It's a Inflammation disease/ Autoimmune disease. The body fights itself. It's causes are so many things, food, stress, hair follicles that get infected, etc. They is no cure! If not treated early it will get worse!! Seek a Dermatologist that specializes in HS.

No. HS has so many contributing causes, bacteria is only one potential cause. I found antibacterial soaps damaging my skin microbiome and stopped using them.

Good question 🤔