Hidradenitis suppurativa (HS), sometimes known as acne inversa or Verneuil's disease, is a long-term dermatological condition characterized by the occurrence of inflamed and swollen lumps.

[13] The exact cause of hidradenitis suppurativa remains unknown,[11][14] and there has, in the recent past, been notable disagreement among experts in this regard.

Several triggering factors should be taken into consideration: Some cases have been found to result from mutations in the NCSTN, PSEN1, or PSENEN genes.

Although little is known about the mechanism, abnormal notch signaling appears to promote the development of nodules and to lead to inflammation in the skin.

Indeed, analysis of bacterial taxa in fecal samples from HS patients support the possibility of a role for intestinal microbial alterations in this chronic inflammatory skin disease.

[34] Precocious puberty is more common among children and adolescents with hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) compared to those without the condition, according to a recent case-control study.

[35] An analysis of the Explorys database revealed that pediatric patients with precocious puberty have double the risk of developing HS, even after adjusting for factors like demographic characteristics and body mass index (BMI).

However HS is often misdiagnosed or diagnosed late due to healthcare professionals not being aware of the condition or people not consulting with a physician.

Sartorius et al. suggested that the Hurley system is not sophisticated enough to assess treatment effects in clinical trials during research.

The elements of this staging system are:[43] Points are accumulated in each of the above categories, and added to give both a regional and total score.

In addition, the authors recommend adding a visual analog scale for pain or using the dermatology life quality index (DLQI, or the 'skindex') when assessing HS.

[45] Clear and sensitive communication from health care professionals, social and psychological interventions can help managing the emotional impact of the condition and aid necessary lifestyle changes.

[37][38] In May 2023, the European Commission (EC) approved Cosentyx (secukinumab) for active moderate to severe hidradenitis suppurativa in adults.

[46] Other possible treatments include the following: Cryotherapy has demonstrated efficacy against the disease, with 88% of persistent lesions resolving in a clinical trial of 23 patients.

Wounds in the affected area do not heal by secondary intention, and immediate or delayed application of a split-thickness skin graft is an option.

It concluded that the treatment was a safe and potentially effective alternative for hidradenitis suppurativa patients resistant to standard of care therapies.

[78] A surgeon from Paris, Velpeau described an unusual inflammatory process with formation of superficial axillary, submammary, and perianal abscesses, in a series of three publications from 1833 to 1839.

This name for the disease reflects the former pathogenetic model of acne inversa, which is considered inflammation of sweat glands as the primary cause of hidradenitis suppurativa.

A multidisciplinary approach by healthcare professionals, social support networks and psychological interventions can contribute to a better quality of life.

[37][38] Compared to other skin diseases, HS has one of the highest Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI) scores.