HS is a systemic, inflammatory skin condition affecting hair follicles and sweat glands. While the exact cause is unknown, it is thought that an overactive immune system produces too much inflammation throughout the body—not just the skin. HS usually affects areas where the skin rubs together, often starting around a hair follicle, causing it to become blocked.
In HS, it is thought that an overactive immune system
attacks blocked hair follicles.
Inflammation can cause hair follicles to become blocked and enlarged.
Blocked and enlarged hair follicles can rupture, causing painful bumps, boils, and sores (abscesses).
These sores may leak blood and pus and can connect, forming tunnels that may lead to scarring.
It is also thought that the overactive immune system will attack other blocked hair follicles, starting the cycle all over again. This vicious cycle can lead to painful bumps (or inflammatory nodules), abscesses, and eventually may cause scarring.
"Living with HS can be physically painful. It can be emotionally painful. It's not fun."
Emy is living with HS and was compensated for her time.
HS is not your fault. It can happen to almost anyone.
HS is not caused by poor hygiene. HS is not a rash, and it's not contagious.
While HS is not curable, the condition can be managed with proper treatment.
You're not alone.
1 in 100
in
the United States may
be affected by HS.
Up to
40%
have
a family member with the condition.
Women are
3x
more likely to
develop HS.
HS may run in the family. The condition is mostly seen in women, and disproportionately affects people of color. Other factors thought to contribute to HS include one's weight and smoking.
HS almost exclusively occurs after puberty, usually beginning in a person's 20s, but in rare cases can start as early as puberty or as late as their 50s.
Hormonal changes may also contribute to the development of HS symptoms, and can make symptoms worse. In fact, HS is more common in women with polycystic ovary syndrome, a condition that causes hormonal imbalances. Some women may also experience HS flares around the time of their menstrual period.
HS CAN TAKE A TOLL ON
YOUR QUALITY OF LIFE
Living with HS can be challenging—emotionally, socially, and financially.
SEE HOW HS AFFECTS YOU