Marcus Ehrhardt

If you think of Hidradenitis as regular pimples or acne (acne vulgaris), you’re mistaken. We, the affected, suffer from deep-seated abscesses, not pimples.

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Simply put: Hidradenitis is a chronic inflammatory skin disease affecting the hair follicles. The recurring inflammations primarily occur in the armpits, groin, anal, and genital regions (see pictures in my gallery). Fistulas (small channels or tunnels under the skin) form, connecting different abscesses, and scar tissue begins to develop in the affected areas.

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The disease is classified into three stages (Hurley Score): Hurley Stage I, II, and III.

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Hidradenitis brings significant physical and emotional burdens and is currently incurable.

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Our disease is recognized as an autoimmune condition in some countries, but not in others. For example, it is recognized in Austria, while this is not the case in Germany (as of January 2025).

 

How I’ve been managing this for the past 18 years is what I share in my book.