Hidradenitis Suppurativa Disability

Is Hidradenitis Suppurativa a Disability?

Applying for hidradenitis suppurativa disability benefits can be made easier with the help of Chermol & Fishman, LLC. We have detailed knowledge about disability law, and have years of experience handling complex disability claims. Our attorneys follow a strategic legal approach to win claims for our clients.

Performing day-to-day tasks at work may be difficult for those who have a disability. As your medical condition progresses, it may become increasingly difficult to perform daily tasks, ultimately forcing you out of work. This can result in financial insecurity and overwhelming stress, anxiety, and depression. Fortunately, there are benefits available for individuals who have qualifying working work experience that paid into the Social Security Administration’s disability system. If chronic hidradenitis suppurativa has been troubling you is expected to last for years to come, you may qualify for hidradenitis suppurativa disability benefits.

What is Hidradenitis Suppurativa?

Hidradenitis suppurativa is a painful chronic skin condition that results in bumps under the skin. These bumps are typically near the sweat glands in the hair roots. Bumps may appear as pimples, blackheads, boils, and even cysts; however, these bumps do not usually appear where pimples or blackheads ordinarily manifest. If untreated, hidradenitis suppurativa bumps can grow deep into the skin, rupture, and cause scarring. As if scarring were not bad enough, the condition can impact mobility in the areas that have been affected.

Hidradenitis Suppurativa Signs and Symptoms

The most common sign of hidradenitis suppurativa are skin bumps. This condition can start off with a single bump that lasts days to months or multiple bumps that reoccur in the same general area. The most common areas where this skin disease forms include:

• Underarms
• Groin area
• Inner thighs
• Under the breast
• Around the buttocks

These bumps can be painful, itchy, inflamed, and filled with pus. They can also manifest themselves in various ways, including:

• Blackheads: The bump may contain a blackhead. These often appear cloistered together to form a “double-barreled” pattern.
• Painful nodules: Hard lumps may form in the areas listed above that are painful. These nodules develop under the skin and have the potential to grow if inflamed.
• Red, sore bumps: These bumps start off as red and sore to touch. If they grow, they often develop pus. If these bumps rupture, itchiness and/or burning may follow.
• Fistulas: These are more like sores that leak pus. These sores take a long time to heal. If scarring occurs, they may form tunnels under the skin that can connect together.

Individuals that have hidradenitis suppurativa may experience one of the symptoms or all of the symptoms. The symptoms may also come and go, but many people suffering from this condition will have persistent painful bumps.

Hidradenitis Suppurativa Diagnosis

A doctor will diagnose hidradenitis suppurativa based on where the bumps are located and how often they remain or persist. A sample of one of the bumps is typically taken for testing to rule out another skin disease or condition. A doctor may also ask questions regarding how long you have had symptoms, if they are painful, and if anyone else in your family has experienced these bumps.

Hidradenitis Suppurativa Prognosis

Unfortunately, there is not a cure for this condition but it is manageable with treatment. While individuals with hidradenitis suppurativa have a fairly good prognosis, this condition can get to a point where it becomes debilitating.

The pain and scarring can hinder mobility and eventually the ability to do basic tasks at work or at home. Therefore, a person with this condition can live a long life, but their quality of life may be less than ideal.

Hidradenitis Suppurativa Causes

While the cause of hidradenitis suppurativa is not well-known, there are some common factors:

• Obesity
• Genetics
• Smoking
• Hormones

Doctors are aware of how this condition develops. They understand that it involves hair follicles and sweat glands being blocked or clogged but they do not yet have a thorough understanding as to why this condition occurs.

They do know that it is not caused by poor hygiene, any type of sexually transmitted disease, or infection.

Unfortunately, if you have skin that rubs together, there is at least a chance that the condition could develop, though it is more common in women. Genetics, obesity, and smoking also appear to play a significant role in the development of this condition.

Hidradenitis Suppurativa Treatment

Treatment of hidradenitis suppurativa depends heavily on the severity of the bumps. The main course of action for treating this condition is to manage the symptoms as there is not yet a cure. Treatments may include:

• Medication: These medicines may be anti-inflammatories, antibiotics, corticosteroids, and even birth control.
• Bleach baths: Some doctors may recommend taking 5-10 minute baths with doctor recommended cleaning products to kill the bacteria and prevent infection.
• Surgery: If the severity of the condition calls for surgery, doctors may recommend laser surgery. The surgery will be done to kill the hair follicles, draining the bumps with an incision. Other surgical procedures may be used to remove skin from the problem area.
• Lifestyle changes: If someone is overweight or is a smoker, losing weight and quitting smoking can drastically improve the condition.

Treating this condition is mainly based on a trial and error method. So, you may need to try various treatment methods before finding one that works.

Can You Get Disability For Hidradenitis Suppurativa?

If the symptoms of this condition are severe, you may be able to receive disability benefits. You will have to meet the SSA’s medical listing requirements to be approved to receive benefits. The SSA will assess your physical and mental limitations to determine the level of work that you can perform.

Individuals suffering from hidradenitis suppurativa may often experience severe stress from the symptoms. You should ensure that all of your symptoms and challenges with this condition are documented in your medical history.

Your records, test results, and statements from your doctor should support a diagnosis of hidradenitis suppurativa. Qualifying for disability benefits will also depend upon your age and work history. The mental and physical requirements of any jobs you are qualified to perform will also play a crucial role.

Getting Help From an Attorney for Hidradenitis Disability Benefits

Applying for disability benefits is not an easy process. The paperwork that is required for an application to be approved is extensive and contains various elements. Applicants often feel overwhelmed and alone when trying to get the benefits they need to pay for their basic necessities.

A skilled SSD attorney can provide important guidance necessary to get disabled individuals through the application process. Attorneys understand the SSA’s requirements and ensure that these are met to increase their clients’ chances of being approved for benefits.

Call 1-888-774-7243 and book your first free consultation with reputed lawyers at Chermol & Fishman, LLC today!