What is hidradenitis suppurativa?
Hidradenitis suppurativa is a skin condition that causes small, painful lumps to form
under the skin.
The condition mostly affects areas where the skin rubs together, such as the armpits, groin, buttocks and breasts.
Hidradenitis suppurativa tends to start after puberty. It can persist for many years and worsen over time, with serious effects on your daily life and emotional well-being.
Medications and surgery can help manage symptoms and prevent complications.
Hidradenitis suppurativa can affect one spot or multiple areas of the body. Signs and symptoms of the condition include:
- Blackheads. Small pitted areas of skin containing blackheads — often appearing in pairs or a double-barreled; pattern — are a common feature.
- Painful pea-sized lumps. The condition usually starts with a single, painful lump under the skin that persists for weeks or months. Later more bumps form. They usually appear in areas with hair follicles with many oil and sweat glands, such as the armpits, groin and anal area. They also occur where skin rubs together, such as the inner thighs, breast and buttocks.
- Tunnels. Over time, tracts connecting the lumps may form under the skin. These wounds heal very slowly, if at all, and can leak pus, which may have an odor.
Some people with this condition experience only mild symptoms.
Excess weight, stress, hormonal changes, heat or humidity may worsen symptoms.
The exact cause of hidradenitis suppurativa isn't known. It develops when hair follicles in the skin become blocked. Experts think it could be connected to hormones, inherited genes and immune system problems. Smoking, excess weight and metabolic syndrome also might play a role. Hidradenitis suppurativa is not caused by an infection or being
unclean, and it can't be spread to other people.
Source:
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/hidradenitis-
suppurativa/symptoms-causes/syc-20352306
