised treating a knotted udder with this folk remedy: Take equal parts of rosin, beeswax and butter. Melt everything over low heat and stir well, do not bring to a boil. You should get a homogeneous mass.

Treatment of hidradenitis with nettles
To cure the disease “bitch udder”, you need to cleanse the blood with nettle - 1 tbsp. l. dry herbs, pour 1 glass of boiling water, leave and drink throughout the day. Do this for 2-3 weeks. (HLS 2006, No. 24, p. 4)

How to treat the disease “bitch udder” with an onion
Baked onions are the simplest and most effective folk remedy for “bitch udders” and any abscesses. Bake the onion, cut it in half, and apply it warm to the abscess under the arm. (HLS 2006, No. 2, p. 11)

Golden mustache
The girl developed a boil under her arm. For two nights in a row, she applied the leaves of the golden mustache plant to the abscess. On the third day the abscess broke, and a week later everything healed, the skin cleared (2006, No. 4, p. 31).

Tibetan black plaster for boils under the armpit
This remedy quickly treats any abscesses, boils, or “bitch udders.” Here is the recipe: Mix 50 g grated laundry soap, 50 g rye flour, 1 tbsp. l. vegetable oil and 1 tbsp. l. honey Dilute all this with 150 g of boiling water, cook for 2-3 minutes, add 1 church candle without a wick. Stir.

Treatment of hidradenitis in succession
An 8-year-old girl developed inflammation under her armpit and an abscess formed, the size of a walnut and somewhat smaller. The surgeon prescribed an operation, but a friend gave the following recipe: make a strong infusion of string, moisten a cloth in the hot infusion and apply it to the boil. Apply a warm, damp compress 6-8 times a day. In 2 days, the child’s udder was cured. (HLS 2010, No. 7, p. 3,)

Hidradenitis - Treatment with folk remedies

use of medications;
diet therapy;
physiotherapy.

deodorants and other products that prevent sweat are applied to the armpits every day;
here is an ideal environment for the development of bacteria;
a person often gets rid of armpit hair, including using aggressive methods.

Surgery

If the knotted udder cannot be cured using conservative measures, surgical removal is prescribed. It is usually carried out only if hidradenitis manifests itself with regular relapses.

Physiotherapy in the form of laser therapy, electrophoresis or magnetic therapy is prescribed as an additional treatment. It is permissible to carry them out only after complete regeneration of tissues that have undergone surgical intervention. Physiotherapy sessions can relieve inflammation and improve blood circulation, which helps improve local immunity.

If it is not possible to stop the pathology with medications, and the mature abscess has greatly increased in volume, surgery cannot be avoided. Hidradenitis suppurativa is almost impossible to eliminate with medications.

First, patients will be given painkillers, then:

a small incision is made with a scalpel;
the papule is opened;
the inflamed tissue and the infectious focus are excised together with nearby affected tissue areas;
purulent exudate is pumped out;
the cleaned cavity is drained and treated with antiseptics;
The skin area is sutured.

The procedure is not long, so patients, as a rule, are not prescribed inpatient treatment. It will be suggested to heal wounds on an outpatient basis by applying antiseptic dressings to the site.

Laser surgery has become an innovative solution today, since it is painless, does not leave unpleasant scars on the body, does not require preliminary preparation, and also reduces the rehabilitation period significantly. Patients recover quickly and return to their normal lifestyle within 2 days.

Prevention measures

To prevent the infection from spreading to adjacent healthy areas of the skin, it is important to follow some rules:

It is not recommended to wear clothes that are too tight.
You should choose body care cosmetics without dyes, based on natural ingredients.
Completely avoid deodorants and antiperspirants, as they block the work of the sweat glands and aggravate the course of the disease.
Treat concomitant diseases in a timely manner.
Avoid excess body weight.
It is important to follow a diet. Avoid foods that promote increased production of sweat in the sweat glands (spicy, salty, smoked foods, alcohol).
You should take care of the quality of your sleep. Night sleep should last at least 7 hours. As a result, the functioning of the immune and nervous systems is normalized.
During an exacerbation, any physical exercise is contraindicated.

You cannot squeeze out an abscess on your own - this can lead to complications: sepsis, purulent infection internal organs.

Hygiene of the armpit areas should be constant

Since curing a disease is more difficult than preventing it, it is recommended to adhere to the basic rules of prevention.

The skin in the armpits and groin area requires special care. Regular hygiene measures must be taken in these areas.

The groin areas of obese people should be treated with medical talcum powder or baby powder.

A healthy lifestyle and giving up bad habits also plays an important role in preventing relapses. It is necessary to eat right, exercise, watch your weight, and maintain personal hygiene.

At the first symptoms of hidradenitis, you should contact a dermatologist, who, before prescribing treatment, must prescribe a differential diagnosis and identify the causes contributing to the onset of the disease.

Frequent use of antiperspirants reduces local immunity and clogs pores, which in turn leads to the development of purulent infection. For this reason, it is recommended to use anti-sweat products as little as possible. Preference should be given to safe, natural-based deodorants.

Experts assure that you can reduce the likelihood of a knotted udder by 2–4 times if you always follow preventive measures:

take a shower every day;
never use deodorants for the armpits if they have expired or if they lead to skin itching, burning and other problems;
do not wear clothes that interfere with normal movement or chafe;
change underwear every day;
use sharp blades for shaving, and also ensure that the razor is always clean;
never use other people's shaving machines;
sleep in comfortable clothes and exclusively made of cotton materials;
avoid overheating the body;
Before sports training, do not apply deodorants to the armpits to prevent clogging of the sweat glands.

Also, in addition to the above preventive measures, you should not overuse junk food and alcohol.

For many reasons, a person may begin to develop hidradenitis or knotted udders. This pathology requires a mandatory visit to a dermatologist, an examination, and subsequent treatment.

It may include not only a course of ointments or antibiotics, but physiotherapeutic procedures, as well as folk remedies.

Blitz tips:

if the swelling that appears does not subside for more than two days, then you urgently need to go to the doctor;
when a person has started treatment and begins to notice a deterioration in his condition, he should contact a dermatologist and make an appointment for a second appointment;
never resort to treatment, including traditional methods, unless prescribed by a doctor.

Practicing doctor - cosmetologist, dermatologist, venereologist, infectious disease specialist, trichologist. 9 years of experience. Doctor of the highest category and specialist of the skindiary website. ru. Helps people with skin diseases, problems with nails and hair of various etiologies and genesis.

The main preventative measure is to be careful when shaving.

In order to prevent the development of a disease such as hidradenitis, it is recommended to observe the following precautions:

Observe personal hygiene rules.
When shaving, be extremely careful to avoid damaging the skin.
If the skin was damaged during shaving, it should be treated this area antiseptic agents.
Avoid excessive use of deodorants.
Limit wearing tight underwear.
Eat enough foods rich in vitamins and microelements. In the autumn-spring period it is necessary to carry out vitamin therapy.

In addition, it is important to avoid excess weight and lead an active lifestyle.

Hidradenitis is a rather unpleasant and sometimes dangerous disease, but with the right approach, most often it can be cured quickly enough and without any consequences.

Medicines against hidradenitis

Brew dry nettle (1 tablespoon) with boiling water (200 ml) and drink several times a day.
Prepare a mixture of crushed sweet clover and elderberry herbs, calendula flowers, plantain leaves and eucalyptus (take all components in equal quantities). Pour boiling water (180 ml) over the medicinal raw material (1 tsp) and leave to steep for 40 minutes. Drink the resulting drink in 3 doses per day. Continue treatment according to the described regimen for a week.
Mix lingonberry leaves and strings (1.5 tbsp each), pour boiling water (400 ml) over them and leave for 50 minutes. Take the infusion 7 tbsp. l. before meals 4 times a day.
Prepare a mixture of calendula flowers and fresh blackberry leaves (1:2). Make an infusion based on the herbal mixture (1 tbsp. medicinal raw materials per 220 ml of water) and drink it a day, dividing the daily dose into 6 doses.

Knot udder or hidradenitis is an inflammation of the sweat glands (most often in the armpit area), which is caused by pathogens and without appropriate treatment can lead to serious consequences. Therefore, it is important not only to recognize it in time, but also to understand how to treat hidradenitis so that the disease goes away as quickly as possible and does not lead to complications.

It is possible to cure a knotted udder using folk remedies, provided that treatment is started at the first signs of the disease, until purulent inflammation can be treated without surgery. To do this, you can use traditional medicine recipes that help “draw out” the pus and help effectively relieve inflammation.

As soon as you feel painful discomfort, you should wipe the problem areas with antiseptics - salicylic or boric alcohol, chlorhexidine, octenisept, alcohol tincture of calendula, diluted with boiled water 1:1. After treating the inflammation under the armpit, apply ointment to the skin: ichthyol, Vishnevsky or levomekol.

You should not skimp on the ointment: apply it generously onto a napkin in a heap and apply it to the abscess. Secure the napkin with a bandage or plaster. If the inflammation is severe, then it is better to wear this bandage for several days without removing it, only changing it. In mild cases, apply at night and lubricate the abscesses with iodine or brilliant green during the day. Water procedures exclude. Within 3-5 days of such treatment, the udder will disappear completely.

If the pharmacy is far away, the disease caught you in the field, then folk remedies will help: apply the leaves of plantain, blackberry, lilac, aloe, Kalanchoe, cabbage to the inflamed area. Baked onions or a compress with grated potatoes help well. Taking an infusion of calendula flowers internally is also useful. (HLS 2013, No. 13, pp. 12-13)

mix fat sour cream, cottage cheese, butter (1 tbsp), apply a compress to the sore spot to resolve the lump and relieve pain;
Bake the onion in the oven, divide it into plates, apply it to the inflamed area, leave for up to 15 minutes, until the abscess breaks through on its own and comes out;
a herbal mixture is recommended for sluggish hidradenitis: mix dandelion, sweet clover, calendula, yarrow (1 tsp each), add ichthyol or Vishnevsky ointment (1 tsp), treat the inflamed areas 2 times a day;
prepare the wax, mix it with butter and camphor in equal proportions until smooth, apply it to a gauze bandage and apply it as a compress, securing it with an adhesive plaster. So until the pustular nodules disappear completely

Svetlana, 42 years old: I have been suffering from recurrent hidradenitis for 5 years. During this time, I learned to quickly recognize and stop the development of seals at the very beginning of their inception. Elon ointment helps me with this. I thickly lubricate the hidradenitis ball with it twice a day. If the process has not yet gone far, then after 3 days the ball disappears without a trace.

Katya, 29 years old: Surgical removal of hidradenitis inguinalis horrified me. Nothing worse has happened to me in my life than this. On the doctor’s recommendation, I took tests, which revealed that I had Staphylococcus aureus. The doctor prescribed me a course of antibiotics. Now I am just finishing taking the prescribed medications.

Hidradenitis is only a consequence of the action of some provoking factor. It can be treated quite successfully if the patient does not lose faith and finds the true cause of the disease. Despite its apparent simplicity, it is better to treat “bitch udders” under the supervision of a doctor, who can detect complications in time and prescribe appropriate treatment.

Along with diet, alternative medicine offers the following recipes:

Preventive methods include compliance with the necessary hygiene rules and antiseptic treatment of the armpits after shaving. Overweight people need to lose weight. Playing sports and leading a healthy lifestyle will help with this. The disease “bitch udder” is not contagious, but can be transmitted from a sick person to a healthy person through hygiene items.

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Axillary hidradenitis: causes and symptoms

In addition to the general causes, axillary hidradenitis can be caused by inaccurate shaving, which results in cuts and wounds on the skin.
Wearing tight clothing, using deodorants, shaving products, lotions can also provoke the occurrence of purulent inflammation of the sweat glands in the armpits.
The disease begins with a slight feeling of discomfort in the armpit area. The patient begins to palpate the affected area and discovers a small subcutaneous nodule, the size of a pea.

Subsequently, the size of the nodule increases, the pain intensifies, and the appearance of the abscess becomes frightening. On days 4-6, the pain becomes unbearable and the patient usually seeks help from a surgeon, who opens the abscess and removes its contents
Often several purulent nodes ripen simultaneously in the armpits. Treatment of multiple formations is carried out in the surgical department. It is very dangerous to neglect the disease or self-medicate in such cases.

In addition to staphylococci, the manifestation of hidradenitis can be provoked by other coccal bacteria, for example, streptococci. Pathogenic microorganisms present on the skin are usually inactive. But penetrating into wounds due to careless shaving, they begin to multiply intensively, which causes an inflammatory process. Other reasons can also activate the pathological work of bacteria:

Allergies can also cause an inflammatory process on the skin. With it, active synthesis of histamine occurs, the interaction of which with the cells of the epidermis causes swelling, itching, and burning. Often the cause is poor hygiene, wearing synthetic underwear, and frequent and excessive use of deodorants that clog the sweat glands.

The causative agents of hidradenitis are staphylococci, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, streptococci and other pathogenic or conditionally pathogenic microorganisms. Pathogenic microflora penetrates the sweat gland through its duct or through lymphatic vessels when the upper layers of the skin are damaged. Epithelial tissue can be injured when scratching an itchy area or when removing unwanted hair.

Factors that increase the risk of developing a knot udder are:

weakened immunity;
superficial attitude towards compliance with hygiene requirements;
increased sweating;
obesity;
endocrine disruptions;
chronic foci of inflammation in the body;
constantly wearing clothes and synthetic underwear that restrict movement;
use of low-quality depilatory creams and deodorants;
hormonal imbalances.

In addition, hidradenitis under the armpit or in the perineum can occur against the background of unfavorable heredity.

In addition, as symptoms worsen, the patient’s general condition worsens, body temperature rises, headache and weakness appear. During this period, hidradenitis matures, after which it opens and the pus comes out, and a scar forms in its place as it heals. The duration of the disease is about 10 days.

Factors that contribute to the development of hidradenitis:

hygiene violations;
Availability mechanical damage on the skin in the area of the sweat glands (scratches, cuts, cracks);
the use of underarm hair removal products that remove hair from the root;
the presence of foci of chronic infection in the body;
decline of immunity;
blockage of sweat glands due to overuse antiperspirants.

Treatment of hidradenitis at home is effective at the compaction stage, since measures taken at this time help prevent the development of an abscess.
If an abscess does form, you should consult a doctor, because this is a very serious condition that can result in blood poisoning.

Contributes to the development of the disease:

increased sweating,
failure to comply with personal hygiene rules,
injuries that occur after shaving, abrasions that occur when wearing uncomfortable clothes,
disorders of lipid (fat) metabolism,
dysfunction of the gonads,
consuming large amounts of carbohydrates and diabetes mellitus create favorable conditions for the development of infection (carbohydrates are a good breeding ground for pyogenic microbes);
malnutrition (insufficient amounts of proteins, fats, carbohydrates, vitamins and microelements);
severe somatic pathology, which leads to exhaustion of the body,
exposure to hot climates and high humidity contributes to the disease.

Rice. 6. The photo shows the consequences of hidradenitis under the arm. Multiple scars are visible after healing of the fistula tracts.

Classification and forms of the disease

Generally, people with developing knotted udders experience:

constant itching in this area;
burning, especially after applying deodorant;
swelling that does not disappear, but, on the contrary, grows in volume;
soreness;
purulent discharge from the resulting swelling.

Hidradenitis is a suppuration that occurs in the apocrine sweat glands of the body. In many cases, such a defect can be found in the armpit area.

But hidradenitis can occur near the umbilical region, inguinal folds, anus, scrotum, and labia majora.

Hidradenitis can also appear in the navel area

Treatment of this disease is not easy, but it is certainly possible to cure it.

Today there are a large number of methods and methods of struggle. Among them: therapeutic, as well as treatment with medications and medications, it is definitely possible to use traditional methods of treatment, and in severe cases, surgical intervention is indicated.

More often, hidradenitis is one-sided, for example, in the left armpit; inflammation on both sides is very rare.

The initial stage of “bitch udder” is the appearance under the skin of one, and more often than not several, nodules of a dense structure, the size of a pea.

Gradually, painful lumps reach 1.5–2 cm in diameter; they protrude above the surface of the skin, becoming similar to a dog’s udder.

The surrounding skin turns red, itches, then swelling occurs, the nodes merge, forming an area of a large inflamed infiltrate of a bluish-burgundy color.

These characteristic symptoms accompanied by signs of general malaise:

When a hard node gradually becomes soft, then when pressure is applied to the wall of the cavity, vibrations are formed - fluctuation. This serves as a sign by which one can distinguish a “bitch udder” from a boil.

After the infiltrate matures, it is opened, during which the purulent contents come out. Then a scar forms in this place.

The process can take from 10 days to a month - the fact is that while some abscesses are healing, others appear.

After the pus is released, the patient usually feels better. During this period, it is important to prevent contents with a large number of staphylococci from getting into neighboring areas.

Otherwise, the involvement of new sweat glands in the process threatens recurrent hidradenitis. The disease can take a chronic, relapsing form.

Note: in an advanced state, it is difficult to raise an arm, it is painful to sleep on the side, and the body temperature remains at 37 - 37.4 degrees and does not subside even when the patient takes an antipyretic pill. Important: all symptoms only intensify, especially with physical exertion, anxiety and wearing tight clothes. clothes.

Hidradenitis is an inflammation of the sweat gland, most often found in the armpits. The infection enters the injured skin and subcutaneous tissue through microtraumas - abrasions from clothing or microcuts that occur when shaving the armpits. Bitch udders develop in people with reduced immunity who do not carefully observe hygiene requirements.

The disease recurs until the patient regains normal immunity. Hidradenitis develops especially often in patients with diabetes mellitus and immunodeficiency.

Hygiene rules that must be followed for the prevention and treatment of hidradenitis.

Wearing loose clothing made from natural materials: cotton, linen, wool, silk. Such clothing helps to avoid excessive sweating and overheating of the body.
Take a shower every day.
It is good to use bactericidal soap or gel - they reduce the number of microorganisms on the skin, helping to avoid inflammation.
Shave carefully using special shaving products that reduce the possibility of cuts.
Use a separate towel for each family member.
If a person sweats a lot, it is advisable for him to use baby powder.

If a person is already sick, then hygiene measures are strengthened.

Avoid bathing to avoid infection of other areas.
Use the shower after covering the abscess with an adhesive bandage.
Wash the abscess with citeal, and after a shower with a weak solution of potassium permanganate.
Wash bedding and underwear daily in very hot water. After drying, the linen is ironed with a hot iron.
Avoid waxing and shaving until you recover.
After each procedure, you need to wash your hands and treat them with alcohol.

“Bitch udder” is localized in places where apocrine glands accumulate. They are most abundant in the armpit area, which is why axillary hidradenitis is the most common disease.

In addition, these areas of the body are constantly exposed to negative effects - this includes traumatic depilation, friction from tight clothing, and inappropriate deodorants.

Some people simply neglect basic hygiene in places where there is increased sweating.

Where else is hidradenitis localized:

in the groin area;
in the perineal area, around the anus;
in men - on the scrotum;
in women - on the labia;
in the folds under the breasts;
on the mammary gland - in the area of pigmentation around the nipples;
Rarely, hidradenitis appears in the scalp.

To prevent the infection from spreading throughout the body, when a single lesion appears, for example, a lump on the pubis, you should immediately begin antiseptic treatment of this area.

The generally accepted classification of hidradenitis is based on its various manifestations.

Based on location, “bitch udders” are divided into one-sided (more common) and two-sided.

Also, the disease at the place of origin can be axillary, inguinal, located in the anus, scrotum, labia, navel, mammary glands.

There are several stages of the disease:

Initial – when the sweat gland has just become blocked. Accompanied by swelling, redness of the skin, itching, pain.
Medium – proliferation of inflamed nodes and increased pain.
Severe - the formation of purulent abscesses mixed with blood.

Depending on the nature of the development of the pathology, there are 2 types of hidradenitis: acute purulent and chronic.

The reason for the development of this form of the disease is blockage of the apocrine glands, mainly due to poor body hygiene.

It is important to notice in time the formation of a lump, which quickly becomes inflamed and turns into a purulent abscess.

The disease is accompanied by typical symptoms - fever, weakness, pain in places where abscesses form.

Untimely treatment of the pathology is dangerous due to intoxication of the body and complications in the form of abscesses and phlegmons.

Recurrent

The chronic form of hidradenitis is also called recurrent. The inflammatory process lasts quite a long time, appearing at certain intervals.

Extensive inflammation of the sweat glands is considered the most complex form of hidradenitis. For successful treatment, it is necessary to find out the causes of the long-term pathological process.

The disease is dangerous by increasing the area of inflamed apocrine glands and the formation of abscesses.

Adequate complex treatment with the use of antibiotics, it is necessary to avoid alcohol and follow a diet, careful personal hygiene.

Suppurative

The suppurative form of hidradenitis is also called acne inversa. It most often affects adolescents during puberty.

The peculiarity of the disease is that various shapes acne is combined with an inflammatory process in the sweat glands.

Hidradenitis suppurativa of the armpit or other area of skin occurs due to blockage and rupture of the hair follicle.

The disease is characterized by the formation of an inflammatory process that affects the sweat glands.

The pathology can be localized in the groin, perineum, armpits, and less often on the face. Factors predisposing to the development of the disease are excessive sweating, obesity, and uncomfortable clothing.

Prevention of the occurrence of hidradenitis comes down to eliminating the factors that provoke the disease. To avoid the occurrence of such an unpleasant disease, it is recommended:

wear comfortable clothes and do not overuse various deodorizing products;
observe the rules of personal hygiene;
promptly identify and treat diseases against which hidradenitis may develop;
strengthen immunity;
choose more gentle methods of removing unwanted hair that do not injure the skin.

Hidradenitis at the initial stage of development.

The appearance of the pathology and physical sensations depend on the stage and severity of the infectious process. Symptoms appear gradually and indicate the transition of the disease to a new phase:

A high body temperature signals the transition of the disease to the maturation period. The occurrence of phlegmon indicates the connection of adipose tissue to the pathological process, and lymphadenitis indicates the inflammatory process of the lymph nodes.

This is what the fistulous form of hidradenitis looks like.

If the disease has become chronic, then two or three fistula openings form in the armpit area.

They are connected by subcutaneous passages and become inflamed from time to time. A fistulous form of the disease occurs. There is a high risk of relapse in obese people and those who suffer from hyperhidrosis.

When an inflammatory infiltrate forms in the first stages of the disease, the patient is bothered by periodic pain. Often several infiltrates are formed, which merge and form one acutely inflammatory, sharply painful infiltrate, occupying the entire axillary fossa. During this period, the patient may experience weakness and malaise, and sometimes the body temperature rises. The skin over the infiltrate becomes bluish-pink. Infiltrates range in size from 0.5 cm to 3 cm. Pain and the appearance of infiltrates in the armpit are the main symptoms of the disease.
Inflammatory infiltrates either resolve or tissue suppuration (abscess or abscesses) forms. Abscesses with hidradenitis have a conical shape (popularly called “bitch udder”).
When the abscess is opened, thick pus is released. A necrotic core, as with boils and carbuncles, is not formed.

Traditional treatment methods

If therapy for hidradenitis is carried out correctly and in a timely manner, and the patient strictly follows all the recommendations of his attending physician, the prognosis is the most favorable. Only a minor defect remains on the skin, which will for some time remind of such an unpleasant condition in the past.

Otherwise, the risk of developing serious complications is too high. With illiterate treatment or its complete absence, the pathological process may spread to surrounding tissues, which will subsequently lead to the development of first an abscess (suppuration with clear boundaries), and then phlegmon - diffuse purulent inflammation of surrounding tissues, characterized by an acute course and lack of boundaries.

In severely advanced cases, purulent masses can enter the bloodstream and infect all organs and systems of the body. This condition is called sepsis, and it is very life-threatening. In most cases, patients diagnosed with blood poisoning die. Therefore, you should not underestimate the danger of pathology and delay a visit to the doctor if you do not want to “receive as a gift” a much more serious disease.

Treatment of hidradenitis at home with a curd compress

A woman developed hidradenitis under her arm and was offered surgery. But the disease was cured using folk remedies. She was helped by a grandmother she knew, who used the same method to cure her daughter’s bitch udder.

Mix 1 part sour cream, 1 part butter and 1 part cottage cheese. Apply this mixture in the form of a compress to the inflammation under the armpit and secure tightly. Prepare the mixture fresh every evening. By morning it dries out. The cones that had already begun to appear became smaller every day. The woman applied compresses until the painful lumps completely disappeared. No surgery was needed. (HLS 2001, No. 3, pp. 18-19).

Simple cottage cheese also helps to cure the disease; it must be mixed with hot water so that the cottage cheese warms up, squeezed out and applied on gauze to the abscess under the arm. (HLS 2007, No. 4, p. 33).

Honey cake against inflammation of the sweat glands

The woman developed an abscess under her arm, unbearable pain began, and she turned to the surgeon. They cut the sore, and she lost consciousness from the pain. After some time, hidradenitis returned again, but she was afraid to go to the hospital. In addition, one woman told her how to treat a bitch's udder with folk remedies.

1 tbsp. l. Heat honey in a water bath, mix with flour, knead into a flat cake and apply to the abscess under the arm as a compress overnight, covering with plastic. Make a fresh tortilla every night. Hidradenitis was cured without surgery, and the disease never returned. (HLS 2003, No. 3, p. 19)

Treatment of hidradenitis at home with onion ointment

50 g of laundry soap, grated on a fine grater, 50 g of grated onion, 150 g of melted pork fat. Combine everything and heat slightly, rubbing to form a homogeneous mass. Cool. Store in the refrigerator for no more than 10 days. Apply 2-3 cm thick ointment to a small piece of gauze and apply to the abscess under the armpit.

The disease cannot be neglected; it causes a lot of discomfort and can lead to blood poisoning. Hidradenitis usually does not go away on its own, so effective medical intervention is necessary. It is prohibited to open the nodes and squeeze out their contents yourself. This will lead to the spread of infection and worsening of the condition.

What you can do for hidradenitis at home before seeing a doctor:

The inflamed axillary area should not be wetted; baths are prohibited. You can wash in the shower, covering the problem area with an adhesive bandage in advance. Be sure to stick to your diet throughout your treatment. Spicy, salty, smoked, alcoholic, carbonated drinks, coffee, chocolate, baked goods are prohibited - all these are foods that cause excessive sweating. Give your choice to fruits, vegetables, and natural juices. It is recommended to steam all food, without frying, or bake in the oven.

The basis of therapy is antibacterial drugs, since the first step is to eliminate the pathogenic microorganisms that provoke the development of the disease. Antibiotics for hidradenitis are usually prescribed in tablet form. The drugs used are tetracycline, cephalosporin, penicillin series, a number of macrolides, fluoroquinolones.

The most effective and proven drugs are:

taking antibiotics, immunostimulating drugs and vitamins;
regular treatment of the skin in the area of the abscess with antiseptic solutions;
novocaine injections (for severe pain);
application of semi-alcohol dressings;
dry heat therapy (sunbathing, warming with a Minin reflector);
physiotherapeutic procedures (local ultraviolet irradiation, UHF therapy, magnetic therapy, laser, electrophoresis, etc.).

Fully mature hidradenitis under the armpit, in the groin area or in the anal area requires surgical treatment. The surgeon makes a wide incision on the affected area, evacuates purulent masses and removes infiltrated fatty tissue. In case of persistent, repeatedly recurring udder knots, the attending physician may recommend that the patient undergo a course of radiotherapy that destroys the sweat glands.

However, if the knotted udder has become chronic, treatment may take 1.5 months or longer.

the size of the resulting swelling on the body;
the presence of pus in them;
age of the patient;
the time interval during which the disease progresses;
other characteristics of the patient, for example, intolerance to a drug.

After the specialist has analyzed the nature of the disease and taken into account all the associated factors, he prescribes treatment, which includes:

Various ointments that provoke the opening of the swelling and the release of accumulated pus.
Taking antibiotics to fight infections in the body.
Special physiotherapy procedures aimed at restoring the skin and accelerating recovery.

Antibiotics

When a knotted udder is diagnosed, doctors prescribe a course of antibiotics in 92% of cases. Among the most proven drugs for this disease are:

minocycline, which is supposed to be taken 3 to 4 times a day;
tetracycline, taken up to three times a day.

If a patient experiences a decrease in general immunity, this may well lead to the development of sepsis, which poses a serious danger to humans.

Important! If the course of hidradenitis is accompanied by high fever and severe weakness, you should urgently inform your doctor about this.

Treatment of bitch udders should be strictly individual for each patient. Moreover, treatment should begin only after a complete examination of the person.

Methods for treating bitch udders:

If the disease is still at an early stage, then the patient is prescribed ointments with antibiotics. Most often these are tetracycline and erythromycin. The doctor even prescribes alcohol solutions and hydrogen peroxide in combination. In addition, treatment can be based on ultraviolet irradiation.
If the disease has already developed before the formation of pus, then the formation itself is opened and drained. This procedure is not very complicated, so you should not be afraid of such an operation. After this, the patient is prescribed antibiotics in the form of ciprofloxacin and azitrox.
If the disease is at an active stage, then the formations cannot be wetted. In addition, you should exclude all sweet and spicy foods, as well as alcoholic drinks, from your diet. After the disease is cured, it is necessary to eliminate all factors that could provoke the formation of the disease again.

In order to stimulate the purulent contents out of the inflammation, it is smeared with Vishnevsky's liniment or ichthyol ointment. First, you need to cut off all the hair from the site of inflammation, then apply the ointment in a very thin layer over the painful formation. These ointments have stretching properties, so they are also used to quickly form the core of a boil. See a photo of the boil here.

After the purulent contents are released, the following means must be used:

antibiotic ointment Levomekol.
Clindamycin solution lotions.
Compress from a solution of dimexide and iodine.
Oflomelid.

Antibiotics

Treatment must be comprehensive, therefore, in addition to ointments, it is necessary to take antibiotics.

Most often, the following antibiotics are prescribed for the treatment of bitch udders:

Erythromycin – 4 times a day.
Tetracycline - once a day.
Minocycline – 3 times a day.

Physiotherapy

It is very important to note that antibiotics are not taken during physiotherapy procedures.

Physiotherapy aimed at treating bitch udders includes the following procedures:

Bactericidal technique
Anti-inflammatory therapy using UHF, SUV irradiation
Immunostimulating therapy (laser blood irradiation, magnetic therapy, heliotherapy)
Regenerative technique

Folk remedies

Many doctors say that treating bitch udders traditional methods is an ineffective method, however, it cannot cause harm to health and can be combined well with drug therapy. In addition, reviews from people indicate that folk remedies can easily combat this disease.

How to treat a bitch's udder with herbal ointment

An infusion of calendula, wild hops, elderberry, eucalyptus and plantain has a good anti-inflammatory and antibacterial effect. All dried ingredients must be taken 1 tbsp. l., chop and pour 0.5 l of boiling water. After keeping in a water bath for 15 minutes, the infusion must be cooled and strained. Take 50 ml three times a day.

An infusion of string and lingonberry leaves also works well against pathogenic bacteria. They need to be taken 1 tbsp. l. and pour 0.4 liters of boiling water, let it brew for an hour and strain. Take 50 ml 4 times a day 30 minutes before meals.

You can also use a decoction consisting of two parts blackberry leaves and one part calendula flowers. To prepare it, 1 tbsp. l. vegetable raw materials need to be poured with 200 ml of boiling water and simmer over low heat for 30 minutes. After cooling and straining, take a decoction of 50 ml 3-4 times a day.

These funds can be combined and alternated with each other. Leaves of white cabbage can also provide relief. They need to be scalded with boiling water and lightly beaten with a hammer so that they release the juice. You need to apply cabbage leaves to the sore spot throughout the day, in between herbal lotions.

An effective remedy for a quick recovery is an onion baked in the oven. It needs to be taken apart into separate parts and a warm compress made with it. Place a warm onion on the painful area, cover it with a plastic bag and put a layer of cotton wool on top. You can wrap a wool scarf around the area for a warming effect.

Honey cake also helps cure hidradenitis. It can reduce inflammation and promote the resorption of infiltrates. Honey must be mixed with flour to the consistency of thick sour cream. From the resulting mass you need to form a cake and apply it to the compaction area. The top of this area should also be wrapped in polyethylene and covered with a warm cloth. It is best to use this remedy at night, using a fresh cake each time.

Calendula

During the course of the disease, it is important to follow a diet that excludes alcohol, spicy and fatty foods. The bath should be abandoned in favor of a shower, covering the area of hidradenitis with a band-aid to prevent it from getting wet. To disinfect the diseased area, you can use an alcohol tincture of calendula. When treating hidradenitis, it is important to carefully remove regrowth of hair on the inflamed area, as it may collect harmful microorganisms and sweat, but do not injure the skin.

The woman developed boils under her arm. Despite treatment, the disease progressed, and the number of nodes became more and more numerous. It was a long way from the surgeon, so she decided to treat the bitch's udder with herbal ointment. First, you need to prepare calendula oil: pour 1.5 cups of calendula flowers with a glass of vegetable oil at a temperature of 80-100 degrees, mix. Leave in the dark for 40 days, strain.

Preparation of ointment. Fresh calendula flowers - 2 parts, yarrow - 2 parts, sweet clover - 1 part, dandelion roots - 2 parts, horse sorrel roots - 1 part, tansy inflorescences - 1 part. Wash all these herbs and pass through a meat grinder. Add 1 part of Vishnevsky ointment and 1 part of ichthyol ointment to the herbal gruel. Dilute this entire mixture with calendula oil prepared in advance to obtain a homogeneous elastic mass.

When treating a bitch's udder, a woman wiped the affected area with an alcohol solution (or herbal tincture, or cologne, or alcohol). Then she applied the ointment for the whole day, and repeated the procedure in the evening. The result was obvious within a day: the abscesses under the armpits increased in size and white heads appeared. On the 3-4th day all the pus began to come out. (2006, no. 18, p. 31)

Treatment of hidradenitis with a wax compress

The girl was in the hospital with a spinal fracture, and in addition she developed hidradenitis. My roommates recommended this folk remedy: take equal parts of rosin, beeswax and butter. Melt everything in an enamel bowl and stir well, but do not boil. You will get a homogeneous mass.

Blood purification for hidradenitis

To cure the disease “bitch udder”, you need to cleanse the blood with nettle - 1 tbsp. l. dry herbs, pour 1 glass of boiling water, leave and drink throughout the day. do this for 2-3 weeks. (HLS 2006, No. 24, p. 4)

Treatment of hidradenitis with bulb

Baked onion is the simplest and most effective folk remedy for “bitch udders,” boils and any abscesses. Bake the onion, cut off the bottom, and, without cooling, apply the cut to the abscess under the arm. (HLS 2006, No. 2, p. 11)

How to treat a bitch udder with a golden mustache

The girl developed an abscess under her arm. At night she put 2 leaves of the golden mustache plant on it. The second night I did the same. And that’s it, on the third night nothing began to heal, and after a week not a trace of the sore remained (HLS 2006, No. 4, p. 31).

Tibetan black patch for abscesses and inflammation under the armpit

Mix 50 g grated laundry soap, 50 g rye flour, 1 tbsp. l. vegetable oil and 1 tbsp. l. honey Dilute all this with 150 g of boiling water, cook for 2-3 minutes, add 1 church candle without a wick. Stir, the ointment is ready. Apply this ointment to a napkin and apply it to the abscess, secure with an adhesive plaster.

Treatment of hidradenitis in succession

An 8-year-old girl developed inflammation under her armpit, and an abscess formed, red and painful, the size of a walnut. The doctor prescribed an operation, but the biology teacher who came along gave the following recipe: make a strong infusion of the string, soak a cloth in the hot infusion and apply it to the abscess. Apply a warm, damp compress 6-8 times a day. In 2 days, the child’s udder was cured. (HLS 2010, No. 7, p. 3,)

Causes

There are two types of sweat glands functioning on the human body - eccrine and apocrine. Eccrine sweat glands are located in the deep layers of the skin over the entire surface of the body, except for the glans penis, foreskin and the red border of the lips. In the area of the palms and soles, the glands are located in the subcutaneous fatty tissue. Eccrine sweat glands are involved in thermoregulation of the body.

Apocrine sweat glands are located in the armpits, genitals, perineum, around the anus and the pigmented area around the nipples. Apocrine sweat glands are not involved in thermoregulation, but are activated under stress. The smell of sweat and its viscosity depends on the degree of destruction of secretory cells. Apocrine sweat glands do not function in children, and in old people their function sharply weakens.

Rice. 4. The secretory glomerulus and the narrow excretory duct are the main structures of the sweat glands.

Hidradenitis is easier to prevent than to treat. Those who are already familiar with purulent inflammation of the sweat glands and its consequences should be especially careful. The main preventive measures for the disease are:

maintaining personal hygiene
careful selection of cosmetics or complete refusal of cosmetics
control blood sugar levels, exclude staphylococcal infection
careful hair removal in “risk areas”: armpits, groin, stomach and chest
treating the armpits with alcohol during periods of heavy sweating
preventing dust and dirt from coming into contact with sweaty skin

The insidiousness of the bitch's udder is that once it appears in the human body, the disease often recurs. But, knowing about preventive measures, you can significantly reduce the risk of developing the disease in the future. The disease can be prevented by:

compliance with daily hygienic water procedures;
moderate use of deodorants and antiperspirants;
refusal bad habits(alcohol and smoking), which depress work immune system;
taking multivitamin medications (preferably several courses per year);
regular change of bed linen;
treating all skin lesions with antiseptics;
fight against existing chronic foci of infection in the body ( chronic tonsillitis, carious teeth, etc.).

Treatment of a bitch's udder with folk remedies at the first signs of the disease usually brings quick relief and leads to a speedy recovery. But depending on the severity of the disease and the state of the immune system, this may not be enough. It is important to monitor the dynamics of the process and, if there is no improvement, be sure to agree with your doctor on further methods of treating the disease.

The medical term for udder disease is hidradenitis. The silent name of the disease is more often used by people. The pathology received such an obscene name because of the appearance of the skin lesions.

Hidradenitis of the udder is a purulent inflammatory process in the sweat glands. Most often, infection occurs from bacteria. The area most often affected by the disease is axilla. But infectious inflammation also occurs in other areas and areas of the body. Most often this occurs where hair growth is observed: the lower abdomen, inguinal folds of men and the genitals of women.

Infectious damage to tissues and internal organs is caused by staphylococcus. The disease is very dangerous for humans. If left unattended, it leads to blood poisoning. Sepsis becomes scary for the patient, so you should know what hidradenitis is and how to treat a knotted udder. The clinical picture has symptoms clearly identified by doctors.

The causes of hidradenitis vary. The main virus causing the disease is Staphylococcus aureus. It most often disrupts the functioning of the digestive system.

Bacteria can enter the body in several ways:

Through lymph. This occurs when the skin is damaged. The bacterium penetrates the apocrine glands through external paths: cuts, cracks, scratches.
Through ducts that remove fluid. The infection gets into those areas that are more likely to sweat, the pores are enlarged and open.

Both methods are the result of careless human actions. The skin is damaged during shaving and strong scratching during hot seasons. Sometimes the pores become open after insect (mosquito) bites. Staphylococcus detects small cuts and bite marks that have not been disinfected with the right product.

Increased sweating and a constant feeling of skin friction make the human body vulnerable to the penetration of bacteria. Various microbes enter the body, among which the dangerous Staphylococcus aureus occupies a special place. The causes of hidradenitis depend on the strength of the immune system. The stronger the protection, the weaker the virus.

We can list the main reasons for the development of the disease:

increased alkaline background sweating;
lack of hygiene skills;
chronic pathologies;
diabetes;
different degrees of obesity;
diseases of the endocrine system.

Diagnosis and differential diagnosis of the condition

It includes:

Listening to patient complaints.

Advice: so that the doctor does not have any doubts about the diagnosis, it is important to describe as accurately as possible all the symptoms, how long the problems have been noted, whether there are improvements or, on the contrary, they are getting worse.

Examination of problem areas of the body, for example, the armpit area.
Feeling swelling.

Note: at the time of palpation, the doctor always asks whether the patient feels pain syndrome, and also evaluates the size of the swelling and the presence of purulent content in it.

Blood test for basic indicators, especially leukocytes and ESR.

An important point: if there are more leukocytes in the blood than expected according to the standard, and the erythrocyte sedimentation rate is significantly higher, then the doctor has no doubt that hidradenitis is developing.

The diagnosis is based on a clinical blood test and sugar test. Additionally, patients will be asked to consult a surgeon and endocrinologist. As a rule, the blood count changes dramatically in this disease: the ESR and the number of leukocytes are elevated, which clearly indicates the progression of the inflammatory process.

An immunogram is performed to examine the immune system if the disease is advanced and relapses are observed.

Additionally, microflora from the inflamed area is examined. This helps the doctor choose the right antibiotics for further treatment of hidradenitis.

Drug therapy

To prevent the infection from spreading, the skin around purulent formations is wiped with alcohol several times a day. It is advisable to wash only in the shower, covering the sore spots with a band-aid. During the first week of illness, it is recommended to apply wipes soaked in an alcohol solution. Various types of compresses, which increase the formation of pus, are contraindicated. Only warming with dry heat and sunbathing are considered beneficial.

General treatment is carried out using penicillin and tetracycline antibiotics. When the disease recurs, patients are prescribed immunostimulating therapy based on immunogram data. If infection with staphylococcus is confirmed, then therapy is carried out using a staphylococcal vaccine and gamma globulin.

Drugs are prescribed exclusively under the supervision of specialists. Course assignments may be as follows:

antibiotics (ointments, solutions) to suppress the bacterial flora of gram-positive anaerobic bacteria (streptococcal, staphylococcal);
antiseptics (camphor alcohol 10%, brilliant green) for applying applications to the affected surface for treatment;
novocaine blockade in case of accumulation of multiple infiltrate in the subcutaneous tissue by piercing the affected area around the circumference;
sulfonamides;
nitrofurans;
vitamin complexes.

A strong lamp for warming up the inflamed areas can be useful, for which you need to bring it to the body for 5-5 minutes, maintaining a distance of 15-20 cm. This helps to avoid surgery at the initial stage of the disease, i.e. cuts and punctures.

What can and cannot be eaten during a bitch's udder?

An unbalanced diet is the cause of the development of many diseases, which include udder problems. For a quick recovery, you need to get rid of excess weight, saturate the body with a normal amount of minerals and vitamins. You need to eat fermented milk products, lean poultry, beets, carrots, tomatoes, black currants, and rose hips. All types of nuts, creamy and vegetable oils, seafood, cereals, mushrooms, most berries.

It is necessary to exclude products that cause allergies in a particular patient. Carbonated, energy and alcoholic drinks are prohibited. Too fatty and fried foods, sweets and baked goods are undesirable.

Why do bitch udders appear?

The main cause of hidradenitis is a staphylococcal infection. Normally, the human body contains many different microorganisms. And staphylococci are no exception. On the skin, especially in places where apocrine sweat glands are localized, lives special kind these bacteria. These are epidermal staphylococci.

With increased reproduction, they can enter the glandular ducts, and then into the gland itself, causing inflammation. But in most cases the source of the disease is environment. It contains much more microbes than the skin. The main microorganisms that cause the development of the infectious process are aureus, as well as hemolytic staphylococci. In addition, the cause of inflammation can be E. coli, Proteus, fungi and Klebsiella.

Factors contributing to the entry of the infectious agent into the apocrine sweat glands and further development inflammatory process are considered:

weakening of the body's immune defense;
presence of autoimmune diseases;
various hormonal disorders (including changes in hormonal levels during pregnancy);
pathologies of the endocrine system;
metabolic disorders (including overweight, obesity and diabetes);
excessive sweating, excessive and constant moceration (wetness) of the skin;
violation or non-compliance with personal hygiene rules (accelerated proliferation of pathogenic microorganisms occurs);
wearing uncomfortable clothes (seams and rough fabrics can injure delicate skin);
excessive concern for the aesthetic appearance of the skin: shaving and hair removal;
the use of talc as a deodorant and antiperspirants containing it;
frequent use of personal hygiene products containing alkali (soap, shower gels, etc.);
non-compliance with the principles of rational nutrition.

The use of deodorants is a common cause of hidradenitis.