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Is It Worth Having Surgical Removal? Is It Genetic ?

A myHSteam Member asked a question đź’­
Houston, TX
July 14
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A myHSteam Member

Please please please!! Try Caster oil. Rub it on every spot for about a minute really get it in there. I have suffered from stage 4 HS since 2008.. lots of surgeries. Used ever cream salve under the sun didn't work. Found castor oil now it's my best friend!! My hand on the bible! My sever has shrunk by half! Yes I still have drainage my pain is down to about a 3. Good luck and God bless

July 17
A myHSteam Member

Absolutely. I have it pretty badly, with scarring from 45 years of flares. I wish I had gotten them surgically removed a long time ago. The scars become an issue over time causing both reflates and brand new infections as well.
Also, bandages tend to have to stay on for a long time when you have an oozing wound. My skin cannot take tape, and the supposedly gentler paper tape is even worse.
I use regular gauze pads, but I secure them with ace wraps. I have a bunch and change them like changing any bandage. I launder them but avoid the dryer.
I also use my bra if it’s small enough, And if it’s not, then sometimes I can’t wear a bra, so I will wrap the ace bandage around my chest. Then I can still go out in public. Once
they’re not oozing, but still not healed, I don’t bandage them at all.
I wear loose cotton clothing, which I change often and let that be the bandage. The air heals it much more quickly.

July 15
A myHSteam Member

Yes in recovery room right now from surgery. Plastics going on Tuesday. It’s worth it my pain is just spasms every so often.

July 14 (edited)
A myHSteam Member

Is Surgical Removal Worth It for Hidradenitis Suppurativa (HS)?

Experiences and Outcomes
- Positive Outcomes: Some individuals report successful results. For example:
- One member had surgery under the arm, and the lesions did not return.
- Another had a plastic surgeon remove a lesion above the brow, which also did Show Full Answer

Is Surgical Removal Worth It for Hidradenitis Suppurativa (HS)?

Experiences and Outcomes:
- Positive Outcomes: Some individuals report successful results. For example:
- One member had surgery under the arm, and the lesions did not return.
- Another had a plastic surgeon remove a lesion above the brow, which also did not return.
- A member described armpit surgery as life-changing.
- Challenges: Others experience recurrence of lesions after surgery, indicating the tenacity of HS.

Types of Surgical Procedures:
- Wide Excision: Involves removing the entire area of affected skin. This can be beneficial for extensive afflictions.
- Laser Treatment: Advances have made it possible to use lasers, which may have anti-inflammatory properties and prevent the disease from regaining a foothold.
- Skin Grafts: Used in wide excision, but they leave permanent scars on the donor site (e.g., thigh or buttocks).

Risks and Considerations:
- Scarring: Skin grafts result in permanent scars, which may be visible when wearing certain clothing.
- Recurrence: Despite surgery, some individuals may still experience recurrence of lesions.

Is Hidradenitis Suppurativa Genetic?

Genetic Links:
- Research Findings: HS may be linked to genetic variations, abnormalities in sweat glands, and hormone dysregulation.
- Family History: Members often wonder about hereditary links. For instance, one member noted that both they and their mother had HS.

Need for More Research:
- Genetic Studies: There is a need for more genetic research to better understand HS and improve treatment outcomes.
- Environmental Factors: Family members share more than DNA, such as lifestyles and chemical exposures, which can also influence the condition.

Expert Opinions:
- Dr. Petukhova: Emphasizes the importance of genetic research in understanding and treating HS, similar to advancements made in breast cancer genetics.

In summary, surgical removal can be beneficial for some but may not be a permanent solution for everyone. HS has genetic components, but more research is needed to fully understand its hereditary nature.

July 14

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