Does Hidradenitis Suppurativa Start After or Before Puberty?

Hidradenitis Suppurativa (HS) is unique autoimmune condition that causes chronic inflammation and infection of the skin. Starting with small to medium to large lumps that forms under the skin, also known as boils or abscesses. Experiences with HS are case by case, each individual journey with HS is not the same. Yet, puberty can definitely be a determining factor for HS, starting before, during, or after the hormonal changes of the body. For others, HS develops during their adult life.

Puberty is definitely a stage in life that everyone experiences, a time where you are changing physically and emotionally, developing growth to enter your teenage years. While experiencing new hormones, physical, voice, and social changes a flareup can appear. If it does happen, HS can appear as a single boil or several. I will advise do not squeeze it, use warm water cloth over the area several times a day, this method will help bring the flareup to head for drainage of the infection (pus). Also, flareups may reoccur, repeat the warm water cloth method again to bring the flareup to head for drainage.

Now flareups are often painful, and at some point, they can develop as tunnels under the skin. Be patient in managing the condition, and to assess if you have HS, please discuss your symptoms with your medical provider and/or dermatologist, especially if the flareups return.