Could recurring boils in the armpit be hidradenitis suppurativa?
Painful lumps or abscesses that keep coming back in the armpits, groin or under the breasts, especially in the same places and with scars or tunnels under the skin, raise the possibility of hidradenitis suppurativa (HS). Recurrence in the same place is the key. Treating each flare as just a separate boil delays treatment and adds scarring, and the disease is a chronic inflammatory condition, not a result of poor hygiene.
Key numbers
- Recurrence in the same place — The diagnostic key
- Scars and tunnels under the skin — Signs of progression
- Chronic inflammatory — Nature of the disease
When should I suspect hidradenitis suppurativa?
- Deep, painful lumps that keep coming back.
- Discharge from several openings.
- Scars or tunnels under the skin.
- Repeated involvement of the armpit, groin or friction areas.
Why does early diagnosis matter?
Repeated inflammation can lead to structural scarring that is hard to reverse. Treating each abscess on its own without recognizing the pattern can delay the treatment that calms activity and prevents progression.
What does treatment involve?
The plan depends on severity: suitable skin care, topical or systemic treatments, hormonal treatment in some cases, biologic treatments for moderate to severe disease, and surgical procedures when needed.
- Reduce friction and irritation.
- Stopping smoking, if relevant, can matter for the course of the disease.
- Weight and metabolic factors may be part of the plan for some patients.
- Do not squeeze the lumps deeply or try to open them at home.
Key takeaways
- Abscesses that keep coming back in the same place deserve an assessment for hidradenitis suppurativa.
- Early diagnosis reduces cumulative damage and scarring.
- Repeated antibiotics are not a long-term plan without assessing disease severity.
Hidradenitis Suppurativa (HS): More Than Recurring Boils