Can hidradenitis suppurativa affect blood cell count?
Yes, hidradenitis suppurativa can affect your blood cell count in a couple of ways.
White Blood Cells
HS can cause a high white blood cell count, also called leukocytosis. This happens because white blood cells are part of your immune system and help fight infections Show Full Answer
Can hidradenitis suppurativa affect blood cell count?
Yes, hidradenitis suppurativa can affect your blood cell count in a couple of ways.
White Blood Cells
HS can cause a high white blood cell count, also called leukocytosis. This happens because white blood cells are part of your immune system and help fight infections and inflammation. Since HS involves chronic inflammation in your body, your white blood cell count may be elevated.
Red Blood Cells
HS can also lead to anemia, which means you have too few red blood cells or they don't function properly. People with HS are six times more likely to have anemia than the general population. This includes being over seven times more likely to have iron deficiency anemia.
The chronic inflammation from HS makes it harder for your body to produce enough red blood cells. Anemia may cause fatigue, heart palpitations, chest pain, headaches, dizziness, and pale skin.
What You Can Do
Treating your HS effectively can help normalize your blood cell counts. Your doctor might prescribe biologics or antibiotics to reduce inflammation, which allows your body to produce red blood cells more normally. For anemia specifically, iron supplements or iron-rich foods may help.
Always discuss any abnormal blood test results with your doctor to determine the best treatment approach.
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