Quick read
Key points
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Hidradenitis suppurativa is a long-term skin condition causing painful lumps, abscesses, and sometimes tunnels under the skin, typically in areas with skin folds like the armpits, groin, and under the breasts. It's thought to involve inflammation of hair follicles and sweat glands, and can range from mild to severe, significantly affecting quality of life for many people.
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Topic-specific prevention and risk reduction will be added during the article-specific evidence audit.
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You have recurring, painful lumps or abscesses in skin fold areas
01 · Know
What is Hidradenitis Suppurativa (HS)?
Hidradenitis suppurativa is a long-term skin condition causing painful lumps, abscesses, and sometimes tunnels under the skin, typically in areas with skin folds like the armpits, groin, and under the breasts. It's thought to involve inflammation of hair follicles and sweat glands, and can range from mild to severe, significantly affecting quality of life for many people.
While there's no cure, a range of treatments can help manage symptoms, including topical and oral medications, and for more severe or persistent cases, specific biologic medications or surgery to remove severely affected tissue.
02 · Understand
Clinical context
HS is often under-recognised and takes time to diagnose
Hidradenitis suppurativa is frequently mistaken for recurrent boils or infections in its early stages, sometimes leading to delayed diagnosis — if you have recurring, painful lumps in skin fold areas, it's worth specifically asking a doctor about HS.
03 · Act
When to See a Doctor
- 1You have recurring, painful lumps or abscesses in skin fold areas
- 2Lumps are becoming more frequent, severe, or forming tunnels under the skin
- 3Symptoms are significantly affecting your quality of life or wellbeing
- 4You'd like to discuss the full range of treatment options, including newer medications
04 · Prevent & manage
Practical steps
Smoking Significantly Worsens HS Severity
Smoking is strongly linked to worse HS severity and poorer response to treatment — stopping smoking is one of the most impactful things someone with HS can do to help manage the condition.
- 1Seek a proper diagnosis and specialist referral.A dermatologist can confirm HS and discuss the full range of treatment options available.
- 2Stop smoking if you smoke.This significantly improves both symptom severity and treatment response.
- 3Wear loose, breathable clothing.This reduces friction and moisture in affected areas.
- 4Maintain a healthy weight if relevant.This can help reduce friction and inflammation in skin fold areas.
- 5Discuss the range of available treatments.These range from topical and oral medications to newer biologic treatments and, for severe cases, surgery.
Evidence
References
BarnMD Health Intelligence uses authoritative and clinically relevant sources appropriate to the topic. References are shown so readers can inspect the evidence directly.
- HSE: Hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) ↗
Medical information notice
Health education, not individual medical advice
BarnMD Health Library provides general health education for public health literacy. Reading this article does not establish a doctor-patient relationship and this information is not a diagnosis, prescription, or personalised treatment plan. If you have symptoms or concerns about your health, seek appropriate advice from a qualified healthcare professional. If you develop emergency warning signs, seek urgent or emergency medical attention.
BarnMD Bottom Line
Hidradenitis suppurativa is a real, recognised condition with a range of effective treatment options, and specialist dermatology care can significantly improve symptoms.
Stopping smoking is one of the most impactful steps someone with HS can take to improve their condition.