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Definition
By Mayo Clinic staff
Hidradenitis suppurativa (hi-drad-uh-NI-tis sup-u-ra-TI-va) is a chronic skin inflammation marked by the presence of blackheads and one or more red, tender bumps (lesions). The lesions often enlarge, break open and drain pus. Scarring may result after several recurrences.
Considered a severe form of acne (acne inversa), hidradenitis suppurativa occurs deep in the skin around oil (sebaceous) glands and hair follicles. The parts of the body affected — the groin and armpits, for example — are also the main locations of apocrine sweat glands.
Hidradenitis suppurativa tends to start after puberty, persist for years and worsen over time. Early diagnosis and treatment of hidradenitis suppurativa can help manage the symptoms and prevent new lesions from developing.
- Hidradenitis suppurativa. American Osteopathic College of Dermatology. http://www.aocd.org/skin/dermatologic_diseases/hidradenitis_suppu.html. Accessed June 22, 2010.
- Alikhan A, et al. Hidradenitis suppurativa: A comprehensive review. Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology. 2009;60:539.
- Smith HS, et al. Painful hidradenitis suppurativa. Clinical Journal of Pain. 2010;26:435.
- Beshara MA. Hidradenitis suppurativa: A clinician's tool for early diagnosis and treatment. Advances in Skin and Wound Care. 2010;23:328.
- The morbidity of hidradenitis suppurativa. The Hidradenitis Suppurativa Foundation. http://www.hs-foundation.org/abouths/morbidity.htm. Accessed June 22, 2010.
- Stewart EG, et al. Treatment of hidradenitis suppurativa. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed June 28, 2010.
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