Person reading health information on a laptop and taking notes.

For patients and caregivers

Clear answers for life with Acne Inversa

We help you make sense of symptoms, prepare for treatment conversations, and find reliable information without false promises.

If you've arrived here looking for clarity, you're not alone. Acne Inversa — also called Hidradenitis Suppurativa (HS) — is a chronic inflammatory condition that is often misunderstood and hard to navigate. This site exists to make that a little clearer.

Where would you like to start?

I'm wondering if it could be HS

Start with an overview of what Acne Inversa is, how it presents, and how it differs from similar conditions.

 I was recently diagnosed

Understand what's happening in your body and what to expect in the early phase after a diagnosis.

 I want to understand treatment options

Get editorial context on what treatments exist — from topicals and antibiotics to biologics and surgery.

 I've been living with HS for a while

Find honest, practical perspectives on routines, work, relationships, and long-term coping.

 I want to keep track of my symptoms

Record what you notice over time and create a clearer summary for your next healthcare appointment.

Start tracking

5 things worth knowing first

  1. HS is a chronic inflammatory skin condition — not an infection, and not caused by poor hygiene.
  2. The average time to a correct diagnosis is more than 7 years. If it took you a long time to get here, that reflects the system — not you.
  3. Effective management usually combines medical treatment with lifestyle adjustments. There is no single solution.
  4. Flares are unpredictable. That is a feature of the condition, not a sign that something is being done wrong.
  5. Research on HS has grown significantly in the past decade. More treatment options exist today than ever before.

Common questions people ask first

Patient stories

Learn from people who have been where you are

Every person's HS journey is different, but reading about others' experiences may help you feel less alone and prepare questions for your healthcare team.

Browse patient stories Share your story

Find experiences similar to yours:

Specialist directory

Go directly to the reviewed specialist table or to the form for physicians and HCPs who want to submit their information for editorial review.

Find HS specialists

View curated care contacts with contact details, address, HS services, sources, and review status.

Open specialist table

For physicians: submit HS specialist

Submit practice, clinic, or HCP details. Publication only happens after review.

Open HCP form

Guides

Main Acne Inversa guides

Our main guides point straight to the questions patients usually need first: what Acne Inversa is, what symptoms can look like, how diagnosis works, and which treatment paths may be discussed with clinicians.

What Is Acne Inversa?

An introductory overview of terminology, course, and context.

Read the guide: What Is Acne Inversa?

Symptoms of Acne Inversa

Common symptoms and why clinical assessment matters.

Read the guide: Symptoms of Acne Inversa

Diagnosis Guide

Orientation for the path to diagnosis and clinical conversations.

Read the guide: Diagnosis Guide

Treatment Options for Acne Inversa

Patient-centered context on treatment goals, care layers, biologics, surgery, and questions for dermatology visits.

Read the guide: Treatment Options for Acne Inversa

Living With Acne Inversa

Daily life, burden, and self-organization with HS.

Read the guide: Living With Acne Inversa

Diet and Acne Inversa

What diet may do, what remains unclear, and where claims need caution.

Read the guide: Diet and Acne Inversa

Acne Inversa FAQ

Common questions answered clearly and briefly.

Read the guide: Acne Inversa FAQ

Categories

Topics clearly organized

Basics

Clear introductions to Acne Inversa, terminology, and first orientation.

Diagnosis

How diagnosis pathways may work and which questions matter in care.

Treatments

Context for treatment options, research, and shared clinical decisions.

Research

Patient-friendly context on new studies — no medical advice, with clear limitations.

Daily Life

Practical, respectful perspectives for daily life with HS.

Flares & Pain

Information on flares, pain burden, and conversations with clinicians.

Mental Health

Why the emotional and mental burden deserves serious attention.

Doctor Visits

Preparation, questions, and follow-up for medical appointments.

Blog

Latest articles