Quang Ninh man has sores and scars all over his body because of rare pus secretion from sweat

Doctor Chu Thuy Linh, Dermatology Unit – Department of General Internal Medicine, Bai Chay Hospital, said that doctors at the department had just received a 50-year-old male patient from Quang Yen, Quang Ninh who came to the hospital with symptoms. symptoms of lumpy papules in the neck, armpit, inguinal position, broken pus, stench, healed leaving a firm fibrous scar… Through examination, the doctor diagnosed the patient with purulent sweat gland inflammation.

Dr. Linh said, this is a chronic infectious skin disease, recurrence and scarring in the area with sweat glands secrete body odor. This is a rare disease, worldwide prevalence is 1-4% of the population. The disease usually begins after puberty, is most common in the age group of 20-40, more women than men, persists for many years and greatly affects the quality of life of patients.

Image of a patient being taken care of to create a hospital.

The etiology of the disease is unclear, but follicle occlusion, ductal disruption, and secondary inflammation are thought to play a role. Furthermore, genetics, mechanical trauma, and hormones also contribute to the pathogenesis.

According to Dr. Linh, the disease is characterized by lump-like, boil-like, or recurrent lesions, abscesses containing fluid such as pus, sinus cavities, difficult-to-heal lesions, and scarring. Lesions can occur in one of the following locations: armpits, neck, undermammary area, inner thighs, anal area, genitals are most commonly affected inguinal, pubic, vulva, 2 sides, perianal, groove around the anus, buttocks.

The disease usually progresses through 3 stages:

– Stage 1: Solitary, scattered abscess, no sinus groove and no scar yet

– Stage 2: Abscess recurs, many times, lesions are wider, forming sinus grooves and scars.

– Stage 3: The abscesses and sinus grooves are widespread and interconnected

Purulent sweat gland inflammation, if not treated properly and promptly, can greatly affect the patient’s life, such as: Unsightly, long-healing damage and can leave large scars or concave skin , increased pigmentation. In case the lesions appear in the armpits, thighs, it will make it difficult for the patient to live because of the pain. When bacteria enter the damaged skin areas, it will spread quickly, leading to disseminated infection, urethral and rectal fistula, anemia due to bacterial infection…

From the above case, Dr. Lien recommends to prevent the disease by losing weight to limit rubbing on the skin, quitting smoking, alcohol, not using razors in the affected area. Keep the body dry because the disease can flare up due to overheating and sweating, wear cool clothes.

When injured, proper wound care, such as applying warm compresses to the lesion, can help reduce both swelling and pain. Clean the lesions daily with antibacterial soap or detergent, maintain and balance the moisture in the skin, avoiding your skin area being too dry or too wet. Avoid using perfumes or deodorants on damaged skin. You need to see a doctor if you suspect you have symptoms of this disease.