Hidradenitis suppurativa in the beard of a 35 year old African American man. Hidradenitis suppurativa, also known as acne inversa, is caused by the blockage of the apocrine glands typically found in the armpits, buttocks, groin and back. Apocrine glands are specialised sweat glands that open into a hair follicle before reaching the skin. The glands become blocked due to overactivity, giving rise to inflammation, infection and abscess formation. Cryosurgery, antibiotic drugs, surgical excision, grafting or steroid drugs are used in the treatment of this condition. This patient also has inflammation from ingrown hairs, a condition known as pseudofolliculitis barbae