I've been a caretaker of an elderly woman with dementia for over two years. I've seen the effects of this mental affliction, and how devastating it can be to loved ones. This is why I am a firm believer in seeking a professional diagnosis, so the patient may receive necessary care and treatment. Once diagnosed at the onset of symptoms, a plan can be devised. Through social interaction and daily care, my charge has achieved a higher quality of life. If your loved one has been diagnosed with dementia or Alzheimer's disease, you can make a difference. Love will find a way.
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Dementia and Your Loved One
3 Tips For Living With Hidradenitis Suppurativa
Vickie Armstrong
Hidradenitis suppurativa is a debilitating chronic skin disease that typically produces painful boils and nodules in areas with sweat glands, such as the groin, armpits, and under the breasts. These nodules may open up and drain pus and eventually form sinus tracts under the skin. It is suspected that as many as 1 in 100 people may be afflicted with this condition, but many people receive a wrong diagnosis because there is still little known about this disease and how to treat it. If you have recently been diagnosed with hidradenitis suppurativa, use the following tips:
Be Diligent in Finding Medical Care
Since not a lot is known about what causes hidradenitis suppurativa and how to treat it, there are many medical professionals who are not familiar with the disease. If you have been diagnosed at an emergency room, urgent care, or by a doctor who recognizes the condition but does not specialize in it, it is important to find a doctor who understands the disease and can help you manage it medically. Most people with hidradenitis suppurativa are under the care of a dermatologist who is up to date on the current advances being made in the treatment of the condition.
There currently is no cure for hidradenitis suppurativa, but there are various medications and surgical options available to help you keep it under control. One of the challenges of this disease is the fact that what helps one patient may not help someone else, so you and your dermatologist may need to try several treatment options before discovering what helps you.
Self-Care Routine
Living with hidradenitis suppurativa can be very difficult-- in addition to being incredibly painful, many people who have the disease are embarrassed by their open draining wounds and the foul smell that comes out of them. If you have hidradenitis suppurativa, you may find some relief by taking daily sitz baths in warm water, which may help open the nodules and promote some healing. Some people believe that adding epsom salt to the sitz bath can be beneficial. It is also often recommended that you use an anti-bacterial or anti-microbial body wash on the areas where you develop the abscesses.
Consider Changing Your Diet
Some people believe that hidradenitis suppurativa may be a type of autoimmune disease, and the painful nodules and inflammation is due to an intolerance to certain foods. There is anecdotal evidence that many people have been able to manage their condition by discovering food triggers and eliminating them from their diet. Food triggers commonly reported by sufferers of this disease include vegatales and spices from the nightshade family (tomatoes, peppers, eggplant, paprika, potatoes, etc.), dairy, and gluten.
For more information, contact Dermatology Surgery Center or a similar location.
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