Yes, HS flares can appear to move around or alternate between different areas, but they aren't actually traveling across your skin. What's really happening is that new flares are starting up in nearby or different hair follicle-rich areas.
HS tends to affect zones where skin rubs together, sweats, or has lots of hair Show Full Answer
Yes, HS flares can appear to move around or alternate between different areas, but they aren't actually traveling across your skin. What's really happening is that new flares are starting up in nearby or different hair follicle-rich areas.
HS tends to affect zones where skin rubs together, sweats, or has lots of hair follicles — like the armpits, groin, buttocks, and under the breasts. These areas share similar skin conditions, which makes them all vulnerable. Here are a few reasons flares can seem to shift between areas:
- New follicle flares — When one spot calms down, a new nodule can pop up nearby or in a completely different HS-prone zone
- Spreading inflammation — During a flare, inflammation can affect surrounding tissue, making it feel like it has shifted
- Recurring patterns — HS often returns to the same general regions repeatedly
- Sinus tracts — In more advanced HS, tunnels under the skin can connect areas, so swelling may appear at a different spot than where it started
It's worth tracking your flare patterns and sharing them with your dermatologist, as this can help identify personal triggers and guide your treatment plan.
May 24
Continue with Facebook
Continue with Email
Join
Your Privacy Choices
