HS can occur anywhere on the body where there are hair follicles; this means anywhere except the soles of your feet, palms of your hands and your lips. It is not necessary for there to be skin on skin contact or within the skin folds for the development of hidradenitis, which is a common misconception.
Here's a few definitions that may help you determine if you have HS:
Abscesses: Typically larger raised areas on the skin that are more tender and filled with pus in the deeper tissue. Abscesses do not have a sac, they are often pus, fluid or blood-filled. Abscesses can be very painful and develop quickly. In a situation such as HS they can last days, months, or even years.
Pustules: are small, pus-filled bumps or sores.
Nodules: Typically under the skin and may or may not drain
Here are questions to help determine if you have HS:
Do you have one or more recurring abscesses, pustules or nodules in the same area?
Do you have one or more recurring abscesses, pustules or nodules on other areas of the body?
Do your abscesses or pustules fill up and drain and or constantly drain?
Any abscess, regardless of the type of discharge (puss, blood, clear fluid, chalky-white material, and those that never drain) are at risk for inflammation or cellulitis, especially if there is redness surrounding the area.
Anyone can get a boil or develop cysts underneath the skin at at any point in their life, however, that does not mean you have HS.
Definition of Hidradenitis Suppurativa:
Painful recurring abscesses, pustules or nodules in one or several areas of the body. Often the abscesses never fully go away. HS can also be accompanied by DEPs (blackheads and whiteheads). In the later stages of HS you can develop scarring and tunneling. Some may have a foul odor, whilst others may have no odor at all.
Read more about the stages of HS here.
Read more about Boils, Lesions, Abscesses, OH MY here.
Read more about DEPs (blackheads and whiteheads) here.
Read more about scarring and tunneling here.
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.
Written byDenise Panter-Fixsen
Edited by Brindley Kons Brooks