Hidradenitis suppurativa is a chronic inflammatory skin disease which can develop from puberty onwards, with painful, deep-seated inflamed lesions at characteristic sites. It is much more common in smokers. There is also a clear link with obesity. Patients complain of recurring painful boils in one or more of the typical areas. In women the most common areas affected are under the arms, under the breasts, in the groin, medial thighs, or suprapubic area and in men the armpits, buttocks and perianal area. Hidradenitis suppurativa is diagnosed on history and clinical appearance.