Are ingrown hairs turning into sores a sign of hidradenitis suppurativa?
It's understandable to wonder if what you're experiencing is just ingrown hairs or something more. While ingrown hairs can become infected and painful, hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) is different and more serious.
Ingrown hairs typically appear as Show Full Answer
Are ingrown hairs turning into sores a sign of hidradenitis suppurativa?
It's understandable to wonder if what you're experiencing is just ingrown hairs or something more. While ingrown hairs can become infected and painful, hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) is different and more serious.
Ingrown hairs typically appear as small bumps that resemble pimples, often with visible hair or pus inside. They usually heal on their own within a few days or weeks.
HS may initially look like ingrown hairs or acne, but the lumps grow much deeper under the skin. They fill with fluid to form painful abscesses that eventually break open and drain. The key difference is that HS causes repeated lumps that return in the same spots and can leave scars.
A myHSteam member shared: "I battled with HS for several years without realizing what it was. I thought I was getting a lot of ingrown hairs. I even resorted to laser hair removal. But when the bumps kept coming back, I saw my doctor, who referred me to a dermatologist, where I was ultimately diagnosed."
If your bumps are painful, keep coming back in the same areas, or leave scars, it's important to see a dermatologist. Early treatment for HS can help prevent worsening symptoms and scarring.
April 10
Join
Your Privacy Choices
