What Is Hidradenitis Suppurative?

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Hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) is a condition that causes painful bumps under your skin in the hair roots near some of your sweat glands. It’s also known as acne inversa.

The bumps can get infected. When that happens, pockets form under your skin and fill with pus. They can smell bad when they break open. They can also leave scars.

There's no cure for HS, but treatments and lifestyle changes can bring some relief and cut down on flare-ups.

Because this condition lasts a long time, it can be frustrating, and it can take an emotional toll on you. Make sure you get the support you need.

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Where Do HS Show Up? 

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When HS starts, you may begin to notice small bumps under your skin that seem to be the size of a pea or marble. These bumps usually start to develop in areas where skin rubs together, where you have hair, and where sweat glands are located.

 

While these locations may differ between men and women, areas affected by HS can include:

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• Under the arms

• Groin area

• Under the breasts

• Buttocks

• Inner thighs

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Hidradenitis Suppurativa Symptoms?

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HS usually affects both sides of your body. You can get the bumps in one place or in several areas at once.

The first warning sign might be a single painful bump that gets inflamed. It can last days or months. You could have repeated outbreaks of a single bump in the same location or the same general area.

Besides turning into pockets of pus, the bumps can be itchy. Your skin might have small pitted areas with blackheads.

Some people get tunnels under their skin, called sinus tracts, which connect different areas of HS outbreaks.

The bumps and leaky pockets can go away and come back. In severe cases, they don't fully heal.

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