What Are The Risk Factors And Complications Of Hidradenitis Suppurativa?

Family History

It appears that research indicates that a family history of this condition also increases an individual's risk of getting it. The flares of hidradenitis suppurativa seem to have a strong genetic component. Overall, it looks like thirty to forty percent of individuals with this condition may have a family member with it as well.

However, some researchers seem to believe that this number is higher. They claim that individuals may not seek an official diagnosis. These researchers also appear to say that many patients may be incorrectly diagnosed with other skin conditions. Patients with a family history may have inherited this condition directly from their parents. However, individuals still seem to be able to get it without this history.

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Frequent Infections

Hidradenitis suppurativa appears to have frequent infections as a major complication. Patients with this condition seem to be more likely to develop infections where their skin is compromised. This may be particularly common when the lumps below the patient's skin burst. Individuals with this condition appear to be the most at risk of this complication after a symptom flare-up. The infections may not cause the flares themselves. Flares may occur when a hair follicle is blocked, and the skin bumps may be inflamed and filled with pus. This may trigger an infection.

In addition, there may be issues when the bumps heal after they burst. The scarring may trigger infections during the healing process. Bacteria and sweat may also be trapped around the bumps. This appears to cause prolonged inflammation and infection. The infections may not be life-threatening unless there is an issue with the patient's immune system. However, they seem to be quite painful, regardless.

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