Dr Lalitha Badul
Hidradenitis Suppurativa or HS is a condition caused by blockage of the sweat glands or hair follicles in the skin.
Hidradenitis Suppurativa is also known as Acne Inversa.
The area becomes inflamed and infected and forms red, pus-filled bumps. It manifests in areas of the body where sweating usually takes place such as the armpits, groin or inner thighs.
Anyone can be affected by HS but more women than men are affected by it. The condition flares up during times of stress, hormonal changes or excess heat and humidity. Other factors that trigger the condition include drug abuse, deodorants, tight clothing or friction of the skin caused by carrying excess weight.
HS is often misdiagnosed and the exact cause is unknown. There is no known cure or effective treatment for it. Laser surgery helps to reduce the possibility of recurrence of the condition and topical cleansers are used to control bacterial infection. Hidradenitis Suppurativa can persist for many years but sometimes disappears of its own accord.
