What is Hidradenitis Suppurativa (HS)?
If you've ended up here because you've been Googling things like "Why do I keep getting boils?" or "Why won't these painful lumps go away?", you're not alone.
Hidradenitis Suppurativa (HS) is a long-term inflammatory skin condition that causes painful lumps, abscesses and recurring flare-ups. It most commonly affects areas where skin rubs together, such as the armpits, groin, buttocks, under the breasts and inner thighs.
HS isn't just a skin condition. It can affect your confidence, your mental health, relationships, work and everyday life. Some days you might feel completely fine, while other days even walking or sitting can be painful.
Although there's currently no cure, there are treatments and lifestyle changes that can help manage symptoms, reduce flare-ups and improve quality of life.
My goal is to help you understand HS a little better and hopefully make you feel a little less alone.
Common Symptoms
Everyone experiences HS differently, but some of the most common symptoms include:
• Painful lumps beneath the skin
• Boils or abscesses
• Spots that keep returning in the same place
• Leaking or draining wounds
• Scarring
• Tunnels beneath the skin (sinus tracts)
• Tenderness and swelling
• Fatigue
You don't need to experience every symptom to have HS, and symptoms can change over time.
The Three Hurley Stages of HS
Stage 1: Mild
Small or isolated lumps with little or no scarring.
There may only be occasional flare-ups, but they can still be incredibly painful.
Stage 2: Moderate
Recurring flare-ups with some scarring and tunnels beginning to form.
You may notice flare-ups returning to the same areas more frequently.
Stage 3: Severe
More widespread areas of HS with multiple interconnected tunnels, significant scarring and frequent flare-ups.
While this is considered the most severe stage, treatment can still help improve symptoms and quality of life.
What HS ISN'T ❌
One of the hardest parts about HS is dealing with the misunderstandings. So, let's clear up a few common myths.
❌ HS is NOT caused by poor hygiene.
❌ HS is NOT contagious.
❌ You can't catch HS from someone else.
❌ HS is NOT caused by not washing enough.
❌ Having HS does NOT mean you've done anything wrong.
Many people spend years blaming themselves before finally getting diagnosed. If that's been your experience too, I want you to know this:
It isn't your fault.
Frequently Asked HS Questions
What causes HS?
The exact cause isn't fully understood. It's thought to involve inflammation around hair follicles, alongside a combination of genetics, hormones, immune system changes and environmental factors. It isn't caused by being unclean.
Is there a cure for HS?
No.
HS is currently considered a long-term condition and there is no established cure. However, its severity and course vary from person to person, and treatment can help some people achieve significant improvement or periods with fewer symptoms.
How can the trackers help?
HS can be unpredictable.
Keeping track of your symptoms, flare-ups, treatments, stress levels and possible triggers can help you spot patterns over time and give you useful information to share with your healthcare team.
Can diet affect HS?
Some people notice that certain foods seem to trigger flare-ups, while others don't notice any link at all.
There's no single HS diet that works for everyone, which is why keeping track of symptoms, food and flare-ups can be so useful.
Medical notice: This page provides general information and lived experience, not diagnosis or individual medical advice. Do not start, stop or change treatment because of this content. Speak to an appropriately qualified healthcare professional about your circumstances.