Original
Causes of HS are unknown. Things such as "being overweight" and smoking have been cited as contributors, but the truth is that many people with HS are skinny non-smokers. I mean nothing derogatory by that, but without research, there is no way of knowing the true cause. We do know that it is a defect in the body's autoimmune system. It is possible there is a defect in the hair follicle itself caused by genetics. Until thorough research is conducted, there is no absolute answer to that question.