Hidradenitis Suppurativa Resource Center

Hidradenitis suppurativa often involves the buttocks and skin folds of the groin. Draining cysts are seen in this close-up photograph.

Inflamed cysts can be very tender in hidradenitis suppurativa.

Severe HS of the axilla causing thickened, discolored, irritated skin and abscesses.

This person has scars, pits, and blackheads from hidradenitis suppurativa.

HS commonly involves the skin folds and may lead to discoloration and open sores in the skin.

Scars can form from hidradenitis suppurativa.

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The thigh and the skin fold in the groin are typical locations for the cysts of hidradenitis suppurativa.

This is a close-up photograph of the armpit in a patient with hidradenitis suppurativa. These are small early pus-filled and non-pus filled lesions.

In hidradenitis suppurativa, there can be scarring and color changes seen from prior skin inflammation.

This person with hidradenitis suppurativa has a draining sinus.

The armpit is a typical site of involvement. Notice the scars and pits in the skin.

Images of Hidradenitis Suppurativa (11)

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Hidradenitis Suppurativa

Hidradenitis suppurativa is a chronic condition of clogged sweat glands that leads to inflammation of the skin in areas such as the groin, underarms, underneath the breasts, and in between the buttocks. It most commonly appears as multiple large nodules (solid, raised bumps), abscesses (red, swollen, warm, tender bumps or lumps with pus inside), and tunnels (holes in the skin that may contain fluid such as pus) in these areas. The nodules and abscesses gradually get larger and drain pus. After multiple bouts of this cycle of plugging, enlargement, and drainage, there may be tunnel formation under the skin and scarring. Pain is the most common symptom, but individuals with hidradenitis suppurativa also report itchy lesions, a foul odor coming from lesions when they drain pus, feeling tired, and joint pain.

While there is no cure for hidradenitis suppurativa, you can work with your medical professional to treat existing lesions and prevent new ones.