Abstract: Acne inversa (AI) is a kind of chronic recúrrent inflammatory disease.Females are more likely to be affected by AI than males.Apocrine gland-bearing areas including axillary,inguinal,perianal,and perineal regions are commonly involved.The etiology of AI is unknown,and may be associated with genetic factors,hair follicular changes,bacterial infection,immunological factors,sexual hormones,smoking and obesity.Treatment includes antibiotics,retinoids,sexual hormones,tumor necrosis factor-alpha inhibitors,laser and surgery.This article presents the advances in the pathogenesis and treatment of AI,which may benefit its prevention and control.