# What Is Hidradenitis Suppurativa? Canonical URL: https://www.acneinversa.life/en/blog/what-is-hidradenitis-suppurativa/ Markdown URL: https://www.acneinversa.life/en/blog/what-is-hidradenitis-suppurativa.md Plain text URL: https://www.acneinversa.life/en/blog/what-is-hidradenitis-suppurativa.txt Language: en Category: Basics Published: 2026-05-21 Last updated: 2026-05-22 Last editorially reviewed: 2026-05-22 Next scheduled review: 2027-05-22 Author: Dr. rer. nat. Dennis Alexander Kwiatkowski (Biochemist, Scientific Writer and Pharma Expert) Scientific editor: Dr. rer. nat. Dennis Alexander Kwiatkowski Reviewer qualifications: Biochemist, Scientific Writer and Pharma Expert Review scope: Scientific literature, clinical guidelines, sources, and editorial clarity Clinical reviewer: No independent clinical review Tags: Acne Inversa, Hidradenitis Suppurativa, HS, Basics, hidradenitis suppurativa, acne inversa, hs, basics > Hidradenitis suppurativa is the medical name for Acne Inversa. This introduction explains what HS means, how it can present, and why the term is more than just a synonym. Medical disclaimer: This website is for general educational information only and does not replace medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Please speak with qualified medical professionals about symptoms or treatment decisions. ## Article ## In Short **Hidradenitis suppurativa** is the term commonly used in the medical literature for the condition often called **Acne Inversa** in German-speaking countries. The abbreviation **HS** refers to the same condition. HS is a chronic inflammatory skin condition. It can cause painful nodules, abscesses, weeping areas, tunnels, and scarring. Typical regions include the armpits, groin, genital and perineal area, buttocks, or skin folds under the breasts. ## The Key Points at a Glance - HS is not contagious and is not caused by poor hygiene. - The condition is not defined by a single symptom, but by a pattern. - This pattern combines typical lesions, typical body sites, and recurrence. - Other causes can look similar. A medical examination remains important. ## Why Are There Several Names? The names emphasize different aspects. "Acne Inversa" is historically widespread, but it can be misleading because HS is not simply ordinary acne occurring at a different body site. "Hidradenitis suppurativa" is internationally established, but may initially sound unfamiliar to many patients. For conversations with your care team, it's important to know: when findings, studies, or patient materials mention **HS**, **Hidradenitis suppurativa**, or **Acne Inversa**, they are generally referring to the same condition. ## How Can HS Present? HS does not always begin with the full picture of tunnels and scars. Early symptoms may resemble single deep nodules, "boils," or recurring ingrown hairs. Over time, a pattern may become noticeable: - Nodules recur at the same or several typical sites. - The lesions are deep, tender, or very painful. - Areas may open up and discharge fluid. - After inflammation, scars, hardened cords, or tunnels remain. This pattern is more important than a single photo or a single acute day. It also explains why a lesion that has healed by the time of an appointment does not mean the history is unimportant. ## Which Features Belong in the Medical Assessment The German guideline describes diagnosis mainly as a clinical assessment. Examination and medical history bring together three questions: | Question | What it means | | --- | --- | | Which lesions are present? | for example, inflammatory nodules, abscesses, tunnels, or scars | | Where do they occur? | for example, axillary, inguinal, genital, perineal, or submammary | | How does it progress? | recurrence, persistence, and changes between flares | This assessment protects in both directions. It helps ensure HS is not overlooked in a recurring, typical course. But it also prevents every painful spot in a skin fold from automatically being labeled HS. ## What HS Is Not HS is **not contagious**. It is also **not a sign of poor hygiene**. Knowing both is medically and personally important, because false blame can make the path to care unnecessarily difficult. HS is also not the same as Acne vulgaris. The similar name should not obscure the fact that these conditions are described and assessed differently. If a lesion is new, appears in an unusual location, or worsens acutely, treating clinicians need to consider other causes as well. ## Why the Term Matters for Diagnosis Knowing the name allows for a more precise description of what is happening: recurring nodules, typical body regions, pain, discharge, scarring, and the impact on daily life. These clinical patterns are exactly what help with assessment. A brief record of the course can be more helpful than searching for the perfect medical wording. Note the body site, recurrence, pain, discharge, scarring, and limitations in sitting, walking, arm movement, sleep, or clothing. ## When to Seek Medical Help If painful nodules or abscesses repeatedly occur in the armpits, groin, breast fold, genital area, or buttocks, a dermatology consultation is worthwhile. Early assessment can help prevent many individual acute episodes from being treated without recognizing their common connection. If fever, rapid worsening, sharply increasing redness, or very severe pain occurs, medical evaluation should happen promptly. ## FAQ ### What does the abbreviation HS mean? HS stands for Hidradenitis suppurativa. In German-language texts, the term Acne Inversa is also often used for the same condition. ### Is Hidradenitis suppurativa contagious? No. HS is a chronic inflammatory skin condition and is not transmitted through person-to-person contact. ### How is Hidradenitis suppurativa recognized? The assessment is mainly clinical. Doctors consider the type of lesions, typical body sites, and the recurring or chronic course together. ## References 1. S2k Guideline on the Treatment of Hidradenitis Suppurativa / Acne Inversa - AWMF, 2024 - https://register.awmf.org/assets/guidelines/013-012l_S2k_Therapie-Hidradenitis-suppurativa-Acne-inversa_2024-08.pdf 2. North American clinical management guidelines for hidradenitis suppurativa, Part I - Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology, 2019 - https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30872156/ 3. Hidradenitis suppurativa - Nature Reviews Disease Primers, 2020 - https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32165620/