Most of us know how flares can impact us systemically, meaning internally, resulting in fevers, chills, etc. There are also other flare symptoms that impact us only externally, on or around the area of a flare itself; these are considered external HS symptoms.
Below are the most commonly reported external symptoms before, during, and after flares. These are listed in order by the highest percentage reported.
While the feeling of pain and pressure is shared by most of us with HS, the other external symptoms vary greatly from person to person, which reinforces how personal HS is for each of us, regardless of our shared diagnosis. Symptoms, both systemic and non-systemic, can vary greatly even with each abscess and area.
Although many of the common symptoms listed above seem to be normal and common among those with HS, as always, never assume every symptom is related to Hidradenitis Suppurativa. If any of this is unusual to you personally, or out of the ordinary, always speak to your physician about your symptoms and ensure everything else has been ruled out prior to making the assumption that any symptom is related to your HS. If you notice a change in your typical HS flare symptoms either systemic or non-systemic, please be sure to discuss with your physician or dermatologist.
Disclaimer: This is an internal research project conducted with the help of HS sufferers and carried out in order to help Hidradenitis Suppurativa sufferers. Research is very understudied in this area, so we cannot say at this time that research supports the content in this article.
Content in this article is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking treatment because of something you have read on this website.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your doctor, go to the emergency department or call 911 immediately.
A published medical study regarding prodromal symptoms of HS can be found here.
Article on common systemic symptoms with HS can be found here.
Written by Denise Panter-Fixsen
Edited by Brindley Kons Brooks