What causes hidradenitis suppurativa and who gets it?
The exact cause of hidradenitis suppurativa remains unclear. What is understood is that the condition is a disorder of follicular occlusion. This begins with follicular plugging that obstructs the apocrine gland ducts and perifolliculitis around the ducts. This is followed by rupture of the follicular epithelium, bacterial infection and formation of sinus tracts between abscesses under the skin, all which lead to the characteristic symptoms and signs of hidradenitis suppurativa. The following are thought to play a role in the development of hidradenitis suppurativa. • Genetics – frequently reported cases of hidradenitis suppurativa affecting multiple members of a family • Sex hormones – apocrine sweat glands are stimulated by androgen and suppressed by oestrogen (exact role these hormones play remains controversial) • Endocrine factors – obesity, hirsutism and acne are common findings among women with hidradenitis suppurativa • Cigarette smoking – hidradenitis suppurativa appears to oc
