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The exact cause of HS isn't fully understood, but it's considered an autoinflammatory condition — meaning the immune system overreacts and triggers ongoing inflammation, even without an outside threat.

It's thought to start when hair follicles become blocked by excess keratin (a skin protein), leading to inflammation and Show Full Answer

The exact cause of HS isn't fully understood, but it's considered an autoinflammatory condition — meaning the immune system overreacts and triggers ongoing inflammation, even without an outside threat.

It's thought to start when hair follicles become blocked by excess keratin (a skin protein), leading to inflammation and rupture that causes lesions. Hormones, genetics, and environmental factors all likely play a role.

Here are the known risk factors:

- Family history — About 1 in 3 people with HS have a close relative with the condition
- Hormonal changes — Puberty, menstrual cycles, pregnancy, or menopause can influence HS
- Smoking — Up to 70–90% of people with HS are current or past smokers
- Obesity — Higher body weight can increase friction and sweating, which aggravates HS
- Ethnicity — HS is more common in Black and Hispanic people
- Sex — Women are about 3 times more likely to develop HS, though it tends to be more severe in men
- Certain medications — Such as lithium or, rarely, some oral contraceptives It's also important to know what does not cause HS:

- Poor hygiene
- Contagious or sexually transmitted infections
- Stress (though stress can trigger flare-ups)

HS is not contagious — you can't catch it or spread it to others.

 AI-generated responses are not a substitute for medical advice. These services are not intended to diagnose, treat, or cure any condition or disease. Always ask your doctor about specific health concerns.

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