Hidradenitis suppurativa (HS)

Hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) is a skin problem where people continually get boils (also called abscesses) on their body. These abscesses are very painful and often drain pus. The most common areas that are affected are the armpits, groin, or under the breasts but it can appear anywhere on the body. 

HS tends to start in teenage years or later in life.  Once it starts it generally keeps going; new abscesses appear as old ones get better.  Sometimes people will get lucky and stop getting them for a while, but they almost always come back at some point.  Over time the abscesses can even leave scars.

Nobody knows what causes it or why some people get it and other people don't.  However, it is thought to be related in some way to an issue with the sweat glands in the areas where the abscesses develop.  

It can be treated with antibiotics, which can help in most people, but relief is typically temporary and will almost never fix it 100%. There is another FDA approved treatment called Humira, which works better than antibiotics in most people, but is extremely expensive and weakens the immune system.   

New treatments are desperately needed for HS and research is currently underway. Treatments being studied have shown very promising results and we are excited to contribute towards that progress.