### Risk Factors for Hidradenitis Suppurativa and Its Connection to Diabetes Hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) occurs when hair follicles get blocked, leading to painful skin sores. While experts don't fully understand why this happens, they have identified several risk factors: 1. **Genetics**: Certain gene variants (NCSTN, PSEN1, and PSENEN) are linked to HS. However, not everyone with these genes gets HS, and some people without these genes do. 2. **Race**: Black people are 2-3 times more likely to get HS than White people. It's rare in other races. 3. **Family History**: Up to 40% of people with HS have a close relative with the condition. 4. **Obesity and Metabolic Syndrome**: HS is more common and severe in overweight individuals. Metabolic syndrome, which includes conditions like high blood pressure and high blood sugar, is a risk factor for both HS and diabetes. 5. **Inflammatory Diseases**: People with conditions like arthritis and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) are more likely to get HS. 6. **Age and Hormones**: HS usually develops between puberty and age 40, especially in young adults aged 21-29. Women are three times more likely to get HS than men, and symptoms often align with menstrual cycles or hormone use. 7. **Smoking**: Smokers are more likely to get HS, and their symptoms are often more severe. ### Connection to Diabetes There is a notable connection between HS and diabetes. More than 10% of people with HS have diabetes, which is over three times the rate in people without HS. Both conditions may be linked through metabolic syndrome and ongoing inflammation in the body. Understanding these risk factors can help in managing and potentially preventing HS, especially for those already dealing with diabetes or other related conditions.