From the Guidelines
Yes, hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) can occur on the breasts, particularly in the inframammary fold and around the areola. HS is a chronic inflammatory skin condition that affects areas with apocrine sweat glands, which are found in the breasts, armpits, groin, buttocks, and other skin fold areas 1. According to the North American clinical management guidelines for hidradenitis suppurativa, treatment for breast HS typically includes both topical and systemic approaches 1.
Key Considerations
- Topical options include antiseptic washes with chlorhexidine or benzoyl peroxide, and topical antibiotics like clindamycin.
- For mild to moderate cases, oral antibiotics such as doxycycline 100mg twice daily or a combination of clindamycin and rifampin may be prescribed for 2-3 months.
- More severe cases might require biologics like adalimumab (Humira).
Management Strategies
- Keeping the area clean and dry
- Wearing loose-fitting cotton bras
- Avoiding irritants can help manage symptoms. HS in the breast area can be particularly distressing due to pain, drainage, and scarring, so early treatment is important to prevent progression and complications 1.
From the Research
Hidradenitis Suppurativa (HS) on Breasts
- HS is a chronic skin condition that can occur on various parts of the body, including the breasts 2, 3, 4, 5.
- The condition is characterized by recurrent abscesses, nodules, sinus tracts, and fistulas, and can be mistaken for other breast conditions, such as sub-areolar and granulomatous non-lactating breast abscesses 2, 5.
- Studies have identified the mammary area as one of the common sites affected by HS, with an estimated global prevalence of 0.00033-4.1% 3, 4.
- HS on the breasts can manifest in different forms, including non-fluctuating nodules, abscesses, and tunnels/sinus tracts, and can be classified into different subtypes, such as the Sternal, Frictional, and Nodule types 5.
- Diagnosis of HS on the breasts can be challenging due to its similarity to other breast conditions, and a thorough assessment of the lesion's anatomical location and the presence of similar lesions in other HS-specific areas is necessary for accurate diagnosis 5.