Hydrosadenitis suppurativa: a rare dermatologic disorder 4 February 20246 January 2024 by Redazione My Special Doctor Hydrosadenitis suppurative or reverse acne (HS) is a chronic, inflammatory, relapsing, and debilitating disease of the skin that is not neoplastic in nature and places a significant burden on the person. This condition affects the individual’s quality of life by causing depression, stigma, inactivity, work disability, and impaired sexual health. The prevalence of HS is estimated to be between 1 percent and 4 percent of the general population (Garg et al, 2017, Ingram et al, 2018), but its incidence has increased to 11.4 percent per 100,000. Diagnosing suppurative hydrosadenitis is not easy: to date, there are no diagnostic tests or specific tests to identify this condition. The health care professional who recognizes the condition should refer patients who present with abscesses and/or cysts (located at the groin, axillary, gluteal level) to the dermatology specialist in order to avoid misdiagnosis that could prolong the suffering of the affected person. Read more.