Hidradenitis Suppurativa Symptoms

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Hidradenitis Suppurativa, or HS, is a chronic disease that affects your hair follicles. Most people don't report symptoms at first. That's because most people don't think their symptoms are signs of a severe disease. Or they're too embarrassed to bring it up with their doctor.

An early diagnosis is key to managing flare-ups and keeping them from getting worse. So keep an eye out for these symptoms to know if it's time to talk to your doctor.

Symptoms typically appear near the armpits, groin, anus, inner thighs, and under your breasts, anywhere that skin typically rubs together. One of the early symptoms of HS can be as slight as itching and discomfort in those areas. You might even get a pitted area with a blackhead inside.

The most common symptom, though, is a reddish bump that looks like a pimple. These abscesses can grow, fill with pus, and when broken have a funky smell. When these bumps first appear, it's usually in just one area of the body. Over time, though, they start to show up in other areas of the body too.

Another symptom is a leaking bump or boil-like sore that grows deep in the skin. As these heal, they can leave scars or tunnels under the skin. In some cases, a hard lump can form under the skin. These lumps tend to get bigger and can stick around for years.

Though HS affects both men and women, women are more likely to have it. Risk factors that increase your chances of an HA flare-up are smoking, weight gain, heat, and sweat.

HS can show up as late as you're 40's. But for most, people's symptoms start between puberty and their 20's.

There is no cure for HS, but it can be treated. The longer HS goes untreated, the more severe and painful it can get. So don't wait until it's too late. Make an appointment with your doctor if you experience any of these symptoms.

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