Hidradenitis Suppurativa Foundation, Inc. (HSF) is dedicated to improving the quality of life for individuals and families affected by Hidradenitis Suppurativa (HS), also called Acne Inversa. HS is an inflammatory skin disease that affects an estimated 1% of the population. The main features of HS include painful nodular and boil-like lesions, scarring, sinus tracts and recurrent discharge, which have a significant impact on a patient's quality of life. HS generally appears in the second or third decade of life. It is not contagious, and is not a sexually transmitted disease. The areas most commonly affected are under the arms, the groin and buttocks, and under the breasts. The disease is variable and recurrent. Patients may present with solitary or multiple lesions in one area, with lesions in many areas, or in more severe cases may have large, recurrent, draining lesions that never completely heal.