PRESS CONTACT

Hidradenitis Suppurativa (HS) Symptom Check

Could Your Symptoms Be Hidradenitis Suppurativa (HS)?

Painful lumps, recurring abscesses, lesions, or boils under the skin can be frustrating and difficult to talk about. If you’ve been living with these symptoms, especially in areas like the armpits, groin, buttocks, or under the breasts, you could be experiencing a chronic skin condition called hidradenitis suppurativa (HS).

Many  people with skin conditions feel embarrassed or alone, but these symptoms are more common than you might think. You didn’t cause this, and it’s not your fault. The first step is learning more about what’s going on with your skin, and you’re already taking that step.

Here’s how it works:

1
📋
Step 1

Answer a few questions

Tell us about your symptoms and medical history

2
✨
Step 2

Receive your result

Get personalized insights based on your responses

3
🏥
Step 3

Learn about next steps

Discover options to get diagnosed and treated

This tool isn’t a diagnosis — only a healthcare professional can determine whether you have HS or another condition. It’s meant to help you better understand your symptoms and feel more prepared to talk with your doctor by giving you useful information to guide that conversation.

🔒 Private & Secure

Confidential, Free, and No Personal Data Collected

The HS Check-Up is provided free by the Global Healthy Living Foundation (GHLF).

✓ No personal information is collected
✓ Your responses are completely anonymous
✓ You'll receive results instantly

Why Early Diagnosis of HS Matters 

Many people with HS wait years before getting the right diagnosis, but learning to recognize the signs early can be a powerful step forward. The more you understand your symptoms, the sooner you can advocate for yourself, get the care you deserve, and find ways to feel more comfortable in your skin.

Take the Free 2-Minute HS Check-Up
🏥
🩺

What Is Hidradenitis Suppurativa (HS)?

📢 Pronunciation: hi-drad-uh-NIE-tis sup-yoo-ruh-TIE-vuh

Hidradenitis suppurativa, or just "HS," is a debilitating, chronic, complex inflammatory illness that causes painful, boil-like abscesses that can come back again and again.

These abscesses may start as pustules (small, pus-filled bumps/sores) and can appear anywhere hair follicles grow, except on the palms of your hands, soles of your feet, or the darker parts of your lips. The inflamed and painful abscesses may form tunnels (inflamed sinus tracts) that drain fluid and pus. The chronic inflammation from these abscesses typically results in the formation of scars.

NOTE: Medical professionals might use different terms to describe the boil-like abscesses of HS, such as lumps, bumps, lesions, boils, or nodules. For consistency and clarity, this guide will use the term “abscesses.” When discussing your symptoms with your doctor, using specific terms like “painful, boil-like abscesses” can help ensure clear communication and a better understanding of your symptoms.

Where Does HS Occur?

HS can appear anywhere on the body where there is a hair follicle. HS abscesses most frequently appear in regions where skin friction occurs.

Scalp & Neck
Armpits
Armpits
Under Breasts
Groin Area
Inner Thighs
Inner Thighs
Behind Knees
Behind Knees

Common HS Locations

1 Armpits (underarms)
2 Groin area
3 Buttocks
4 Under the breasts
5 Inner thighs
6 Around the genitals
7 Neck
8 Scalp
9 Behind the knees
10 Other areas where skin rubs together and hair grows
💡 Hover over the highlighted areas on the body diagram to see specific locations

Signs and Symptoms: What You Need to Know 

Use the buttons below to move through the common signs and symptoms of HS.

Blackheads

Often seen in pairs, these appear as small, pitted areas of skin. They are called DEPs (double-ended pseudocomedones).

Painful Boil-Like Lumps

HS often begins with a single painful, red abscess under the skin that can last weeks or months. More abscesses may form and range from the size of a pea to a golf ball or small orange.

Leaking Bumps or Sores

These pustules may get larger, break open, and drain fluid or pus. They may itch and can have an unpleasant odor.

Tunnels (Sinus Tracts)

Over time, tunnels may form under the skin, connecting abscesses. These heal very slowly—if at all—and can lead to scarring.

Who Gets HS?

This can't be overstated: HS can affect anyone, anywhere, at any time. While some research has identified patterns, the reality is that this condition doesn't discriminate by gender, race, or background.

Common Misconceptions Can Delay Care

Unfortunately, misconceptions can prevent people from seeking treatment or getting a proper diagnosis. For example, it's sometimes labeled as a "women's disease," leading men to believe they are less likely to have HS and delaying their care. Similarly, some individuals are told HS only affects certain racial or ethnic groups, discouraging others from seeking help. These ideas are not only inaccurate but can also be harmful.

Certain factors may make someone more likely to develop HS, such as having a family history of the condition, smoking, or carrying extra weight. However, these factors don't directly cause HS and don't determine who can or cannot develop it — HS can affect anyone.

👥

Any Gender

HS affects people of all genders, not just women

🌍

Any Background

HS occurs across all races and ethnic groups

⏰

Any Time

HS can develop at different stages of life

The Bottom Line

If you have symptoms of HS — regardless of your background — it's important to see a doctor. For example, if you've had two or more painful, boil-like abscesses in the past six months, it could be a sign of HS.

A Patient’s Guide to Living with
Hidradenitis Suppurativa in Australia

Learn more about hidradenitis suppurativa (HS), take charge of your care and discover support and hope along the way with our FREE, downloadable guide.

Hidradenitis Suppurativa in Australia

This resource was made possible by support from UCB and Novartis.

Back To Top