Hidradenitis suppurativa is characterized by inflamed lesions and scars that are restricted to typical topography (axillae, inframammary folds and groin), with a chronic course with flares. The average age of onset is after puberty and it is estimated to affect 1–2% of the European population. The aetiology is not known, but hereditary factors, obesity, smoking, host defence mechanisms, sex hormones and bacterial colonization are each suspected to play a role. Histology shows it to be a disease of the hair follicle. Flares are characterized by pain and suppuration, and the disease has a strong negative impact on patients' quality of life. Basic treatment should include supportive measures (weight loss, bandages and analgesics) for all patients. It is recommended that patients are treated with a combination of medical and surgical therapies. Medical therapies include antibiotics and anti‐inflammatory drugs. Surgical therapies include non‐ablative and ablative lasers as well as excisions.

Keywords acne inversa, Verneuil disease, axilla, inframammary, groin, nodule, abscess, sinus tract, obesity, tobacco