My husband was diagnosed with hidradenitis suppurativa. Am I also at risk?

Hidradenitis suppurativa develops when hair follicles become blocked and inflamed. It's not clear why this blockage occurs, but experts believe that genetic and environmental factors play a role, including:

  • Age. Most people with hidradenitis suppurativa begin to experience symptoms sometime after puberty but before the age of 30.
  • Your sex. Women are more likely than men are to have hidradenitis suppurativa.
  • Family history. Many people with hidradenitis suppurativa have at least one relative who has the condition.
  • Excess weight. Several studies have linked obesity with hidradenitis suppurativa.
  • Tobacco use. Most people with hidradenitis suppurativa are current or former smokers.

It's clear, however, that hidradenitis suppurativa isn't caused by poor hygiene. The condition also is't contagious. If you're concerned about others' reactions to your symptoms, explain that hidradenitis suppurativa can't be spread through skin contact. Sharing information with friends and family about your condition can help those close to you understand what you are dealing with and how they can help and support you.

July 10, 2024 See more Expert Answers

See also

  1. Acne
  2. Acne scars: What's the best treatment?
  3. Antidepressant withdrawal: Is there such a thing?
  4. Antidepressants and alcohol: What's the concern?
  5. Antidepressants and weight gain: What causes it?
  6. Antidepressants: Can they stop working?
  7. Antidepressants: Selecting one that's right for you
  8. Antidepressants: Side effects
  9. Antidepressants: Which cause the fewest sexual side effects?
  10. Atypical antidepressants
  11. Can zinc supplements help treat hidradenitis suppurativa?
  12. Clinical depression: What does that mean?
  13. Clinical trials for hidradenitis suppurativa
  14. Coping with the stress of hidradenitis suppurativa
  15. Creating a hidradenitis suppurativa care team
  16. Depression (major depressive disorder)
  17. Depression and anxiety: Can I have both?
  18. Depression in women: Understanding the gender gap
  19. Depression, anxiety and exercise
  20. Depression: Supporting a family member or friend
  21. Hidradenitis suppurativa
  22. Hidradenitis suppurativa and biologics: Get the facts
  23. Hidradenitis suppurativa and diet: What's recommended?
  24. Hidradenitis suppurativa and sleep: How to get more zzz's
  25. Hidradenitis suppurativa wound care
  26. Hidradenitis suppurativa: Tips for weight-loss success
  27. Hidradenitis suppurativa: What is it?
  28. Hidradenitis suppurativa: When does it appear?
  29. Hidradenitis suppurativa: Where can I find support?
  30. Hidradenitis suppurativa-related health risks
  31. Male depression: Understanding the issues
  32. Managing hidradenitis suppurativa: Early treatment is crucial
  33. MAOIs and diet: Is it necessary to restrict tyramine?
  34. Marijuana and depression
  35. Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs)
  36. Natural remedies for depression: Are they effective?
  37. Nervous breakdown: What does it mean?
  38. Nonprescription acne treatment: Which products work best?
  39. Pain and depression: Is there a link?
  40. Reducing the discomfort of hidradenitis suppurativa: Self-care tips
  41. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs)
  42. Serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs)
  43. Staying active with hidradenitis suppurativa
  44. Surgery for hidradenitis suppurativa
  45. Treating hidradenitis suppurativa with antibiotics and hormones
  46. Treating hidradenitis suppurativa: Explore your options
  47. Treatment-resistant depression
  48. Tricyclic antidepressants
  49. Vitamin B-12 and depression
  50. What are the signs and symptoms of hidradenitis suppurativa?
  51. What is depression? A Mayo Clinic expert explains.