When you get recurring boils and abscesses
Hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) is a chronic, often overlooked skin condition characterized by painful nodules and abscesses. Medical experts advise early intervention and lifestyle changes, such as weight management and smoking cessation, to prevent permanent scarring and complications.
Why it matters
Increasing awareness of this common but frequently misdiagnosed condition can lead to earlier treatment and better quality of life for patients.
Hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) is a chronic skin condition characterised by painful nodules, abscesses and scarring.
It usually occurs in areas where skin rubs together and creates friction.
Despite being frequently overlooked, recent research shows that HS affects around one in 100 people worldwide, making it far more common than many realise.
The exact cause of HS is not fully understood, but several factors and traits can make someone more prone to developing the condition.
Some women also report flare-ups in relation to their menstrual cycles.
Having one or more of these risk factors does not necessarily mean someone will develop HS, and people without these risk factors can still develop the condition.
Early signs of HS include recurring boils, lumps, nodules or abscesses that develop in oil-producing areas of the body.
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