When you have hidradenitis suppurativa, a chronic skin condition that causes painful, recurring lumps and abscesses under the skin, often in areas where skin rubs together. Also known as HS, it’s not caused by poor hygiene—it’s an inflammatory disease tied to blocked hair follicles and immune system overactivity. Many people mistake it for acne or infected sweat glands, but it’s deeper, slower to heal, and often gets worse over time if untreated.
People with hidradenitis suppurativa commonly see lumps form in the armpits, groin, under the breasts, or around the anus. These aren’t just pimples—they turn into tunnel-like tracts under the skin, leak pus, and scar badly. abscesses from HS can become infected, require drainage, or even need surgery. skin infections often follow, making daily life harder: sitting, walking, or wearing tight clothes can become painful. Smoking, obesity, and hormones can make it worse, but even thin, non-smokers get it.
There’s no cure yet, but treatment can stop flare-ups and slow damage. Antibiotics, anti-inflammatories, and biologics like adalimumab help some people. Laser therapy and minor surgeries can remove affected tissue. Lifestyle changes—like losing weight, quitting smoking, and switching to loose clothing—make a real difference. What works for one person might not work for another, which is why tracking symptoms and working with a dermatologist matters.
What you’ll find here are real stories and practical advice from people living with HS. You’ll read about what treatments actually work in daily life, how to manage pain without relying on opioids, why some medications cause more problems than they solve, and how to avoid infections that turn minor flares into hospital visits. This isn’t theoretical—it’s what people are doing right now to take back control of their skin and their lives.
Hidradenitis suppurativa causes painful nodules and deep skin tunnels. Biologic therapies like adalimumab, secukinumab, and bimekizumab target inflammation at its source, offering real relief where antibiotics failed.
