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What is Hidradenitis Suppurativa?

Hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) is an autoinflammatory skin condition where painful lumps develop under the skin.

This is a disease awareness website produced by UCB and is intended for a UK and Ireland audience.

What causes hidradenitis suppurativa?

Hidradenitis suppurativa (pronounced hai-dra-de-nai-tus suh-pur-ra-tee-va) is a long-term, chronic autoinflammatory skin condition. It is caused when the immune system mistakenly attacks the body’s tissues and organs, releasing inflammatory proteins that block and damage hair roots and sweat glands. This causes painful lumps, called abscesses, to form.

These abscesses are usually found on parts of the body where the skin rubs together, such as the groin, buttocks, armpits and under the breasts. HS is sometimes referred to as 'acne inversa'.

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The condition can be painful and difficult to live with, so it’s important to seek support when you need it from the people close to you. Speak to your doctor, who can direct you to a dermatologist or centre specialised in treating HS.

HS is a progressive autoinflammatory condition, meaning it can get worse over time. While current research doesn’t show exactly what causes the immune system to believe it’s under attack and react in a way that leads to HS, we do know that HS isn’t infectious and that it isn’t your fault.

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Who gets hidradenitis suppurativa?

HS affects up to 4 in 100 people, with women being 3 times more likely to be diagnosed with HS than men. Symptoms usually start soon after puberty and are worst between the ages of 20 and 40.

How is hidradenitis suppurativa treated?

While there is currently no cure for HS, there are several treatments that can help ease the symptoms and improve your quality of life if diagnosed early.

These include:

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Conventional treatments

These include medications that can be applied directly to the skin or taken orally, such as antiseptics, antibiotics, hormonal treatments, steroids and retinoids.

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Biologics

These are treatments that target the immune system, such as monoclonal antibodies.

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Surgery and procedures

In severe cases or when other treatments haven't worked, abscesses can be removed surgically.

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Speak with your healthcare professional to decide the best treatment for you.

Want to learn more about hidradenitis suppurativa? Click below to access more information.

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What Causes Hidradenitis Suppurativa?

Learn about the causes and triggers of hidradenitis suppurativa.

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Symptoms and Diagnosis of Hidradenitis Suppurativa

Learn about the symptoms of HS and how doctors diagnose it.

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How to Treat Hidradenitis Suppurativa

There is currently no cure for hidradenitis suppurativa but there are several treatments available to control HS and improve symptoms.

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The information provided on this website is not a substitute for professional medical care. If you have any concerns about your health or medicine, you should consult your healthcare specialist or general practitioner.

If you get any side effects, talk to your doctor, pharmacist or nurse. This includes any possible side effects not listed in the patient information leaflet. You can also report side effects directly in the UK via the Yellow Card scheme website: https://yellowcard.mhra.gov.uk or via the MHRA Yellow Card App in the Google Play or Apple App store. In Ireland please report via the HPRA at https://www.hpra.ie/homepage/about-us/report-an-issue.

You can also report adverse events to UCB at UCBCares.UK@ucb.com orUCBCares.IE@ucb.com.

IE-DA-2400295. July 2024