How can illness trigger HS flare-ups, and what can help manage them?
I'm sorry you're going through this. It sounds incredibly difficult, especially dealing with flares in such sensitive areas.
When you experience an illness, your immune system responds by producing extra inflammation to fight it off. For someone with HS Show Full Answer
How can illness trigger HS flare-ups, and what can help manage them?
I'm sorry you're going through this. It sounds incredibly difficult, especially dealing with flares in such sensitive areas.
When you experience an illness, your immune system responds by producing extra inflammation to fight it off. For someone with HS, this increased inflammation can spread to the skin, potentially triggering new nodules, abscesses, or lesions. This is why you may have noticed flares appearing after your recent illness.
The groin and armpit areas are particularly challenging because:
- Skin rubs against skin or clothing, making movement painful
- Heat and sweating in these areas can worsen symptoms
- Daily activities like walking, sitting, or lifting your arms become uncomfortable
Here are some things that may help:
Managing current flares:
- Contact your dermatologist as soon as possible about these new flares
- Watch for early warning signs like itching or tingling, which can signal a flare is starting
- Keep the affected areas clean and dry when possible
Reducing future triggers:
- Avoid excess heat and friction in affected areas
- Manage stress, as both physical and emotional stress can trigger flares
- Be cautious with scented products, especially deodorants in the armpit area
The pain and disruption to daily life is real, and it's important to get support for both the physical and emotional impact. Please reach out to your healthcare provider to discuss a treatment plan that addresses your symptoms.
February 6
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