What is HS on a woman?

Hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) is a painful, long-term skin condition that causes abscesses and scarring on the skin. The exact cause of hidradenitis suppurativa is unknown, but it occurs near hair follicles where there are sweat glands, usually around the groin, bottom, breasts and armpits.

What is HS look like?

Hidradenitis suppurativa usually appears as one or more red, tender bumps that fill with pus. It most commonly occurs in the armpits (shown), groin, between the buttocks and under the breasts.

How do you know if you have HS?

The first sign of HS is often a painful spot that looks like a deep pimple, acne cyst, or boil. This spot often appears on an armpit (as shown here) or in the groin area. Some people develop a spot on their buttocks or inner thigh.

Is HS a serious disease?

If bacteria are trapped behind the clog, they can grow and cause an infection. If the inflamed lump bursts under your skin, the infection will spread to nearby sweat glands and hair follicles. Without treatment, the infection can spread to the skin itself or to your blood. That's extremely rare but very serious.

How do you treat vaginal HS?

There is no single effective cure or treatment for HS. Most patients will require a combination of medical and surgical therapy to manage HS.

Hidradenitis Suppurativa (HS) | Pathophysiology, Triggers, Signs

What causes HS flare-ups?

Your diet could be playing a role in your HS flare-ups. HS is thought to be influenced in part by hormones. Foods containing dairy and sugar can raise your insulin levels and cause your body to overproduce certain hormones called androgens, potentially making your HS worse.

What can be mistaken for HS?

HS can initially be mistaken as a boil, infection, or folliculitis. A major public health concern, HS contributes to long-term disability, income lost due to disability, and poor quality of life. Patients may develop depression due to social isolation, pain, discomfort, and embarrassment from associated symptoms.

Can HS Go Away?

There's no cure for HS, so you'll have to manage the condition for life. For most people, it's a cycle of flare-ups and periods when their skin is clear. Breakouts tend to happen in the same general areas of your skin. But you may have a spot that stays broken-out all the time.

Does HS cause weight gain?

Background: Hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) is often seen in overweight and obese patients. However, little is documented about weight gain over time in HS patients.

Can HS make you tired?

Fatigue is common in people with HS. A 2010 study found that 40% of patients who took part reported clinical fatigue. Hidradenitis Suppurativa and fatigue unfortunately often go hand in hand.

How do you get rid of HS boils fast?

Is HS an autoimmune disease?

While people sometimes use the term “autoimmune disease” to describe HS, research has shown that it's actually a systemic inflammatory condition that's related to the immune system.

Can you pop HS bumps?

Hidradenitis suppurativa isn't your usual acne, so don't go popping them like normal pimples. The pits of hidradenitis suppurativa run so deep under your skin that they build tunnels with other cysts and fill up with a fluid mixture of blood and pus.

What is your body lacking when you get boils?

Zinc is an important mineral for boosting immunity and is essential in the treatment of boils. Along with zinc, foods containing vitamin A (fish and dairy products), vitamin C (fruits and vegetables) and vitamin E (nuts and seeds) are helpful in strengthening the immune system.

Why does hidradenitis suppurativa smell?

Why Does Hidradenitis Suppurativa Smell? Sweat, bacteria, and skin tissues that are infected and inflamed all contribute to the smell that occurs with HS. A typical painful nodule will last seven to 15 days. During this time, the boil may erupt, creating painful deep abscesses, or holes.

How do you treat an HS flare up?

Will losing weight get rid of HS?

Weight loss diet: In a few small studies, weight loss was shown to lessen (and sometimes clear) HS in people who were overweight or obese. During one small study, most patients who lost 15% or more of their body weight benefitted. Nearly 50% saw their HS clear, and 20% had fewer HS lumps.

What soap is best for hidradenitis suppurativa?

When you shower, use a soap-free wash like Cetaphil. Gentle cleansers that are fragrance-free, dye-free, and soap-free are your best bet for preventing further skin irritation.

Can losing weight cure HS?

A 2020 study showed that overweight children who lost weight before entering puberty lowered their risk of developing HS later on. In adults, losing at least 15% of body weight is associated with significant improvements in HS symptoms.

How long does an HS bump last?

HS usually affects both sides of your body. You can get the bumps in one place or in several areas at once. The first warning sign might be a single painful bump that gets inflamed. It can last days or months.

What is the difference between a boil and HS?

Hidradenitis Suppurativa (HS) is a skin condition that occurs in the groin, armpits, breasts, and abdominal skin folds in which inflamed reddish bumps occur and are often called “boils.” The lesions are recurrent and are extremely painful, appear suddenly, eventually open up and drain.

Can shaving trigger HS?

Shaving has also not been properly studied with regard to its impact on HS. Some patients may be sensitive to shaving trauma to the skin so it is important for individuals to be mindful of it as a personal trigger if they notice a pattern of flaring after shaving.

Does HS get better after menopause?

Does Hidradenitis Suppurativa Improve After Menopause? Experts used to think HS would get a lot better for people after they stopped menstruating. But studies show that's not the case. In fact, most people have no change or a worsening of symptoms during menopause.

What foods should be avoided with hidradenitis suppurativa?

Can HS be transmitted?

Hidradenitis Suppurativa is not an STD. It is not contagious and cannot be transmitted through sexual activity. HS is often misdiagnosed as an STD when it presents in the genitals, groin/buttock area.