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Real members of myHSteam have posted questions and answers that support our community guidelines, and should not be taken as medical advice. Looking for the latest medically reviewed content by doctors and experts? Visit our resource section.
A myHSteam Member asked a question 💭
Ohio, OH

I'm in stage 3 HS I was diagnosed with it back in my 30's. Every time I get just 1 boil I get a fever and flu like symptoms. I've learned over time my HS is from genetics. So not much can really be done, I'm not a candidate for sweat glands to be removed because of mine being genetic. But, does this happen to anyone else? Even when there just 1 random boil?

December 1, 2025
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A myHSteam Member

I think that is a sign of a more serious infection. I would have a conversation with my dermatologist about any fevers I have with the condition as you don't want it to run into septis.

December 5, 2025
A myHSteam Member

Mine is genetics too, my Dad and his mother both had it in their groin, and it's the only place I've had it. I used to feel tender where my lymph node is at the top of my legs, but never had any of those symptoms. Most of my life I have bandaged and tried to ignore what's going on, and I think it's helped with the pain!

December 4, 2025
myHSteam

Do you experience flu-like symptoms and fever even with just one boil?

Yes, this happens to others with HS. Flu-like symptoms such as fever, fatigue, nausea, muscle aches, and headaches can occur right before or after a flare-up, even with just one lesion. These are called prodromal symptoms.

Research shows that before Show Full Answer

Do you experience flu-like symptoms and fever even with just one boil?

Yes, this happens to others with HS. Flu-like symptoms such as fever, fatigue, nausea, muscle aches, and headaches can occur right before or after a flare-up, even with just one lesion. These are called prodromal symptoms.

Research shows that before developing an HS lesion, people reported experiencing:
* Fatigue (32 percent)
* Headache (11 percent)
* Nausea (2 percent)

Not everyone experiences these symptoms, but you're definitely not alone in this. A myHSteam member shared: "I can wake up in the morning with my skin itching and burning and, within two hours, I have a new cluster of boils."

Some members describe feeling tingling or itching before a boil appears, followed by these flu-like symptoms. The severity can vary, but even a single boil can trigger systemic symptoms in some people.

If your symptoms are severe or interfere with daily life, it's worth discussing with your dermatologist. They may be able to adjust your treatment plan to help manage not just the boils but also these accompanying symptoms.

December 1, 2025

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