HS 101: Symptoms And Triggers Of This Often Misdiagnosed Skin Condition

There’s nothing more alarming than finding out your skin has a case of mistaken identity. You go years convinced you have horrible acne, when in reality, you have a chronic skin condition that easily poses as what most people — and even doctors — dismiss as “bad” skin.

But that’s how hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) operates — and we think decoding its symptoms can help you manage this long-term skin condition before it gets too out of control. Here’s everything you need to know about HS.

What Is HS, And Why Should You Care?

HS is a chronic inflammatory skin condition characterized by nodules, abscesses, and, in severe cases, sinus tracts (inflamed tunnels) under the skin. Dr. Divya Shokeen, MD, a board-certified dermatologist, says, “HS most commonly begins between ages 18 to 25, corresponding directly with college years, when hormonal fluctuations are at their peak and stress, a known trigger, is high.”

Because HS begins with painful lumps under the skin that can become red and drain pus, it often masquerades as acne...