Risk factors

Factors that increase your chance of developing hidradenitis suppurativa include:

• Age. The risk of hidradenitis suppurativa is higher for people in their 20s and 30s.
• Sex. Females are more likely to develop hidradenitis suppurativa than are males.
• Race. Ethnicity or race might affect risk level. In the United States, the condition's prevalence is disproportionately high among Black people.
• Family history. A tendency to develop hidradenitis suppurativa can be inherited.
• Certain conditions. Hidradenitis suppurativa is more common and severe in people who are overweight. It also has an association with severe acne, arthritis, diabetes, metabolic syndrome and inflammatory bowel disease.
• Smoking. Smoking tobacco has been linked to hidradenitis suppurativa.