Hidradenitis suppurativa
What causeshidradenitis suppurativa?
The exact cause of hidradenitis suppurativa is unclear, but the lumps develop as a result of blocked hair follicles.
Smoking and obesity are both strongly associated withhidradenitis suppurativa, and if you're obese and/or smoke it's likely to make your symptoms worse.
Hidradenitis suppurativa usually starts around puberty , but it can occur at any age. It's less common before puberty and after the menopause , which may suggest that the sex hormones play a part. Many people withthe conditionalso have acne and hirsutism (excessive hair growth).
In rare cases, hidradenitis suppurativa may be linked to Crohn's disease , particularly if it develops around the groin area and the skin near the anus. Crohn's disease is a long-term condition that causes the lining of the digestive system to become inflamed.
Hidradenitis suppurativaruns in families in about a third of all cases. It's not infectious and isn't linked to poor hygiene.
Medically Reviewed by a doctor on 21 Dec 2018
Introduction
Find out about hidradenitis suppurativa, a painful, long-term skin condition that causes abscesses and scarring on the skin.
Symptoms
The symptoms of hidradenitis suppurativarange from mild to severe. It causes a mixture of red boil -like lumps, blackheads, cysts, scarring and channels in the skin that leak pus. The condition te
What causeshidradenitis suppurativa?
The exact cause of hidradenitis suppurativa is unclear, but the lumps develop as a result of blocked hair follicles. Smoking and obesity are both strongly associated withhidradenitis suppurativa, an
Diagnosinghidradenitis suppurativa
There's no definitive test to help diagnose hidradenitis suppurativa. Your GP will examine the affected areas of skin, and they may take a swab of an infected area.This can be helpful in making a dia
Treatinghidradenitis suppurativa
Hidradenitis suppurativa is a lifelong, recurring condition that requires constant management and is often difficult to manage. It's important to try to recognise anddiagnosethe condition in its earl
Subscribe
Ask the doctor
Rate this article
Find products