What causeshidradenitis suppurativa?

The exact cause of hidradenitis suppurativa is unclear, but the lumps develop as a result of blocked hair follicles. Smoking and obesity are both strongly associated withhidradenitis suppurativa, and if you're obese and/or smoke it's likely to make your symptoms worse. Hidradenitis suppurativa usually starts around puberty , but it can occur at any age. It's less common before puberty and after the menopause , which may suggest that the sex hormones play a part. Many people withthe conditionalso have acne and hirsutism (excessive hair growth). In rare cases, hidradenitis suppurativa may be linked to Crohn's disease , particularly if it develops around the groin area and the skin near the anus. Crohn's disease is a long-term condition that causes the lining of the digestive system to become inflamed. Hidradenitis suppurativaruns in families in about a third of all cases. It's not infectious and isn't linked to poor hygiene.
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