Hidradenitis suppurativa is a painful, long term skin condition that causes abscesses and scarring on the skin. It occurs near the hair follicles where there are sweat glands, usually around the groin, bottom, breasts, and armpits.

The symptoms range can from mild to severe. It causes a mixture of boil-like bumps, blackheads, cysts, scarring and channels in the skin that leak pus. The condition tends to start with a firm pea-sized lump that develops in one place. It will either disappear or rupture and ooze pus - for hours or even days.

It is now known exactly that causes hidradenitis suppurative, but the lumps develop as a result of blocked hair follicles. The condition usually starts around puberty but can occur at any age. Hidradenitis suppurative is a lifelong, recurring condition that requires constant management and is often difficult to manage. It is important to recognise and diagnose the condition early on to prevent it from getting worse. Treatment will be tailored to the individual. It may be controlled with medication and in some severe cases surgery may be required. Antibiotics may also be required if the lumps become infected.