Introduction

Hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) is a painful, long-term skin condition that causes Abscess and scarring on the skin.

The exact cause ofhidradenitis suppurativa is unknown, but it occurs near hair follicles where there are sweat glands, usually around the groin, buttocks, breasts and armpits.

For reasons that are unclear,more women than men have the condition. It's thought toaffect about1% of the population.

This page covers:

Symptoms

Causes

Diagnosis

Treatment

Lifestyle advice

Outlook

Content supplied by the NHS Website

Medically Reviewed by a doctor on 27 Okt 2016