The common symptoms of Hidradenitis suppurativa are multiple abscesses in armpits and groin area due to infection and inflammation of apocrine sweat glands.
Hidradenitis suppurativa is a Kapha-Pitta disorder in Ayurveda. The vitiated digestive fire-agni (Pitta ) causes impaired metabolism and results in the vitiation of Kapha Dosha. The impaired fat molecules are deposited in the muscle mass and cause swollen painful lesions in axillae, groin, anal and breast regions. As per Ayurveda, the diseases are due to the incompetence of channels or block to the channels. In HS, the impaired fat molecules are deposited in the fatty locations of the body and block the channels of the body. When we look into the pathology of HS, the disease occurs due to the obstruction of hair follicles, infection to apocrine sweat glands and secondary infections which can be correlated to the channel block theory of Ayurveda.
As per the concepts of Allopathic medicine, bacteria and bodily oils in armpit and groin cause the infection. Another reason is the wrong way of shaving hair. But Ayurveda believes this is caused due to internal issues and that’s why some people are getting affected.
Bacteria are known to cause skin and soft tissue infections were uncovered in microbiological studies of the skin disease hidradenitis suppurativa (HS), with nearly 60% of cultures dominated by Staphylococcus lugdunensis, according to a study published online November 13 in Emerging Infectious Diseases. In people with impaired digestive fire, the immunity is weak and facilitate the growth of bacteria in the body. So the internal impaired metabolism is the real factor and others like bacteria are the triggering factors.
Is HS considered an autoimmune disease?
The cause of hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) is still unknown. Even though the abscesses can become infected, it is not caused by bacteria and is not contagious. It is thought to be caused by an abnormal response of the body’s own immune system. In other words, HS is an autoimmune disease.
This statement itself proves the clarity of Ayurvedic concept and as per the pathologic explanations and the treatment concepts of Ayurveda, I have lot many experiences in managing HS with Ayurveda.
HS is not contagious and again proving the concept of Ayurveda. Because a bacteria causing the infection and inflammation is not working in all. So some other internal factors and environment which suits the growth of triggering factor are the real reason for HS. So we have to address the same with a clear scientific view.
The management of HS.
Dermatologists offer the following tips to their patients who have HS:
Lose weight to lessen HS — or even clear your skin.
Quit smoking to reduce HS flare-ups.
Stop shaving where you have breakouts.
Wear loose-fitting clothes to reduce friction.
Keep your skin cool.
Ayurvedic management of HS
As said, we have to address the real reason for Kapha-Pitta vitiation. The common reasons can be traced by a detailed case taking and lifestyle, food habits, heredity, diabetes, obesity, other chemical medicines etc are commonly listed. The patients are asked to modify them and medicines are prescribed to repair the metabolism.
These are the common supplements prescribed to manage HS. In most of the cases, 90 days outpatient management is only needed.
Gugguluthiktakam Qwath Tablet
Varanadi Qwath Tablet
Guluchyadi Kashayam Extract Sachet
Psora Ointment
Neemi Ointment
Mahathiktakam Ointment
Triphala Churna
Vara Churana
Yavaloha Churna
Badaripatradi Kashayam Extract Sachet
In obese patients, external procedures like Udwarthanam, Dhara, Kizhi, Vasti etc are also done.
Diet
A fat-free diet with fiber and leafy vegetables are good to avoid recurrence and relapse. Dairy products, non-veg and Junk food, carbonated bottled drinks etc are to be avoided.
Exercise
Mild to moderate exercises are advised and Yoga including Surya Namaskar should be practiced daily.
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