A boil that lasts for weeks, keeps draining, or comes back to the same spot may be more than an ordinary boil. One possible cause is hidradenitis suppurativa (HS), a chronic inflammatory skin condition that causes painful, recurring lumps.

Here’s what could be keeping your boil from healing, how to recognize signs of HS, and when to see a healthcare professional.

What Is a Boil?

A boil, also called a furuncle, is a painful, pus-filled lump that forms when bacteria, usually Staphylococcus aureus (staph), infect a hair follicle. It typically starts as a tender, red or purple bump that grows larger, becomes swollen, and may develop a white or yellow pus-filled center.

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Boils can form anywhere hair grows, particularly on the face, neck, armpits, thighs, and buttocks. Most heal within two to three weeks, often after draining.

How HS Differs From a Typical Boil

The difference between HS and a boil often comes down to whether the lump heals and stays healed.

A typical boil is usually caused by a bacterial infection and heals as the skin clears. HS, on the other hand, is a chronic inflammatory skin condition that causes recurring boil-like lumps. The lumps may drain pus, but that doesn’t mean the HS lesion is infected.

The location of these lumps, how often they return, and whether they heal completely can offer clues that HS may be the cause.

Recurrence and Location

Repeated HS flare-ups can damage the skin over time. Areas that once healed normally may become thick, tender, or scarred. In some cases, scarring can make it harder to move your arms or legs comfortably.

One myHSteam member shared, “I used to worry about the pain. Now I worry about whether I’ll ever be able to lift my arm without it hurting.”

If boils keep affecting your daily activities, treating each one separately may not be enough. HS treatment aims to reduce future flare-ups and skin damage.

Drainage, Tunnels, and Scarring

With a typical boil, drainage often brings relief as the infection clears. With HS, tunnels can form beneath the skin, allowing fluid to leak from several openings. These wounds can be hard to heal and may form a secondary infection.

As one myHSteam member described it, “I have an open wound in my armpit. It’s been like this for more than three weeks now.”

Another added: “I thought once it bursts, I’d finally get some relief. Instead, I’m changing dressings every day, afraid it’ll leak through my clothes.”

If HS is causing your boil, repeatedly draining it may provide temporary relief without treating the underlying problem.

How Hidradenitis Suppurativa Is Diagnosed

There’s no single blood test for HS. A dermatologist usually diagnoses it by examining your skin, noting where the lumps appear, and learning how often they come back.

Because HS can look like other skin problems, it may take years to get the right diagnosis. In fact, a recent review of 32 studies found that people waited about seven years, on average, for an HS diagnosis.

You can help your doctor spot the pattern. Before your appointment, gather these details:

• When it started — How long you’ve had the lumps and how often they come back
• Where they appear — Whether they keep showing up in the same spots or different areas
• What happens to them — Whether they burst, drain, reopen, or leave scars
• Photos of past flare-ups — Especially if your skin looks better by the time of your appointment
• Treatments you’ve tried — Antibiotics, creams, drainage procedures, and whether they helped
• Family history — Whether relatives have HS or similar recurring skin lumps

Your dermatologist will also check for signs of HS, including deep lumps, scars, and tunnels beneath the skin. If they suspect an infection, they may take a sample of drainage for testing.

What You Can Do While Waiting To See a Doctor

If you have a painful, boil-like lump, a few gentle skin care measures may help reduce discomfort while you arrange an appointment.

You can try:

• Applying a warm compress — Hold a clean, comfortably warm washcloth against the affected area for about 10 minutes at a time.
• Avoiding squeezing or popping the lump — This can worsen irritation, damage your skin, or spread an infection.
• Wearing loose-fitting clothing — Reducing friction may make sensitive areas more comfortable.
• Keeping draining sores covered — A clean, nonstick dressing can absorb fluid and protect the surrounding skin.
• Cleaning the area gently — Avoid harsh scrubbing or picking at the affected skin.

While a boil that won’t heal or keeps coming back doesn’t necessarily mean you have HS, it’s worth finding out what’s causing it. Identifying the cause early on can help you get the right treatment and reduce the risk of lasting skin damage.