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Hidradenitis suppurativa
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Hidradenitis suppurativa is a chronic inflammatory skin disease, meaning it lasts a long time. It starts in the hair follicle, the tiny sac each hair grows from, and leaves behind deep nodules; abscesses, which are pockets of pus; tunnels under the skin that drain; and, over time, fibrous scars made of tough scar tissue.
It all starts with a plug. A defective follicle becomes occluded, or blocked, and eventually ruptures. Because it bursts inward into the skin rather than outward, it spills keratin, a skin protein, and bacteria into the dermis, the layer beneath the surface. It is like a clogged pipe that bursts inside the wall. Then the body's defenses arrive, neutrophils and lymphocytes, which form the abscesses and end up destroying the follicle.
It shows up mainly where the skin folds over on itself: the armpits, the groin, around the anus, the perineum and under the breasts.
In brief
Hidradenitis suppurativa is a chronic inflammatory skin disease resulting from follicular occlusion, with deep nodules, abscesses, draining tunnels and fibrous scars.
A defective hair follicle becomes plugged and ruptures, releasing keratin and bacteria into the dermis; neutrophils and lymphocytes form abscesses and destroy the follicle.
A plugged follicle that bursts inward into the skin instead of outward.
It appears mainly in skin folds: the armpits, groin, and perianal, perineal and inframammary areas.
Sources (1)
- National Center for Biotechnology Information, StatPearls PublishingHidradenitis Suppurativa, StatPearlsPublished
This page explains the topic in general terms; it does not tell anyone what treatment to follow.
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