Hidradenitis Suppurativa Also called: Acne inversa, Suppurative hidradenitis Summary Hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) is a chronic skin disease. It can occur in one or multiple areas of your body. HS usually develops in your armpits, groin, and anal area. It causes long-term skin inflammation and can be painful. Symptoms include Blackheads and red, tender bumps, called abscesses. The abscesses get bigger, break open, and leak pus Tunnels that form under the skin between abscesses Scarring No one knows what causes HS. It is more common in women, African Americans, and people who have had acne. It usually starts after the teenage years. Treatments include antibiotics, anti-inflammatory medicines, and sometimes surgery. Losing weight or wearing looser clothing may help some patients avoid skin irritation. National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases Find an Expert American Academy of Dermatology American Academy of Dermatology Find a Dermatologist American Academy of Dermatology National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases Clinical Trials ClinicalTrials.gov: Hidradenitis Suppurativa National Institutes of Health Genetics Genetics Home Reference: hidradenitis suppurativa National Library of Medicine Start Here Hidradenitis Suppurativa National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences Hidradenitis Suppurativa American Academy of Family Physicians Hidradenitis Suppurativa American Academy of Dermatology Hidradenitis Suppurativa American Osteopathic College of Dermatology Images Hidradenitis Suppurativa Logical Images Teenagers Hidradenitis Suppurativa Logical Images Journal Articles Hidradenitis Suppurativa