Chapter 72 Acne Inversa (Hidradenitis Suppurativa)
INTRODUCTION
Description: Acne inversa (formerly hidradenitis suppurativa) is a chronic, unrelenting, refractory infection of the skin and subcutaneous tissue initiated by obstruction and subsequent inflammation of follicles and apocrine glands, with resultant sinus and abscess formation. This process may involve the axilla, vulva, and perineum.
Prevalence: Uncommon. Four to five times more common in females; reported to occur in as many as 4% of women in some studies.
ETIOLOGY AND PATHOGENESIS
Causes: Recurrent infections that arise in subcutaneous nodules. Proposed—hypersensitivity to androgens.
