Yes, this is actually quite common with HS wounds — and frustrating as it sounds, it's part of how the condition behaves. When a wound is left open to drain, the healing process can be unpredictable. Wounds can close, reopen, drain, and close again multiple times before fully healing.
A myHSteam member described it well Show Full Answer
Yes, this is actually quite common with HS wounds — and frustrating as it sounds, it's part of how the condition behaves. When a wound is left open to drain, the healing process can be unpredictable. Wounds can close, reopen, drain, and close again multiple times before fully healing.
A myHSteam member described it well: "I'm still trying to heal my sores — they open and then close, and open, and drain, and bleed a little." When a wound is intentionally left unstitched, healing can take longer — sometimes a few months. Here are some general tips to support healing in the meantime:
- Keep the wound clean with warm water and mild soap
- Be very gentle — no scrubbing or rubbing
- Apply a protective ointment like Vaseline or Aquaphor to prevent drying
- Use non-stick dressings like Telfa pads
- Keep the bandage secured with surgical or paper tape
Watch for signs of infection, including yellow-green fluid, worsening redness or tenderness, or fever. If any of these appear, contact your care team right away.
June 30
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