How to Identify HS

Hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) can go undiagnosed for years. That’s why it’s important to talk to a health care provider if you think your symptoms may be HS. Dermatologists in particular are experts in skin conditions like HS.

• There should be typical lesions: painful, swollen boils or bumps. Sometimes these spots cause scars. Some lesions are connected under the skin (tunnels).
• The lesions occur in typical areas: in the armpits, under the breasts, the groin, skin creases of the stomach or sides, around the genitals or buttocks.
• HS is a recurrent disease, meaning that inflamed bumps, boils, or abscesses typically occur at least twice in a 6-month period to make a diagnosis of HS.