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Hidradenitis Suppurativa
Moderate
Hidradenitis suppurativa is a chronic skin condition that causes painful, recurrent lumps, nodules, and abscesses, usually in areas where skin rubs together such as the armpits, groin, buttocks, or under the breasts. Lesions may drain pus and heal with scars or tunnels under the skin. The condition often begins after puberty and may persist or recur over time.
Body System
Skin Hair & Nails
When to Seek Medical Attention
Hidradenitis suppurativa can cause recurrent painful nodules, abscesses, drainage, and scarring and should be medically assessed when persistent or worsening. Seek prompt care for rapidly enlarging painful lesions, extensive inflammation, fever, spreading redness, or significant drainage. Urgent assessment is appropriate when there are signs of a serious or spreading infection.
Symptoms
2
Causes
3
Treatments
5
Diet
3
Overview
Hidradenitis suppurativa is a chronic skin condition that causes painful, recurrent lumps, nodules, and abscesses, usually in areas where skin rubs together such as the armpits, groin, buttocks, or under the breasts. Lesions may drain pus and heal with scars or tunnels under the skin. The condition often begins after puberty and may persist or recur over time.
Symptoms 2
Eye Pain
Sudden Vision Loss
Causes 3
Hidradenitis suppurativa develops when hair follicles become blocked and inflamed. The exact reason for the blockage is not fully understood. Genetic, hormonal, environmental, and immune-related factors may contribute. Some cases are associated with inherited changes in genes involved in skin and hair-follicle function. The condition is not caused by poor hygiene and is not contagious.
Genetics
Obesity
Smoking
Risk Factors
Hidradenitis suppurativa is more common after puberty and occurs more often in women and people with a family history of the condition. Overweight or obesity and smoking are associated with increased risk and may also be linked with more severe disease. Friction, heat, and repeated skin injury may aggravate symptoms in some people.
Diagnosis
Diagnosis is based on a patient's medical history,
symptoms, physical examination and, when necessary,
laboratory or imaging investigations.
Diagnosis is usually based on the medical history, the pattern and location of recurrent skin lesions, and physical examination. There is no single test that confirms hidradenitis suppurativa. A healthcare professional may examine nodules, abscesses, scars, and draining areas and may collect a sample of pus or affected tissue when another infection or diagnosis needs to be considered.
Prevention
Key Prevention Tips
Hidradenitis suppurativa cannot always be prevented, but some measures may reduce irritation and flare-ups
Maintaining a healthy weight when appropriate, avoiding smoking, wearing loose-fitting clothing, reducing friction, and avoiding unnecessary skin injury may help
Keeping regular medical follow-up is important when lesions recur or complications such as scarring develop
Prevention Guidance
Hidradenitis suppurativa cannot always be prevented, but some measures may reduce irritation and flare-ups. Maintaining a healthy weight when appropriate, avoiding smoking, wearing loose-fitting clothing, reducing friction, and avoiding unnecessary skin injury may help. Keeping regular medical follow-up is important when lesions recur or complications such as scarring develop.
Reminder: Prevention recommendations should be tailored to your personal health status and risk factors.
Treatment & Management 5
Detailed treatment guidance is currently being prepared.
Detailed treatment guidance is currently being prepared.
Detailed treatment guidance is currently being prepared.
Detailed treatment guidance is currently being prepared.
Detailed treatment guidance is currently being prepared.
Medical Note: The treatment information provided is intended for educational purposes only.
Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before starting,
stopping, or changing any treatment.
Diet & Nutrition 3
Recommended Foods
Vegetables
Support health
Fresh Fruits
Provide antioxidants
Whole Grains
Balanced nutrition
Foods to Avoid
Processed Foods
May worsen inflammation
Sugary Foods
Limit intake
Medical Nutrition Note: Diet recommendations are intended for general educational purposes and should be tailored to individual health needs by a qualified healthcare professional.
Frequently Asked Questions 5
A chronic skin disease causing painful nodules.
Commonly in armpits and groin areas.
No, it is not contagious.
Yes, smoking is a known risk factor.
It can be managed but may recur.
Helpful Tip: These answers provide general medical information.
Consult your healthcare provider for advice tailored to your condition.