It's really common to feel uncertain about an HS diagnosis, especially when an abscess doesn't respond to typical treatments. Many people go years being told they have recurring infections before HS is properly identified — research shows it can take around 10 years from first symptoms to a correct diagnosis.
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It's really common to feel uncertain about an HS diagnosis, especially when an abscess doesn't respond to typical treatments. Many people go years being told they have recurring infections before HS is properly identified — research shows it can take around 10 years from first symptoms to a correct diagnosis.
One key reason for this confusion is that HS looks a lot like a bacterial infection. However, HS is actually driven by inflammation, not bacteria — meaning antibiotics alone often won't fully resolve it. A buttock abscess that keeps returning or doesn't respond to antibiotics or drainage could be a sign of HS. Some things that point toward HS include:
- Abscesses recurring in the same spot
- Symptoms happening at least twice within six months
- Lesions in skin-fold areas like the groin or buttocks
- No lasting improvement with standard infection treatments
Seeing a dermatologist is really important here. They can properly evaluate whether this is HS and recommend a treatment plan beyond just antibiotics or drainage, such as steroid injections or other targeted therapies.
June 23
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