what is hs disease

Hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) is a chronic skin disease that causes painful, boil-like lumps to form under the skin, usually in areas where the skin rubs together, such as the armpits, groin, buttocks, and breasts. It can also cause scarring, abscesses, and chronic pain that may make it hard to move. HS is not contagious and is not the result of poor hygiene. The exact cause of HS is unknown, but it appears to have both hereditary and environmental influences, with the strongest associated external influences being obesity and smoking. There is no cure for HS, but treatments focus on the symptoms and may include medications, procedures, or surgery to remove the lumps and scars or make the sores go away.