Since it is not well understood, some doctors under-diagnose it. Read on to find out if your skin condition could be this painful type of acne. Acne inversa - also known as Hidradenitis Suppurativa- is an inflammatory skin condition occurring after puberty. It commonly begins in areas of skin-to-skin contact, such as armpits, top of the inner thighs, the groin and underneath breasts. It can also form in areas where sweat and oil glands are found.

The causes of acne inversa have not yet been identified. It seems to form when sweat glands become clogged, either by perspiration or improper drainage, so that trapped fluids are then forced into the surrounding tissue, causing inflammation and infection.

Although being overweight does not cause HS, it can make it more sever. Stress, heavy perspiration, the onset of the menstrual period, extreme heat or can also increase symptoms.

Probably one reason hidradenitis suppurativa under-diagnosed is that it can appear similar to boils, skin infections and other conditions. It can be painful and disabling, however, is rarely fatal.

Symptoms of acne inversa include:

?Single or multiple areas of pus and inflammation, comparable to acne in appearance.

?Hard lumps under the skin that are painful to the touch and may continue for years. The lumps have the probability of inflammation.

?Painful, rounded deep-rooted inflamed lumps. These heal gradually or not at all, inflicting scarring. They can also chronically seep fluid, leading to the development of sinus tracts, or subcutaneous tunnels. This, in turn can lead to further inflammation and lumps. Bacterial infection is also possible.

There is no recognized cure for acne inversa, but symptoms can be alleviated with a variety of treatments. Several options have been found to be helpful in some cases. Here are some of the relievers for acne inversa:

?Reduce the presence of bacteria on the skin by applying topical antibiotics, acne preparations or antiseptics.

?Wear loose clothing to prevent skin irritation.

?Loose weight to reduce the number of areas where there is skin-to-skin contact.

?Oral antibiotics, such as flucloxacillin, dicloxacillin, clindamycin or rifampicin, which may be prescribed to reduce bacterial infection.

?Tetracycline or metronidazole, which may be prescribed to reduce inflammation.

?From time to time surgery is obligatory to drain infected areas or remove scarred tissue. Surgery is held in reserve for only severe cases.