a chronic inflammatory condition that involves recurrent occlusion of hair follicles in intertriginous regions(eg, groin, axilla).
commonly develops in women age 20-40
risk factors include obesity, tobacco use, and family history.
initially presents as a solitary, painful nodule surrounding a follicle that can persist up to several months and eventually develops into a spontaneously draining abscess.
This disease has a chronic, progressive course with recurrences that affect follicles within the same region. Patients have multiple lesions with subsequent inflammation and abscess drainage that eventually develop into sinus tract and scar formation (eg, fibrotic bands, acneiform scars, thickened plaques)
Diagnosis is made clinically
Treatment is aimed at reducing frequency of lesions and preventing disease progression and complications (eg, contractures, lymphatic obstruction, fistula).