Hidradenitis Suppurativa vs. Acne Inversa: Are They the Same?

March 20, 2025

Hidradenitis Suppurativa vs. Acne Inversa: Are They the Same?

Hidradenitis Suppurativa (HS) and Acne Inversa are terms that are often used interchangeably. However, while Acne Inversa was historically used to describe HS due to its resemblance to acne, modern dermatology recognizes HS as a distinct, chronic inflammatory condition with different underlying causes, progression, and treatment approaches.

At EliteAyurveda, we focus on identifying the root cause of HS and providing personalized Ayurvedic treatments that go beyond symptom management to offer long-term healing.

Hidradenitis Suppurativa vs. Acne Inversa

🔍 Understanding the Differences: HS vs. Acne Inversa

Feature	Hidradenitis Suppurativa (HS)	Acne Inversa
Cause	Chronic follicular occlusion with systemic inflammation	Milder form of follicular occlusion, resembling severe acne
Onset	Gradual, with recurrent painful nodules	Often linked to acne-prone skin
Appearance	Painful abscesses, interconnected sinus tracts, and scarring	Pustules, comedones, and nodules, primarily affecting sebaceous glands
Location	Armpits, groin, buttocks, under breasts	Face, chest, back
Pus Formation	Thick, foul-smelling pus, often recurring	Pus-filled lesions similar to severe acne
Pain	Chronic and severe, worsening over time	Mild to moderate pain
Healing	Leads to fibrosis, tunnels, and scarring	Generally heals with time or mild scarring
Recurrence	Frequent, lifelong condition	Less frequent recurrences, especially with acne treatments

While Acne Inversa was once considered synonymous with HS, HS is now recognized as a chronic, immune-mediated disease affecting deep skin layers, unlike traditional acne conditions.

🌿 Ayurvedic Perspective on HS vs. Acne

According to Ayurveda, both conditions arise due to imbalances in the three doshas, but the primary causative factors differ:

Hidradenitis Suppurativa (HS) → Kapha-Vata-Pitta Imbalance
🔹 Kapha obstruction blocks follicles and sweat glands.
🔹 Vata imbalance causes sinus tracts and tunneling.
🔹 Pitta aggravation leads to inflammation, abscesses, and pus formation.
Acne (Acne Inversa) → Pitta-Kapha Imbalance
🔹 Pitta aggravation triggers excess sebum production and inflammation.
🔹 Kapha imbalance causes clogged pores and bacterial infections.

While conventional medicine uses antibiotics, steroids, and biologics for HS, Ayurveda focuses on deep detoxification, immune balance, and holistic healing.

🌱 Ayurvedic Healing Approach for HS & Acne

At EliteAyurveda, we offer a customized, natural treatment plan for HS that goes beyond conventional acne treatments.

1️⃣ Personalized Herbal Medications

✔ For HS:
🔹 Kapha-Vata balancing formulations to prevent follicle blockages.
🔹 Anti-inflammatory herbs to reduce abscess formation and pus accumulation.
🔹 Detoxifying herbs for long-term healing and immune balance.

✔ For Acne:
🔹 Pitta-pacifying herbs to control excess heat and inflammation.
🔹 Blood-purifying herbs to clear skin toxins.
🔹 Sebum-regulating formulations to prevent clogged pores.

2️⃣ Detoxification Therapies (Shodhana) for Long-Term Healing

✔ For HS:
✅ Virechana (Purgation Therapy): Clears deep-seated toxins.
✅ Basti (Medicated Enema): Balances Vata to prevent sinus tracts.

✔ For Acne:
✅ Raktamokshana (Bloodletting): Removes heat and toxins from the blood.
✅ Lepam (Herbal Paste Application): Controls sebum and reduces pimples.

3️⃣ Diet & Lifestyle for Symptom Control

✔ HS Management Diet:
🔹 Avoid dairy, processed foods, and sugar (Kapha aggravators).
🔹 Include anti-inflammatory foods like turmeric, ginger, and flaxseeds.

✔ Acne Prevention Diet:
🔹 Avoid spicy, fried, and heat-producing foods.
🔹 Increase cooling foods like coconut water, aloe vera, and greens.

✔ Lifestyle Tips:
✅ Maintain hygiene in affected areas.
✅ Avoid tight clothing and excessive sweating.
✅ Manage stress with meditation and pranayama.

🗣️ Doctor’s Insight

“Hidradenitis Suppurativa is not just another form of acne—it is a chronic inflammatory condition that requires a specialized treatment approach. Ayurveda focuses on restoring internal balance, detoxifying the body, and preventing future flare-ups naturally.”
— Dr. [Name], Chief Ayurvedic Consultant, EliteAyurveda