Our network helps
Living with
Acne Inversa
Living with a chronic inflammatory skin disease of the hair follicles is often associated with physical and psychological stress for many of those affected. Our network forms an association of dedicated physicians, scientists, and partners for the better management of hidradenitis suppurativa / Acne Inversa.
Living with a chronic inflammatory skin disease of the hair follicles is often associated with physical and psychological stress for many of those affected. Our network forms an association of dedicated physicians, scientists, and partners for the better management of hidradenitis suppurativa / Acne Inversa.
What is Acne Inversa?
Acne Inversa, also known as hidradenitis suppurativa, is a chronic inflammatory skin disease of the hair follicles that can be accompanied by severe physical and psychological distress for patients.
Together and in collaboration with many experts and partners, we strive to optimize patient care in everyday life as well as to exchange information on the latest research results. Furthermore, the physicians in our network offer the best possible expertise.
We can help you
and support you!
The HS/AI Netzwerk for hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) / Acne Inversa (AI) sees itself as an association of physicians, scientists, and industrial partners specializing in the treatment of this severe skin disease. Few dermatological conditions are as distressing for those affected and as difficult to treat. The goal of our joint clinical and scientific efforts is to provide patients with holistic and individually tailored therapy. Through experience, competence, empathy, and close cooperation within a multidisciplinary network, we strive to ensure the optimal therapy and care for you.
Compassionate patient care in everyday life is just as important as the latest research.
We can help you
and support you!
The HS/AI Netzwerk for hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) / Acne Inversa (AI) sees itself as an association of physicians, scientists, and industrial partners specializing in the treatment of this severe skin disease. Few dermatological conditions are as distressing for those affected and as difficult to treat. The goal of our joint clinical and scientific efforts is to provide patients with holistic and individually tailored therapy. Through experience, competence, empathy, and close cooperation within a multidisciplinary network, we strive to ensure the optimal therapy and care for you.
Compassionate patient care in everyday life is just as important as the latest research.
What you should know
about Acne Inversa
What is Acne Inversa / hidradenitis suppurativa?
Hidradenitis suppurativa (HS), also known as Acne Inversa (AI), is a chronic inflammatory disease of the hair roots, in which the following regions are particularly affected: armpits, groin, anal and genital regions, abdominal folds, and folds under the female breast. Skin changes often begin after puberty, and the disease is usually accompanied by severe pain. If left untreated, it can lead to severe destruction of the skin with extensive scarring and restricted movement, which can significantly reduce the quality of life of those affected.
In the following, we would like to provide you with an overview of the causes, symptoms, and therapy of hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) / Acne Inversa (AI).
Symptoms
Initially, palpable nodules and thickenings form, which are typically very painful. In later stages, scarring, accumulations of pus, and fistulas become prominent. These extend deep into the surrounding tissue and can drain spontaneously, releasing pus, blood, or a foul-smelling secretion. A relapsing course is typical for Acne Inversa. The number and duration of relapses can vary greatly.
Causes
Inflammation of the hair roots is suspected to be the origin of the disease. However, the exact causes have not yet been conclusively clarified. Medical professionals suspect risk factors that worsen the course of the disease. These include, in particular, smoking and obesity, as well as mechanical friction (e.g., from wet shaving and wearing tight clothing) and an increased tendency to sweat. Similarly, stress, psychological strain, and hormonal disorders can influence the severity of the course. Some affected individuals report other cases of Acne Inversa in the family, so a genetic predisposition is suspected in a portion of patients. Other conditions that may frequently occur alongside Acne Inversa include metabolic syndrome, chronic inflammatory bowel diseases, rheumatic diseases, depression, and cardiovascular diseases.
Therapy
Therapy depends on the severity of the disease. General measures that should be applied regardless of severity are considered the basis:
- Elimination of existing risk and trigger factors (smoking cessation, weight and stress reduction)
- Keeping affected areas dry (e.g., inserting linen cloths)
- Wearing loose clothing to avoid mechanical irritation
- Avoiding wet shaving
- Consistent personal hygiene with daily disinfection of the affected areas and skin care
If these measures do not lead to sufficient improvement, further therapy options are available.
For mild forms, a trial of therapy with antibiotic or disinfecting agents for application to the skin can be carried out. This is also called topical therapy. For more severe forms, antibiotics can be initiated for 10-12 weeks. If there is no improvement, injection therapy with a so-called biologic can be started. Biologic therapy with adalimumab or secukinumab is currently the only approved drug therapy for moderate to severe forms of Acne Inversa. However, there are a variety of new substances in testing. Our specialized study center will be happy to inform you whether a corresponding study is an option for you. In the case of acute, painful accumulations of pus, surgical relief may be necessary. In cases of severe tissue destruction and the presence of fistula tracts and scar tissue, surgical removal remains the treatment of choice. Generally, the size of the surgical wounds depends on the severity and extent of the Acne Inversa.
The forms of therapy can also be used in combination, but should always be carried out in consultation with your treating physician based on regular clinical check-ups. Treatment requires a lot of patience, as it is a chronic relapsing disease.
RESEARCH AWARD HIDRADENITIS SUPPURATIVA
To promote scientific work in the field of hidradenitis suppurativa, an annual sponsorship award for young scientists will be announced starting in 2027 by the Netzwerk für Hidradenitis suppurativa / Acne Inversa Rhein-Ruhr e.V. in cooperation with the Arbeitsgemeinschaft Dermatologische Forschung (ADF) and the Deutschen Dermatologischen Gesellschaft (DDG).
Supporters of the Network
In the future, you will find the supporters of the network here.
The HS/AI Netzwerk is pleased about a growing number of cooperation partners who have also set themselves the goal of supporting patients with Acne Inversa and researching the clinical picture.
Initiators & Contact Persons
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News and
Current Research
in the future you will find news and current research here...
How to Reach Us
Secretariat
Phone 0234/509-6079
Email
Appointments
Mon – Fri 8:00 AM – 2:00 PM
Acne Inversa Consultation Hours
By appointment only
Thu 1:30 PM – 3:30 PM
Fri 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM