DermNet provides Google Translate, a free machine translation service. Note that this may not provide an exact translation in all languages
Home » Topics A–Z » Hidradenitis suppurativa
Authors: Vanessa Ngan, Staff Writer, Dr Amanda Oakley, Dermatologist, Hamilton, New Zealand. 1997. Updated December 2015. Revised by: Dr Abdulhadi Jfri, PGY-5 Dermatology Resident, Division of Dermatology, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada. Dr Elizabeth O’Brien, Assistant Professor of Dermatology, Division of Dermatology, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada. Copy edited by Gus Mitchell. January 2021.
Hidradenitis suppurativa, also called acne inversa, is a chronic inflammatory skin disease that affects apocrine gland-bearing skin in the axillae, groin, and under the breasts. It is characterised by persistent or recurrent boil-like nodules and abscesses that culminate in a purulent discharge, sinuses, and scarring. Hidradenitis suppurativa has a significant psychological impact, and many patients suffer from anxiety, depression, and impairment of body image.
Hidradenitis suppurativa of the axilla
Hidradenitis suppurativa often starts at puberty, is most active between the ages of 20 and 40 years, and in women can resolve at menopause. It is three times more common in females than in males. Associations and risk factors include:
Although ‘hidradenitis’ implies an inflammatory disorder of sweat glands, we now know hidradenitis suppurativa is an autoinflammatory syndrome. The exact pathogenesis is not yet understood. Factors involved in the development of hidradenitis suppurativa include:
Hidradenitis suppurativa can affect single or multiple areas in the axillae, neck, inframammary fold, and inner upper thighs. Anogenital involvement most commonly affects the groin, mons pubis, vulva, scrotum, perineum, buttocks, and perianal folds.
Hidradenitis suppurativa is characterised clinically by:
Characteristic lesions of hidradenitis suppurativa
Phenotype | Clinical features |
Regular HS |
|
Frictional furuncle |
|
Scarring folliculitis |
|
Conglobata |
|
Syndromic |
|
Clinical phenotypes of hidradenitis suppurativa
The severity and extent of hidradenitis suppurativa is measured by clinical and ultrasound assessment at the time of diagnosis and when monitoring response to treatment. There are a number of severity scales for hidradenitis suppurativa [see Hidradenitis suppurativa: severity assessment].
The Hurley system, the most widely used assessment tool, describes three clinical stages.
Hidradenitis suppurativa in skin of colour
Complications of hidradenitis suppurativa can include:
The diagnosis of hidradenitis suppurativa requires all three components of the triad to be met:
Swabs for bacteriology are typically negative, which is a clue to diagnosis. Extensive investigations are rarely required. Investigations may be indicated to exclude a differential diagnosis, for possible complications, to identify comorbidities, or for planned treatment.
Differential diagnoses for hidradenitis suppurativa can include the following conditions.
For a detailed evidence-based review of treatment for hidradenitis suppurativa, see Management of hidradenitis suppurativa: an Australasian consensus statement. The following provides important general measures and additional medical treatments.
General measures for treating hidradenitis suppurativa include:
Specific medical measures for treating hidradenitis suppurativa include:
Antibiotics
Other oral treatments
Surgical and other procedural measures
Hidradenitis suppurativa tends to improve in pregnancy in those who usually have flares during menstruation. Normal vaginal delivery is possible unless the patient has extensive painful genital lesions.
Hidradenitis suppurativa is a chronic scarring condition. Spontaneous remission may occur with time, but scarring persists.
Early diagnosis and treatment are required to minimise lasting damage.
See smartphone apps to check your skin.
[Sponsored content]
Books about skin diseases
© 2021 DermNet New Zealand Trust.
DermNet NZ does not provide an online consultation service. If you have any concerns with your skin or its treatment, see a dermatologist for advice.