HS often manifests itself in the sweatiest, most sensitive, and most friction-prone body.
Despite what Instagram filters and photos tell us, no one has perfectly smooth skin all over their body. We are all prone to ingrown hairs, spots, ingrown hairs or ingrown hairs. These issues usually go away after the blocked follicle, blocked pore or minor skin blemishes are removed.
But hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) is different. HS is a chronic, progressive skin condition that typically appears as blister-like bumps on some of the most sensitive areas (and beyond).
HS lumps or bumps can form interconnected threads under the skin that can become inflamed and infected, causing discomfort and pain. Although infections are often a part of HS, the disease itself is not an infection – it is caused by an ongoing inflammatory response in the body.
In addition to causing pain and discomfort, HS can be very debilitating and affect you self-esteem. Correct and early detection of HS is important to receive optimal care, relieve symptoms, slow the progression of the disease, and improve your mental health.
While we don’t know what causes HS, genetic, environmental, and hormonal factors may play a role. Areas of skin prone to HS include those where we sweat frequently and where friction is most common. Irritation can occur from skin-to-skin rubbing or where clothing may be torn or rubbed.
Here are seven areas of the body most commonly affected by HS.
we under the armpit lined with hair follicles and apocrine glands (sweat glands). With HS, these follicles and glands can become blocked and bacteria can begin to grow, leading to inflamed HS boils.
If you’ve ever gone for a run and come back with terrible armpit pain, you know how prone this area of the body can be to skin chafing or excessive clothing chafing. (Looking at you, sports bra!) Compromise and chafing can also cause HS flares.
The problem is that some people shave or wax their arms, and many people apply antiperspirants or deodorants to the area. These factors can also clog or irritate sweat glands and hair follicles.
In breastsincluding under and even in the areolas (the area around the nipple), are common places for HS to develop.
The chest area is a frequent spot for bras or other clothing to leak. This irritation not only causes skin irritation, but it can trap sweat and bacteria on the skin. Areolas contain apocrine glands and hair follicles that can easily become infected. All of these factors can contribute to HS flares.
Research also points to that sex hormones Plays a role in HS, so hormone changes or imbalances can also make breast tissue more prone to HS damage. However, more research is needed on the relationship between HS and hormones.
No one can deny that when life gets steamy from weather, exercise, or both, the cage becomes a sweaty field. It is also a common area that wears clothes just from walking and daily activities.
As in other HS-prone areas, the jewelry and genital areas contain apocrine glands and hair follicles, all of which can become blocked as part of HS and cause inflammation. Speaking of hair down there, many people tend to over-groom their pubic area, which can also lead to clogged hair follicles.
Again, hormonal changes or imbalances may play a role in why these sensitive areas can become hot spots for HS.
All bone region also predisposes to HS in many people. Commonly affected areas include the anus, groin and gluteal folds – or the spot where the buttocks meet the back of the upper thighs.
Apocrine glands and hair follicles are also abundant here. Sweat and other sources of bacteria can also lead to HS infections. Dogs also experience stress from sitting, which can lead to further irritation.
Although more research is needed, some studies show a link between the two HS and Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD). IBD is an umbrella term for conditions such as Crohn’s and ulcerative colitis. The possible links between HS and IBD may play a role in why the tailbone area is a common site for HS.
HS tends to appear in some of the most sensitive areas of the body, including the armpits, breasts, groin, and groin. These areas are prone to sweat, friction, and irritation from hair removal—all of which can contribute to HS flare-ups.
If you suspect you have HS, talk to a qualified dermatologist who can give you a proper diagnosis and help you develop a treatment plan and the right care to control irritation and flare-ups so you can feel comfortable in your own skin.
