Learn what hidradenitis suppurativa is, how it is diagnosed, common symptoms, causes, stages, and treatment options.
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Medically reviewed by Op. Dr. Yasir Gözü · General Surgery and Proctology · Last updated: July 20, 2026
Written by: Avrupa Cerrahi Medical Editorial Team
Medical Review: General Surgery / Proctology Team | Published: May 1, 2026 | Last Updated: May 1, 2026
Important Medical Notice: This article is for educational purposes only and does not replace a medical examination. If you have rapidly growing p
Quick Answer
Hidradenitis suppurativa, also known as acne inversa, is a chronic inflammatory skin disease that usually affects areas where skin rubs together, such as the armpits, groin, buttocks, under the breasts, and around the anus. It may cause p HS is not contagious and is not caused by poor hygiene. Diagnosis is usually clinical and is based on typical lesion type, typical body areas, and recurrence. Treatment depends on severity and may include lifestyle changes, topical or oral medications, antibiotics, biologic treatments, laser-based approaches, dr
Medical Disclaimer: This content is intended for patient education. Diagnosis and treatment must be planned by a qualified physician after examination.
Table of Contents
Hidradenitis suppurativa, often shortened as HS, is a chronic inflammatory disease of the h It is also called acne inversa. The condition usually appears in areas with friction, sweating, and h
HS is not a simple pimple, ordinary boil, or hygiene problem. It can begin as a p Because the early lesions can resemble boils or ingrown h
The ICD-10-CM code for hidradenitis suppurativa is L73.2. This classification reflects HS as a recognized chronic skin condition rather than a temporary superficial infection.
Clinical Note: A recurring “boil” in the same area should not be ignored, especially if it dr Repetition is one of the key clues that separates HS from an ordinary skin infection.
If you are looking for a treatment-focused overview, see our main service page: Hidradenitis Suppurativa: Laser Treatment and New Methods.
The symptoms of hidradenitis suppurativa vary according to disease severity. Early HS may cause small p More advanced disease may include abscesses, dr
AreaTypical ComplaintWhy It Matters
Armpits
Painful lumps, movement-related pain
Friction, shaving, and sweating can worsen irritation.
Groin
Drainage, odor, pain
Tight clothing and moisture may increase flare-ups.
Buttocks / perianal area
Abscess, drainage, pain when sitting
May be confused with pilonidal disease or anal fistula.
Under breasts
Tender swelling, moisture, friction
Can be confused with irritation or fungal rash.
HS is not caused by poor hygiene and it is not contagious. Current understanding suggests that HS begins around the h The disease usually develops through a combination of genetic, immune, hormonal, metabolic, and environmental factors.
For a deeper look at causes and risk factors, see: Is Hidradenitis Suppurativa Genetic? Causes and Risk Factors.
Hidradenitis suppurativa is usually diagnosed clinically. This means that diagnosis is made by a physician based on the appearance, location, recurrence pattern, and history of the lesions. There is no single blood test that confirms HS in every patient.
In some cases, the doctor may request imaging, culture tests, or additional evaluation to distinguish HS from pilonidal disease, anal fistula, infected cysts, Crohn-related perianal disease, or other skin conditions.
HS severity is commonly described using the Hurley staging system. Staging helps physicians plan treatment and estimate the need for medications, laser-based approaches, biologic therapy, or surgery.
StageClinical PictureGeneral Treatment Direction
Hurley Stage I
Nodules or abscesses without obvious tunnels or widespread scars.
Lifestyle care, topical treatment, early medical follow-up.
Hurley Stage II
Recurrent abscesses, tunnels, and scarring in separated areas.
Oral medications, antibiotics, laser, local procedures, combined treatment.
Hurley Stage III
Widespread interconnected tunnels, chronic dr
Biologic therapy, surgery, wound care, multidisciplinary management.
HS treatment should be individualized. The best plan depends on disease stage, affected areas, p Modern guidelines describe HS management as multimodal, meaning that different treatments may be combined over time.
For antibiotic-focused information, see The Best Antibiotics for Hidradenitis Suppurativa. For lifestyle and diet, see Could Diet Affect Hidradenitis Suppurativa?.
Laser and surgical treatments are considered according to HS stage and lesion type. Laser h Surgery is usually individualized and should not be seen as a one-size-fits-all solution. Surgical literature emphasizes that HS surgery is often part of a broader treatment plan rather than a stand-alone cure.
For surgery-specific guidance, see: Surgical Treatment for Hidradenitis Suppurativa: When and How Is It Performed?.
Incorrect self-treatment may worsen HS, increase irritation, or delay proper care. This is especially important when lesions are dr
Emergency Warning: Fever, chills, rapidly spreading redness, severe p
You should see a doctor if p
Early diagnosis can reduce delays, prevent unnecessary home experiments, and help build a long-term treatment plan.
If you have recurrent p
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