Hidradenitis Suppurativa
Pronunciation: hid-rad-eh-NY-tis sup-yoo-RAH-tee-vah
A chronic inflammatory skin disease characterised by recurrent painful nodules, abscesses, and sinus tracts in intertriginous areas. Abbreviated as HS in clinical documentation.
Full Definition
Hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) is a chronic, recurrent, debilitating inflammatory disorder of the hair follicle that primarily affects apocrine gland–bearing skin in areas such as the axillae, groin, perineum, and inframammary folds. It presents with painful deep-seated nodules, abscesses, sinus tracts, and scarring. The Hurley staging system (I–III) is used to grade disease severity. The condition was formerly thought to be a disease of sweat glands but is now understood to originate from follicular occlusion. Editors should note the correct spelling is 'suppurativa' (not 'supurativa') and verify Hurley stage is capitalised as a proper name.
Usage
Usage note: Commonly misspelled as 'supurativa'; editors should confirm double-p spelling. Abbreviate to HS after first use.
In Context
- "The patient was diagnosed with Hurley Stage II hidradenitis suppurativa affecting bilateral axillae." — Dermatology outpatient letter
- "Biologic therapy with adalimumab is approved for moderate-to-severe hidradenitis suppurativa." — Prescribing guideline