Hidradenitis suppurativa - how to recognize it?

Hidradenitis suppurativa is a chronic inflammatory skin disease affecting the armpit and groin area. The symptoms usually appear in the areas of the body where the so-called apocrine sweat glands are found, as well as where the skin surfaces rub against each other, such as under the breasts, between the buttocks and on the inner thighs. Painful nodules and boils usually form in the inflamed areas. The disease is not contagious, but the exact cause is unknown. Its characteristic basic process is the blockage of hair follicles in the areas of the body with apocrine sweat glands.

Dermatologists sometimes call the condition inverse acne, as the lesions appear in areas spared by ordinary acne. Hidradenitis suppurativa can appear in many different forms, depending on the individual. In its mild form, acne-like nodules, blackheads or cysts form on the affected skin area. In more severe cases, abscesses may even discharge mucus, which can be the source of an unpleasant odor. In addition to pain, the resulting skin changes can also cause many other discomforts, which usually result in a significant deterioration in the quality of life.