What are some symptoms that come with HS?
HS causes a range of physical symptoms that primarily affect areas where skin rubs together. The most common symptoms include:
* Painful lumps or nodules under the skin
* Blackheads (often appearing in pairs)
* Tender bumps or lesions that may grow larger
* Hard, pea-sized lumps Show Full Answer
What are some symptoms that come with HS?
HS causes a range of physical symptoms that primarily affect areas where skin rubs together. The most common symptoms include:
* Painful lumps or nodules under the skin
* Blackheads (often appearing in pairs)
* Tender bumps or lesions that may grow larger
* Hard, pea-sized lumps that can persist for months
* Abscesses filled with pus
* Sores or cysts that may leak fluid with a strong odor
* Tunnels under the skin (sinus tracts) that connect lesions
* Thick, painful scar tissue
* Itching, burning, or tenderness in affected areas
* Profuse sweating
These symptoms most commonly appear in the armpits, groin, genital areas, breasts, and buttocks. The bumps may rupture, heal, and then return in cycles. Beyond the visible skin symptoms, HS can cause several other effects:
* Restricted movement, especially when lesions are in the thighs or armpits
* Fatigue
* Fever-like sensations before lesions develop
* Headaches
* Pain that can be constant or severe
Some people also experience flu-like symptoms when infections develop, including fever, chills, and nausea. HS also significantly impacts mental health. Common psychological symptoms include:
* Depression
* Anxiety
* Feeling embarrassed or ashamed
* Social isolation
* Low self-worth
* Lack of motivation
* Irritability
* Hopelessness
* Fear of social stigmatization
As one myHSteam member shared, "I'm having several flare-ups today, and I'm just extremely depressed." These emotional symptoms are just as important to address as the physical ones.
January 13
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