There's no need to stay home to avoid catching infections — HS itself is not contagious, and you can't catch it from others or spread it to them through close contact. That said, HS can sometimes lead to secondary skin infections because open wounds and sinus tracts can become vulnerable. These can include:
- Abscesses Show Full Answer
There's no need to stay home to avoid catching infections — HS itself is not contagious, and you can't catch it from others or spread it to them through close contact. That said, HS can sometimes lead to secondary skin infections because open wounds and sinus tracts can become vulnerable. These can include:
- Abscesses (pockets of pus)
- Cellulitis (bacterial skin infections)
- Carbuncles or furuncles (hair follicle infections)
These secondary infections can sometimes be contagious, so good wound care is important. Rather than staying home, focusing on proper wound care and monitoring your lesions is a more practical approach. Watch for warning signs like fever, red or purple skin, warmth, pus, or streaks spreading from a lesion — these may signal an infection that needs prompt medical attention.
When in doubt, reaching out to your dermatologist or primary care doctor is always a smart move.
October 19
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