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Hidradenitis Suppurativa

What Is Hidradenitis Suppurativa (HS)?

Learn what causes HS symptoms and who is most likely to get this painful, chronic skin condition.

Marisa Taylor KarasBrian Clista, MD
Written by Marisa Taylor Karas | Reviewed by Brian Clista, MD
Updated on July 8, 2026
Featuring Erum Ilyas, MDReviewed by Brian Clista, MD | July 8, 2026

Hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) is a chronic, inflammatory skin condition that takes place in the hair follicles. The inflamed, blocked follicle fills with fluid and forms tender, painful nodules and sores. 

In this video, learn the symptoms and causes of HS, according to Erum Ilyas, MD, Dermatologist at Montgomery Dermatology in Pennsylvania. 

References

Ballard, K., et al. (2023). Hidradenitis suppurativa. StatPearls.

Ludmann, P. (2022). Hidradenitis suppurativa: Causes. American Academy of Dermatology Association. 

GoodRx Health has strict sourcing policies and relies on primary sources such as medical organizations, governmental agencies, academic institutions, and peer-reviewed scientific journals. Learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate, thorough, and unbiased by reading our editorial guidelines.

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Marisa Taylor Karas
Written by:
Marisa Taylor Karas
Marisa Taylor Karas is a freelance journalist based in Brooklyn who has covered health, gender, and technology for 15 years. She previously worked at The Wall Street Journal, The Guardian, and Al Jazeera America, among other publications, and also served as managing editor of the Mellon Foundation in New York City.
Brian Clista, MD
Reviewed by:
Brian Clista, MD
Dr. Clista is a board-certified pediatrician who works in private practice in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. He previously served as a National Health Service Corporation Scholar in the inner city of Pittsburgh for 11 years.
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