Hidradenitis Suppurativa
Pronunciation: hid-rad-en-EYE-tis soo-pyoo-rah-TEE-vah
A chronic, recurrent inflammatory skin disease affecting apocrine gland-bearing areas, characterised by painful nodules, abscesses, sinus tracts, and scarring.
Full Definition
Hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) is a debilitating follicular occlusion disorder primarily affecting the axillae, groin, and inframammary regions. It is classified by the Hurley staging system (I–III) based on lesion extent and scarring. Editors must note the correct spelling — 'hidradenitis' not 'hydroadenitis' — and the two-word construction with 'suppurativa' (double 'p', ending '-iva'). The abbreviation HS is standard after first full use. Hurley stage should be rendered as a Roman numeral (Hurley stage I/II/III). HS documentation frequently involves scoring systems such as the International Hidradenitis Suppurativa Severity Score System (IHS4).
Usage
Usage note: Spell 'hidradenitis' (not 'hydroadenitis'). 'Suppurativa' takes a double 'p'. Hurley stage expressed as Roman numerals. Abbreviate as HS after first full use.
In Context
- "The patient's hidradenitis suppurativa was classified as Hurley stage II, with multiple interconnected sinus tracts." — Dermatology outpatient letter
- "The draft repeatedly spelled 'hidroadenitis suppurativa'; the editor corrected the prefix to 'hidradenitis' throughout." — Journal manuscript copyedit