What is Hidradenitis Suppurativa (Acne Inversa)?
Hidradenitis Suppurativa (HS), sometimes called acne inversa, is a chronic inflammatory skin condition that causes painful lumps to form under the skin. These often start as small, tender nodules which can be mistaken for pimples or ingrown hairs, but over time may develop into abscesses, deep tunnels, and scarring.
The condition begins when hair follicles become blocked and rupture, leading to inflammation and bacterial overgrowth beneath the skin. HS commonly affects areas where skin rubs together, like the underarms, groin, inner thighs, and under the breasts.
Because early symptoms can mimic acne or boils, HS is often misunderstood or misdiagnosed — even in emergency settings. That’s why a correct diagnosis and long-term management plan are so important.
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What are the symptoms of Hidradenitis Suppurativa?
HS nodules can turn into abscesses that may burst and leak pus. Over time, tunnels or sinus tracts can form beneath the skin, leading to scarring and ongoing discomfort. The affected skin is often red, swollen, and tender.
Early recognition and understanding of these symptoms are important steps toward effective management and improved quality of life.
Nodules and Cysts
Firm, painful lumps or cyst-like swellings develop beneath the skin. These can be inflamed and persist for extended periods, causing discomfort and sometimes rupture. When cysts rupture, they may lead to further irritation and inflammation.
Recurrent Flare Ups
HS is characterised by repeated episodes of worsening symptoms, with new nodules and inflammation appearing in affected areas over time. These flare-ups can be unpredictable and vary in intensity, often triggered by factors like friction, heat, or stress.
Inflammation and Redness
Affected skin becomes swollen, red, and tender, indicating active inflammation and irritation beneath the surface. This inflammation can cause warmth and sensitivity, making everyday movements uncomfortable.
Sinus Tracts and Tunnels
Chronic lesions can form interconnected tunnels under the skin, known as sinus tracts, which often cause persistent infection and are challenging to treat. These tracts may rupture or drain fluid, contributing to ongoing discomfort and skin damage.
Scarring and Skin Thickening
Frequent inflammation and healing cycles lead to permanent scarring, skin thickening, and altered texture, which may limit mobility depending on the area involved. Over time, this can affect the appearance and function of the affected skin.
Discharge and Odour
Some lesions may rupture and release pus or fluid, often accompanied by an unpleasant odour, increasing the risk of secondary infection. This discharge can be distressing and may require medical management to prevent complications.
Why Proper HS Treatment Matters
Proper treatment of Hidradenitis Suppurativa is essential to manage pain, reduce inflammation, and prevent the progression of the disease. Without effective care, HS can lead to chronic abscesses, widespread scarring, and the formation of painful tunnels under the skin, significantly impacting a person’s quality of life. Early and appropriate treatment helps control symptoms, minimize flare-ups, and reduce the risk of complications such as infections. Additionally, managing HS properly can improve physical comfort, emotional well-being, and overall confidence, making it crucial to seek timely medical support and tailored care plans.
Proven HS Treatments That Work
Electroporation
Needle-free technology that delivers acne-fighting actives deep into the skin for fast, visible results — without the sting.
Healite LED Light Therapy
Calms inflammation, kills acne-causing bacteria, and speeds up healing with advanced LED wavelengths.
Chemical Peels
Unclog pores, lift dead skin, and reduce breakouts while boosting overall skin clarity and smoothness.
Microneedling
Stimulates collagen to fade acne scars, refine texture, and calm redness for stronger, clearer skin.
From Struggle to Skin Confidence
I started a skin membership with Lafont as I wanted to treat my acne scarring and texture issues and I’m genuinely blown away by the results! Virginie and her team have such a wealth of knowledge and are so passionate about their clients and their skin journey. Appreciate you all!
Not Sure? Let’s Break It Down.
What causes Hidradenitis Suppurativa?
HS is a chronic inflammatory skin condition caused primarily by follicular occlusion, blockage of hair follicles, which leads to rupture and subsequent immune system activation. This triggers a cycle of inflammation, abscess formation, and tissue destruction. Genetic predisposition, mechanical stress on the skin, and dysregulated immune responses also contribute to disease development.
Is Hidradenitis Suppurativa infectious or contagious?
No, HS is not an infectious disease and cannot be transmitted between individuals. The bacterial involvement seen in HS lesions is secondary to follicular rupture, not a primary infection.
What are the typical anatomical sites affected by HS?
HS lesions commonly appear in intertriginous regions where skin surfaces rub together, including the axillae (armpits), inguinal folds (groin), perianal and perineal areas, inframammary regions (under breasts), and occasionally the neck or scalp.
Can Hidradenitis Suppurativa be completely cured?
Hidradenitis Suppurativa is a chronic inflammatory condition characterised by recurrent episodes of painful nodules and abscesses. While there is currently no definitive cure, effective management focuses on controlling inflammation, preventing lesion progression, and reducing the frequency of flare-ups to improve the patient’s quality of life.
What are the main treatment options for HS?
Treatment depends on disease severity and includes topical and systemic antibiotics to reduce inflammation and bacterial colonization; hormonal therapies such as anti-androgens in select patients; immunomodulatory biologic agents like TNF-alpha inhibitors for moderate to severe cases; and surgical procedures to remove persistent lesions or sinus tracts. Additionally, certain skin treatments like carefully planned chemical peels and microneedling can support management by improving skin texture and reducing scarring, but these must be tailored precisely to the stage and severity of HS to avoid exacerbating inflammation.
How can patients reduce the risk of HS flare-ups?
Lifestyle modifications are important—smoking cessation is strongly recommended due to its association with HS severity; weight management to reduce skin friction; wearing loose, breathable clothing; and maintaining good hygiene. Early treatment of flares can also limit disease progression as well as maintenance treatments in clinic with proper skincare.
Will I need to change my skincare products?
Maybe- but only if they’re holding you back. We won’t rip everything off your shelf, and we won’t make you feel bad for using supermarket skincare. But if something’s causing issues or blocking progress, we’ll explain why and suggest upgrades. You’ll never feel pressured, and we always work within your budget where we can. Our goal is for you to understand your skin- not feel overwhelmed by it.
Don't wait until it gets worse
Call us on 07 570 0942 during clinic hours, or email us anytime- we’ll help you book the treatment that’s right for your skin.
