Hidradenitis Suppurativa Pictures - 34 Photos & Images

Hidradenitis suppurativa is a chronic, scarring disease that affects the apocrine, or sweat glands. It is a common skin condition but is frequently misdiagnosed. Hidradenitis suppurativa does not occur before puberty. Most people are between 20 to 40 years old when they develop hidradenitis suppurativa. It can be a disabling and distressing skin condition.

The exact cause of hidradenitis suppurativa is disputed. Because it looks similar to acne, some investigators believe that it is caused by the formation of keratin plugs in the follicles. Because hidradenitis suppurativa occurs in areas that contain apocrine, or sweat, glands, other investigators believe that it is caused by a blockage of the apocrine gland. In either case, the plugged gland or follicle becomes larger, ruptures, and becomes infected. Obesity and cigarette smoking may be triggering factors.

Hidradenitis suppurativa occurs in areas of the body that contain sweat glands including the armpits, groin, buttocks, scalp, and under the female breast. When the condition is mild it may only present as a cluster of 2 or 3 blackheads that communicate under the skin. Once the disease begins, it gets progressively worse. The extensive, deep inflammation leads to painful abscesses. These heal incompletely and cause cord-like scars on the skin. The infection can progress under the skin in tracts linking the abscesses. These boils can be very painful and restrict movement of the affected area.

Hidradenitis suppurativa is diagnosed clinically based on its appearance. There are no lab tests or biopsies that establish the diagnosis. In the early stages, it can be misdiagnosed as an isolated boils. Many people are embarrassed by the multiple infections thinking they are ingrown hairs in sensitive areas. They do not go to the health care provider until the boils have become numerous or intolerable.