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 read more

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.

 This AI-generated response comes from myHSteam and other selected sources. It is not a substitute for medical advice. Always ask your doctor about specific health concerns.

Is Hidradenitis Suppurativa Genetic? | myHSteam

Sweat Gland Removal for Hidradenitis Suppurativa: Does It Help? | myHSteam