British Association of Dermatologists
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Introduction
Glossary
What is hidradenitis suppurativa (HS)?
What areas of the body are affected?
What does HS look like?
Who tends to have HS?
What causes HS?
Is HS hereditary?
Is HS catching?
Is HS serious?
Does anything make HS worse?
Will HS go away?
How will HS be diagnosed?
How can HS be treated?
Are there any complications with HS?
How can I help myself?
What sort of dressings should I use?
Will daily life be affected by HS?
Will having HS affect pregnancy or giving birth?
I am about to see a healthcare professional; what do I ask them
Other frequently asked questions
What do I do next?
Where can I get more information?
References
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>> What areas of the body are affected by hidradenitis suppurativa?

The areas of the body that are most severely affected by HS are those that contain a high number of apocrine glands (see ‘What causes HS?’). These are:

  • armpits (axillae)
  • groin
  • genitals
  • pubic area
  • anal area (perianal region)
  • buttocks
  • underneath the breasts
  • upper thighs.

If none of the above areas has been affected, it is unlikely that you have HS. However, it is possible for HS to occur in other areas of the body. It is unlikely that you will be affected in all these areas at the same time. Some areas may be quite inflamed while other areas are quiet.
Women seem to be more commonly affected in the groin region than men.1

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