💡 What is Hidradenitis Suppurativa (HS)?
Understanding the condition. Breaking the silence.
🧬 Hidradenitis Suppurativa (HS) is a chronic skin condition that causes painful lumps, abscesses, tunnels (sinus tracts), and scarring — usually in sensitive areas like the armpits, groin, thighs, buttocks, under the breasts, or around the genitals.
It’s not contagious, not caused by poor hygiene, and not your fault.
🔍 Common Symptoms Include:
- Painful bumps or nodules under the skin
- Recurring abscesses that may drain pus or blood
- Blackheads in clusters (“double-headed” comedones)
- Tunnels under the skin (sinus tracts) that connect abscesses
- Thick scarring or raised areas over time
Symptoms often flare and fade, and the severity can vary widely from person to person.
📍 Where Does It Appear?
HS most often affects:
- Armpits
- Groin
- Inner thighs
- Buttocks
- Under breasts
- Around the genitals or anus
These areas are prone to friction, heat, and sweat — which may trigger or worsen flares.
🧠 What Causes HS?
The exact cause of HS isn’t fully understood, but it’s believed to involve:
- Blocked hair follicles
- Overactive immune response (inflammation)
- Genetics — it can run in families
- Hormones — often flares around puberty, menstruation, pregnancy
It is not an infection, but flares can sometimes become infected.
⚠️ HS Is Often Misdiagnosed
Many people go years without a proper diagnosis. HS is often mistaken for:
- Boils
- Ingrown hairs
- Cysts
- Infections or acne
If you suspect you have HS, it’s important to see a dermatologist familiar with the condition.
🩺 Is There a Cure?
There is no known cure — but there are treatments to help manage symptoms and reduce flares.
These may include:
- Topical or oral antibiotics
- Steroids or hormone therapy
- Biologic medications (like Humira)
- Surgery to remove tunnels or affected areas
- Lifestyle changes (weight, diet, clothing, smoking, etc.)
Many people use a combination of medical and personal strategies.
❤️ Living with HS
HS can be painful, unpredictable, and emotionally exhausting — but you are not alone.
That’s why HS Warriors exists. This community is here for:
- Sharing honest experiences
- Supporting one another
- Discovering what helps — and what doesn’t
- Breaking the shame and silence around HS
📣 We Believe You. We See You. We Are You.
If you think you may have HS or you’re supporting someone who does, we invite you to join our free forum and start talking. No judgment. Just understanding.