Hidradenitis Suppurativa, also known as acne inversa, is a skin condition that causes small painful bumps or boils to form near the hair roots under the skin in areas like the armpits, groin, breasts, or buttocks. It’s a fairly common condition, with around 200,000 cases diagnosed each year and can lead to infection and other complications. 

For patients that suffer from Hidradenitis Suppurativa, the condition can have a devastating impact on self-confidence and quality of life. Many people feel ashamed or embarrassed by their HS, largely because there are a lot of myths and misconceptions surrounding the causes of this condition and whether or not HS is contagious. Today we want to set the record straight by raising awareness about HS and sharing some important facts surrounding the causes, symptoms, and treatment of it.

Here are a few things everyone should know about Hidradenitis Suppurativa.

Hidradenitis Suppurativa is a skin condition, not an infectious disease. 

Many people don’t realize that Hidradenitis Suppurativa is a skin condition and not the result of a bacterial or viral infection. Many people hear the word “boils” and start thinking along the lines of the plague, but that couldn’t be further from the truth. Although severe cases of HS can appear unsightly, with intense bruising or discoloration, pus, and boils; the condition is merely a type of dermatological condition the same as acne, psoriasis, and countless other skin conditions. 

HS is not caused by lack of hygiene.

One of the most damaging stigmas surrounding Hidradenitis Suppurativa is the misguided belief that the condition is the result of poor hygiene. Although experts aren’t 100% sure what causes Hidradenitis Suppurativa, they do know that whether or not you develop HS has absolutely nothing to do with how clean or unclean you are and whether or not you wear deodorant, etc. 

You cannot catch Hidradenitis Suppurativa from another person.

Please read that again: you cannot catch Hidradenitis Suppurativa from another person. So often people who suffer from HS are wrongly ostracized by others who are afraid of contracting the condition if they get too close to an individual with HS.This social avoidance can have horribly damaging and lasting impacts on the self-esteem of those affiliated with HS. Hidradenitis Suppurativa is a skin condition and is completely non-contagious- you’re not going to get acne from hanging out with someone who has acne, and the same can be said for HS! 

Finding treatment for Hidradenitis Suppurativa is tough. 

Currently there are no permanent cures for Hidradenitis Suppurativa. Treatment methods often focus on symptom management, and can vary in effectiveness from patient to patient. However, that doesn’t mean that there is no hope! Researchers are working every day to develop a cure for HS, and they’re making great strides when it comes to treatments. Olympian Clinical Research is currently enrolling patients in a clinical trial called the Aurora Study, which was developed to evaluate the effectiveness of a promising new medication for HS patients. There’s no insurance required to participate, and all our participants receive medication and study-related care at no cost. 

Learn More 

Living with Hidradenitis Suppurativa can be difficult for many patients, but it shouldn’t have to be. HS is a natural skin condition that, although painful and in some cases embarrassing, can be managed – it’s all about finding a treatment that works for your specific case. If you live in or around the Tampa Bay area and are suffering from moderate to severe Hidradenitis Suppurativa, please consider enrolling in our clinical trial. It’s a great way to test out a new medication in a safe environment while being monitored by some of the best dermatologists in that state of Florida! You can learn more about our HS study and the enrollment requirements here.