myHSteam

What you're describing sounds like it could be an HS lesion that has opened up and is draining. The thick, cottage cheese-like material with a strong odor is something others with HS have experienced too. This type of drainage can happen when a cyst or abscess breaks through the skin.

It's really important not to squeeze Show Full Answer

What you're describing sounds like it could be an HS lesion that has opened up and is draining. The thick, cottage cheese-like material with a strong odor is something others with HS have experienced too. This type of drainage can happen when a cyst or abscess breaks through the skin.

It's really important not to squeeze or push the material out yourself, as tempting as it might be. This can:

- Push the infection deeper into the skin
- Cause more scarring
- Increase the risk of spreading bacteria
- Make healing take longer Seeing a dermatologist or healthcare provider as soon as possible is strongly recommended here. They can properly drain and treat the wound safely.

In the meantime, keeping the area clean and loosely bandaged can help manage drainage and odor. A wound care nurse can also be a great resource if bandaging the underarm area feels tricky.

The smell can feel really embarrassing, but you're definitely not alone in dealing with this — it's a known part of HS that many others manage too. 💙

 AI-generated responses are not a substitute for medical advice. These services are not intended to diagnose, treat, or cure any condition or disease. Always ask your doctor about specific health concerns.

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