Hidradenitis Suppurativa: Causes, Treatments, and What Works
When you have hidradenitis suppurativa, a chronic inflammatory skin disease that causes painful lumps, abscesses, and tunnels under the skin, often in areas where skin rubs together. Also known as HS, it’s not caused by poor hygiene—it’s an immune-driven condition that affects about 1 in 100 people, mostly women between puberty and middle age. Many mistake it for acne or an infection, but it’s deeper, longer-lasting, and often gets worse over time if not managed right.
HS isn’t just about skin. It’s tied to how your body handles inflammation, hormones, and even your microbiome. People with HS often have other inflammatory conditions like Crohn’s disease, psoriasis, or arthritis. The lumps form in areas with sweat glands and hair follicles—armpits, groin, under the breasts—where friction and moisture make things worse. antibiotics, used to reduce infection and calm inflammation in HS flare-ups are often the first line of treatment, but they don’t fix the root cause. biologic drugs, like adalimumab, that target specific parts of the immune system have changed the game for many, cutting flare-ups in half for some patients. But they’re expensive and not covered everywhere.
Weight loss, quitting smoking, and wearing loose clothing can make a real difference. One study found that people who lost 15% of their body weight saw their HS symptoms improve by over 50%. That’s not a miracle—it’s science. And while some turn to natural remedies like turmeric or zinc, there’s little proof they work on their own. What does work? A plan. One that includes the right meds, lifestyle tweaks, and sometimes surgery to remove damaged tissue. You won’t find a cure in a bottle, but you can find control.
Below, you’ll find real stories and science-backed guides on how HS connects to other conditions, what medications help (and which ones don’t), and how to talk to your doctor about real solutions—not just temporary fixes. This isn’t about quick tips. It’s about understanding what’s happening in your body and what actually moves the needle.
