It has a name. Akne Inversa.
Having a name for it changes everything. Akne Inversa is a chronic auto-inflammatory skin condition. The immune system mistakenly attacks the body's own tissue, causing painful boils and lumps to form under the skin.
These usually appear where skin rubs together: the armpits, groin, inner thighs, and buttocks. Akne Inversa is not infectious. It is not the person’s fault.
Does any of this sound familiar? Changing what you wear because of where it hurts. Pain when sitting. Pain that, until now, never had a name.
Where it shows up
Akne inversa usually affects areas of skin that rub together. The underarms are most commonly affected, followed by the groin, inner thighs, buttocks, and perianal area.
What it looks like
Painful boils that burst and return. Over time they can grow larger, drain fluid and form tunnels beneath the skin that leak continuously.
Who it affects
Akne Inversa affects up to 1 in 100 people in Europe. Symptoms are most common between ages 20 and 40. Men and women are equally affected, but men are far less likely to be diagnosed.
Time to diagnosis
It can take 7 to 12 years to get the right diagnosis. Akne Inversa is often mistaken for acne, cysts, or recurring boils. Most people see three or more doctors before getting the right answer.
