Sweat glands can become blocked due to an unpleasant inflammation called hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) or a condition known as sudamine (heat rash). The best way to avoid the latter problem is to not overheat the skin. The causes that lead to HS are unknown, but early diagnosis and treatment for symptoms can prevent it from aggravating the situation. Although poor hygiene conditions are not directly responsible for hidradenitis suppurativa, proper hygiene and lifestyle changes can prevent blockage of the sweat glands.
Steps
Method 1 of 2: Preventing Sweat Gland Obstruction
Step 1. Wash your skin with antiseptic soap
Use a gentle, non-irritating product, focusing especially on the areas most affected by sweat gland blockage, such as the groin, armpits, under the breasts and any other area where the skin folds in on itself.
- Air dry the leather instead of rubbing it with a cloth.
- Wash every day or even twice a day as needed to keep your skin clean.
Step 2. Don't wear clothing that is too tight
Any clothing that fits tight or creates friction on the skin can increase the chances of sweat gland obstruction. To avoid this, it is advisable to wear comfortable clothes made of natural fibers, such as hemp, cotton or linen.
- The underwire of the bra can block the sweat glands found under the breasts; you should therefore find a bra that offers good support, but does not apply too much pressure in this area.
- Clothes with too narrow a waist area can also have the same effect.
Step 3. Stop smoking
Research has shown that smoking increases the chances of developing HS, although the cause is still unknown. It is one of the major risk factors; if you want to prevent your sweat glands from becoming clogged, you should get rid of this habit.
- If you need help quitting smoking, talk to your doctor or contact the appropriate ASL.
- You can also contact support groups, online forums or personal coaches to help you achieve this. Many companies have incentive programs to help their employees quit smoking. Keep trying until you find the method that works for you.
Step 4. Maintain a normal weight
Hidradenitis suppurativa is more common among overweight or obese people; to prevent the risk of sweat gland obstruction, you should maintain a healthy weight. If you are overweight, consider joining a weight loss program to get the encouragement and support you need to change your lifestyle. Eat a healthy diet, avoid sugary snacks and fatty foods, eat lots of fresh fruits and vegetables.
- Talk to your doctor about weight loss support groups and your dietary needs.
- If you've already developed HS, losing weight can help prevent further breakouts.
Step 5. Don't shave your body hair
Shaving your armpits or groin may cause bacteria to enter the sweat glands. If you want to remove hair in the areas that are most likely to develop this disease, talk to a doctor or dermatologist first to find the most suitable hair removal solutions.
- Perfumes or deodorants with fragrances can also irritate the skin; choose non-perfumed products specifically indicated for sensitive skin.
- Since groin and armpit hair removal is a culturally sensitive topic, you may choose to go to your doctor to find support groups to help you feel comfortable even with unwanted hair. Wearing clothing that hides these areas is a method of addressing society's complex opinion about body hair.
Step 6. Keep your groin area fresh and clean
Wear cotton underwear to improve air circulation and avoid tight clothing. Underwear made with synthetic fabrics prevents the passage of air and increases the chances of blocking the sweat glands.
- Wash the groin area daily or even twice a day, based on your individual needs. Use a mild antibacterial soap and let the skin air dry.
- Wash this area with warm water.
Step 7. Avoid overheating
Excessive sweating causes inflammation of the sweat glands. The sauna, hot tub or Turkish bath leads to sweating and, as a result, can cause the sweat glands to become blocked. Also, exercise early in the morning or in the evening when temperatures are lower. Do not practice "hot" yoga, as it is a specific discipline to increase sweating.
- Antiperspirant products can be too aggressive for sensitive skin and can therefore cause blockage of the sweat glands. If you still choose to wear one of these products, contact your doctor for advice on the most suitable one for you.
- Exercise moderately to avoid overheating.
Method 2 of 2: Treating Blocked Sweat Glands
Step 1. Know the symptoms of hidradenitis suppurativa (HS)
The appearance of blackheads, pimples in the groin, anal, armpit or under the breasts can be a sign of this disorder. You may experience painful pea-sized bumps just below the skin surface, which can persist for months or even years. lesions - wheals or sores - can also form and last for several months.
- These symptoms often begin soon after puberty with a single painful wheal.
- Women, African Americans, people who are overweight, smokers, and those who already have a family history of the disease are more likely to develop symptoms.
- Some people have a moderate form of HS, which can be treated at home; in other cases, it is necessary to consult a doctor to obtain appropriate treatment.
- HS affects at least 1% of the population.
Step 2. Apply a warm compress to the affected area
Place a warm, clean cloth over your skin for 10-15 minutes to relieve pain associated with blocked sweat glands. if you have a large, painful bump caused by glandular obstruction, this pack offers relief.
- Alternatively, you can use a boiling tea bag as a compress. Make a cup of tea by steeping the sachet in boiling water; then take the sachet and place it on the affected area to relieve the pain.
- The heat helps to soothe the discomfort, but it does not allow you to get rid of the wheal.
Step 3. Wash your skin thoroughly with antibacterial soap
Make sure it's a non-irritating product. Find one that does not contain perfumes or fragrances and is specifically intended for people with sensitive skin. Make a nice lather and then rinse thoroughly; finally, let the skin dry in the air.
- After washing, you can choose to apply an antibiotic cream that you find in free sale.
- Avoid moisturizing creams or lotions, as they can clog pores and sweat glands.
Step 4. Take zinc supplements
Studies have found that this mineral can reduce the chances of further inflammation. You can find it in different formats, such as zinc sulfate, zinc acetate, zinc glycine, zinc oxide, zinc chelate and zinc gluconate; they are all products considered generally safe, as long as they are taken in the recommended dosages.
- Although zinc is safe during pregnancy, when taken in small doses, ask your doctor or gynecologist for confirmation and take it with the right precautions; studies have not ruled out that it may be harmful to the fetus.
- Avoid zinc chloride, as no research has been done regarding its safety or effectiveness.
Step 5. Take antibiotics to treat infections
Your doctor may prescribe this class of drugs to treat an active infection and prevent others from arising. Some antibiotics are prescribed for long-term preventive use.
- If there are no bacterial infections, antibiotics may be prescribed to suppress further breakouts.
- These medicines can be taken orally, in tablet form, or are available as a cream to spread on the affected areas.
Step 6. Try steroid medications to reduce inflammation
Your doctor may prescribe corticosteroid (steroid) tablets, such as prednisolone, to be taken for short periods. This option is most effective when HS symptoms are excruciatingly painful, to the point of making it difficult to carry out normal daily activities.
- Steroids should not be taken for prolonged periods because they have negative side effects; in the long term they can cause osteoporosis, weight gain, cataracts and mental disorders such as depression.
- Localized steroid injections are an effective short-term treatment.
Step 7. Ask your doctor for more details about tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF) inhibitors
It is a new class of injectable medicines that reduce inflammation and stop the progression of HS. These include infliximab (Remicade ®), etanercept (Enbrel ®), adalimumab (Humira ®) and golimumab (Simponi ®).
- They are drugs also indicated to treat inflammatory diseases, such as rheumatoid, psoriatic, juvenile arthritis, inflammatory bowel diseases (Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis), ankylosing spondylitis and psoriasis.
- Since these are innovative drugs, they are still very expensive. If you have private insurance, the policy probably covers that expense, but read the contract you entered into to verify this.
Step 8. Consider having surgery
In the most severe cases of sweat gland obstruction and hidradenitis suppurativa, this is a concrete solution. The lesions can be linked together through subcutaneous "tunnels" and the deroofing procedure removes these tunnels. Usually, this technique benefits the treated area, but HS can develop in other areas.
- An alternative procedure is surgical drainage of the swollen area, which provides relief for a short time.
- Your doctor may also recommend surgical removal of the skin from all affected areas; in these cases, a skin transplant will have to be performed to repair the affected areas and close the wounds.
Advice
- Avoid environments that are too hot which can make you sweat more.
- Quitting smoking and losing weight are the two most effective "treatments" for HS.
