What it is
Smoking and being overweight can make it worse.
Treatments include antiseptic washes, antibiotics, hormone treatments, biologic medicines and surgery for areas that keep coming back.
Common signs
- Painful lumps that may fill with pus
- Lumps that burst and leak
- Tunnels under the skin
- Scarring
- Blackheads in pairs
How it is usually diagnosed
- Examination of the skin
- A swab, if infection is suspected
Records worth keeping
Keeping these together makes each appointment easier, especially when you see a new doctor:
- Dermatology letters
- Treatments tried and their effect
- Photos of affected areas over time
Questions to ask your doctor
- How severe is my HS?
- Which treatments should I try next?
- Would surgery help?
When to get help right away
Call 112 or go to the nearest emergency department if you have:
- A lump with spreading redness, high fever or feeling very unwell: get urgent medical help
This page is general information. It is not a diagnosis and does not replace a doctor who knows your history. Medfold keeps your records organised; it does not interpret them.