Causes
What causes HS?
The exact cause of hidradenitis suppurativa is unknown, but the immune system is believed to play a part.
HS begins in hair follicles in areas where there are many oil and sweat glands
These follicles can get clogged with bacteria and other substances
The immune system may overreact to clogged hair follicles, which can be inflamed. These inflamed follicles cause the painful hidradenitis suppurativa breakouts you see on your skin
To target the inflammation that contributes to hidradenitis suppurativa, you have to target the inflammation inside your body, not just the outside symptoms.
An HS vocabulary lesson
Knowing the right words to use can help when you're talking with your dermatologist. Here is a list of words you'll see when learning about hidradenitis suppurativa.
Abscess - Swollen area on the body that contains fluid
Chronic - Continues for a long time and progresses slowly
Fistula - An opening on the surface of the skin from a tunnel of connecting abscesses
Nodule - A lump on the skin that may look like a pimple or cyst
