It doesn’t itch at all. It’s that the nodules are so deep and painful that they burst internally and externally and it’s the only way that pressure is relieved so it’s a vicious cycle. I an I am manipulate it and massage it until relief to the point of it being very an unhealthy cycle/fixation, but I can’t stop because of the pain.
April 25
That's a really understandable concern — itching with HS is incredibly common and can make it so hard to resist scratching, even when you know it might make things worse.
Research shows that between 62% and 75% of people with HS experience itchiness. It tends to be worst in areas like the armpits, groin, and thighs. One Show Full Answer
That's a really understandable concern — itching with HS is incredibly common and can make it so hard to resist scratching, even when you know it might make things worse.
Research shows that between 62% and 75% of people with HS experience itchiness. It tends to be worst in areas like the armpits, groin, and thighs. One myHSteam member described the struggle perfectly: accidentally scratching a lesion and immediately regretting it when the pain hits. It's a tough cycle to break.
The itching is thought to be linked to a few things:
- Histamine release from cells in and around nodules and abscesses
- Nerve irritation caused by scar tissue
- Dry skin around affected areas
Because the search results here are specific to HS-related itching, it's best to speak directly with your dermatologist about any additional concerns. They can help figure out what's driving your specific symptoms and suggest a plan that addresses everything together.
April 25