UC and skin conditions

Hi,

There were some posts recently about UC and adult acne. I just wanted to let you know about a skin disease that is frequently left undiagnosed, but affects many people. It is called Hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) or acne inversa. Women are more likely to have it, since it is, in many cases, triggered by hormonal changes. It manifests itself as one or more abscesses or pilonidal cysts in the groin, buttocks, thighs and underarm areas. For some reason, the sweat gands become clogged and get infected around hair folicles. The lumps start under the skin, then they drain and are very painful. They leave scars and darker patches on the skin.

I have actually just been diagnosed with HS. Its cause is unknown and there are no effective treatments, no cure. Just my kind of disease... It has periods of remission, but the cysts come back, and they can be as large as baseballs! Right now, I have three in my armpits areas, and I am trying to get them to drain, so they don't hurt as much. I will see a dermatologist this week.

I have read that some people with IBD are more likely to develop HS, and that is why I am bringing it to your attention. It is important to get properly diagnosed and to start an individualized treatment plan. I hope that none of you ever gets it!

Best of luck to all,
RT

I have UC and 10 yrs ago my boil like sores were diagnosed as a side effect of UC call pyloderma. Just another lovely part of this horrible disease. I usually put compresses on them but often have to go on antibiotic as they get infected.
your not alone!

I've had a mild form of Rosacea for many years (long before my UC DX), nothing disfiguring; just a bit of dry skin similar to dandruff, only on my face rather than my scalp. When I was taking prednisone I noticed that it went away only returning after I’d weaned from the pred.

I’ve often thought that there might be a connection between the UC and the Rosacea.

Rosacea isn't connected to UC...but it is an autoimmune skin disorder.

q