Hidradenitis Suppurativa (HS)

In this section, you or a loved one can find out more about hidradenitis suppurativa (HS). Read on to find answers to some of your questions, as well as links to other information. Being informed is an important first step towards becoming an active decision-maker in your care plan.

“Hidradenitis” is a Greek word that means “inflammation of the sweat glands”, and “suppurativa” means “pus-forming”, which can be a more severe symptom of the condition.

HS is a chronic, long-term skin disease. It causes swollen, red lumps under the skin (which can be large sometimes) that are often very painful, sore or tender. These lumps sometimes leak pus, which can create an unpleasant-smelling odour. In HS, these lumps tend to grow around the armpit and groin/genital areas, but it’s also common for them to grow under the breasts, on the buttocks and/or on the inner thighs.

The soreness, inflammation and pus from HS may resemble “bad” pimples. But HS is not acne; it is an entirely different condition.

For more information, please visit Hidradenitis Suppurativa Foundation (http://www.hs-foundation.org/) Please note that the Hidradenitis Suppurativa Foundation is based in the USA. Some information may not be relevant to Australia. (Date last accessed 26 Oct 2016)

Please note that the information on this website is intended for informational purposes only and should not be used as a substitute for seeking medical advice or treatment from a healthcare professional. Speak to a healthcare professional if you have any questions about your health, medical condition, symptoms or treatment options.

The American Academy of Dermatology

https://www.aad.org/ (Date last accessed 22 Jul 2019)

The Hidradenitis Suppurativa Foundation

http://www.hs-foundation.org/ (Date last accessed 22 Jul 2019)

The HS Institute

https://www.hs-institute.com/ (Date last accessed 22 Jul 2019)

HS Trust

http://hstrust.org/ (Date last accessed 22 Jul 2019)