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Causes
By Mayo Clinic staff
Hidradenitis suppurativa occurs deep in the skin around oil (sebaceous) glands, apocrine sweat glands and hair follicles. The apocrine sweat glands release fluid, dead skin cells and other substances into the hair follicle. This mixes with the oil from the sebaceous gland. Hidradenitis suppurativa develops when the oil glands and hair follicle openings become blocked with these substances. When oils and other skin products become trapped, they push into surrounding tissue. Bacteria can then trigger infection and inflammation.
It's not known why this blockage occurs, but a number of factors — including hormones, genetics, cigarette smoking and excess weight — may all play a role.
Sometimes hidradenitis suppurativa occurs with other diseases, such as Crohn's disease, herpes simplex or Grave's disease.
