Your doctors are right — HS itself is not contagious. The boil-like lumps from HS are caused by inflammation, not bacteria, so there's no way to pass HS to someone else through shared spaces or contact.
However, not all boils are HS-related. Some boils are caused by staph bacteria, which *can* spread through shared surfaces Show Full Answer
Your doctors are right — HS itself is not contagious. The boil-like lumps from HS are caused by inflammation, not bacteria, so there's no way to pass HS to someone else through shared spaces or contact.
However, not all boils are HS-related. Some boils are caused by staph bacteria, which *can* spread through shared surfaces, towels, or personal items — including bathrooms. So what's likely happening with your housemates is that they may be dealing with a separate, bacteria-caused boil — not HS. A shared bathroom can be a hotspot for staph bacteria to spread.
Some steps that can help reduce bacterial spread in shared spaces include:
- Washing towels, washcloths, and bedding regularly in hot water
- Using antiseptic cleaners in the bathroom
- Avoiding sharing personal items like razors or towels
- Washing hands thoroughly, especially after touching any open wounds
It's worth mentioning to your housemates that they should see a doctor if their boils keep coming back or get worse.
6 days ago
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