Hidradenitis Suppurativa

When you’re living with HS, it’s easy to feel isolated. But you’re not alone. Millions of people around the world are living with HS. In the US alone, it’s estimated that up to 200,000 people have moderate to severe HS.

Hidradenitis suppurativa is a chronic (long-lasting) skin condition. When it starts, you may begin to notice small bumps under your skin, that may seem to be the size of a pea or marble.

These bumps usually start to develop in areas where you have hair.
* Under the arms
* The groin area
* The buttocks

In other words, places where skin rubs together.

They can also occur where sweat glands are located.
* Under the breasts
* The buttocks
* The inner thighs

Getting treatment for HS is important. Early diagnosis and treatment can prevent HS from worsening.

If HS worsens, the pimple-like bumps can grow deep into the skin and become painful. They can rupture, leaking bloodstained pus onto clothing. This fluid often has a foul odor.

As the deep bumps heal, scars can form. Some people develop tunnel-like tracts under their skin. As the skin continues to heal and scar, the scars thicken. When thick scars form in the underarm, moving the arm can be difficult. Thick scars in the groin area can make walking difficult.

Because HS can look lot like acne, folliculitis, or boils, it is best to see a dermatologist for a diagnosis. To a dermatologist’s trained eye, the differences between HS and other skin diseases are subtle but obvious. Proper treatment depends on an accurate diagnosis.