What is hidradenitis suppurativa?

Hidradenitis suppurativa (say "hih-drad-uh-NY-tus sup-yur-uh-TY-vuh") is a skin condition that causes lumps on the skin. The lumps look like pimples or boils. They usually occur in areas where skin rubs against skin, such as the armpit, the buttocks, or the inner thighs. The condition can come and go for many years.

What are the symptoms?

Red lumps that may look like pimples, acne, or boils appear on the skin and are usually painful. The lumps:

• Usually occur in areas where skin rubs against skin, such as in the armpit. They can also appear under the breasts, in the groin area, on the buttocks, around the anus, and on the inner thighs.
• May go away on their own in a few weeks. But they often come back in the same area.
• Can become infected and break open, draining blood and pus that usually smells bad.

If the condition isn't treated and gets worse, hollow tunnels can form under the skin. Over time, the infection and tunnels will heal, but a thick scar may form. These scars can keep skin from stretching naturally.

How is hidradenitis suppurativa treated?

The treatment for hidradenitis suppurativa depends on how serious it is. Your doctor may discuss options, such as:

• Medicines. You may need to take pills, such as antibiotics, or rub a prescription ointment or cream on the affected skin.
• Corticosteroid injections (shots) into the affected areas.
• Hormone pills. Taking birth control pills or other medicines that affect hormones may help.
• Removing infected tissue.