Duration of sweat gland inflammation
The individual sweat gland inflammation can be treated and subside after a few days. However, those affected often suffer from recurring inflammation and lesions. Acne Inversa is a chronic disease for which there is no permanent cure.
Depending on the stage at the beginning of treatment, the duration of the episode can vary. Milder inflammations are only of short duration, while larger, purulent abscesses can often only be removed surgically. Wound healing after surgical removal can take several weeks, as the wound remains open for a long time, especially with split skin therapies.
Causes of sweat gland inflammation
The acute cause of sweat gland inflammation is the obstruction of a sebaceous gland in which the body’s own material accumulates. However, it is generally assumed that Acne Inversa is caused by a genetic disease.There are numerous factors which are suspected to be either triggers or amplifiers of the disease. One of the factors is tobacco consumption.
About four out of five Acne Inversa patients are smokers. This correlation is attributed to the increased growth of the Staphylococcus Aureus bacterium in smokers. Furthermore, male sex hormones are a reinforcing factor, as they lead to increased sebum production.
Diabetes is also cited as a risk factor, because these individuals have a weakened immune system and therefore more easily suffer bacterial infections. This also includes all other causes of a weak immune system. Overweight people also develop inflammation of the sweat glands more frequently, as a moist, warm environment under skin folds promotes the development of such infections.
Bacteria can also penetrate into pre-damaged skin more easily, whereby wearing too tight clothing is sufficient to cause skin irritation. Therefore, no specific reason for a sweat gland disease can be given. Rather, it is an accumulation of risk factors.
Diagnosis
The diagnosis is usually made clinically based on symptoms. Here it is important to distinguish the relatively unspecific symptoms from other possible diseases. Here, individual abscesses, allergies and infectious diseases should be mentioned.
In the case of chronic acne inversa, the final diagnosis can only be confirmed with a tissue sample. Since the disease does not occur very often, those affected are often first misdiagnosed. It is typical for the disease that the inflammations recur repeatedly and do not disappear after treatment.