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Real members of myHSteam have posted questions and answers that support our community guidelines, and should not be taken as medical advice. Looking for the latest medically reviewed content by doctors and experts? Visit our resource section.

Does it spread after u popped one?

A myHSteam Subscriber asked a question 💭
October 18
 · 
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Hidradenitis Suppurativa Under the Arms: Pictures and Treatment Read Article...
A myHSteam Member

It can.
If you try to pop a bump that has not come to a head, it can spread germs UNDERNEATH the skin, and cause more inflammation.
Google "carbuncle".

If you pop a bump outside of the skin that has a secondary infection, the germs can spread ONTO the surrounding skin.

It is possible to squeeze a bump, and only get part of it out.
You could actually spread the germs/inflammation/infection both inside and outside of the skin.

You will hear a lot of people using antiseptic on their skin.
Also antiseptic washes like Hibiclens.
Benzoyl peroxide is supposed to help get under/into the skin.
I believe that witch hazel is not so irritating as 91% rubbing alcohol.

Aloe vera or a "drawing salve" can help to bring the material to the surface of the skin without pushing or digging into the skin.

Disclaimer: Not medical advice

October 21 (edited)
A myHSteam Member

This helped with inflamation while I was waiting on humira to work;

Kenalog is a prescription corticosteroid (containing triamcinolone acetonide) used to lower swelling, pain

My dermatologist gave them to me.

October 18
myHSteam

Yes, popping or squeezing an HS lesion can absolutely make things worse — and spreading is a real concern. When you pop a cyst, the infection can move to surrounding skin tissue, potentially causing new lesions to form nearby.

Here's what can happen when you pop an HS lesion:

- The cyst can get pushed deeper into the skin Show Full Answer

Yes, popping or squeezing an HS lesion can absolutely make things worse — and spreading is a real concern. When you pop a cyst, the infection can move to surrounding skin tissue, potentially causing new lesions to form nearby.

Here's what can happen when you pop an HS lesion:

- The cyst can get pushed deeper into the skin, increasing inflammation
- Infection can spread to other areas of skin
- Permanent scarring or skin discoloration can occur
- The affected area can become significantly larger and harder

A myHSteam member shared this firsthand: "I squeezed a boil, and now all of a sudden, it got huge and hard." Instead of popping, keeping the area clean with a gentle, dermatologist-approved cleanser and covering it with a breathable bandage is a safer approach. Avoid harsh scrubbing or picking at the lesion.

If your symptoms are worsening, spreading, or becoming more frequent, it's a good sign to reach out to your dermatologist sooner rather than later. They have safe, effective procedures to help manage lesions without the risks that come with doing it yourself.

October 18

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