Hidradenitis suppurativa

This is an illness characterized by multiple abscesses that form under the arm pits and in the groin area.

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hidradenitis sup·pur·a·ti·va -.səp-yu̇-rə-'tī-və n a chronic suppurative inflammatory disease of the apocrine sweat glands

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an unpleasant condition characterized by deep abscesses in the armpits, groin, and anogenital regions leading to sinuses and bridge scarring. Formerly believed to be an apocrine sweat gland disorder, it is now regarded as part of the follicular occlusion tetrad. It is three times more common in women and may be under androgen control. Treatment is with long-term antibiotics, anti-androgens, or occasionally surgery.

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a chronic suppurative disease of skin that bears apocrine sweat glands, chiefly in the axillae or anogenital region, caused by occlusion of pores with secondary bacterial infection of the glands. Tender red abscesses develop, enlarge, and eventually break through the skin, yielding purulent or seropurulent drainage. When lesions heal, fibrosis remains, and recurrences lead to sinus tract formation and scarring. Called also acne inversa and apocrinitis.