Mosthidradenitis suppurativa(HS) nodules occur in the armpits, groin, buttocks, and breast areas.
However, HS can appear on the face.
HS on the face can be mistaken for several other conditions and sometimes co-occur with them.
towfiqu ahamed / Getty Images
The exact cause of HS is unknown, but several factors make it worse.
If you already have HS, you may be more familiar with how an HS nodule or abscess appears.
HS can be confused with acne because the bumps and boils that form with HS often look like pimples.
However, the two conditions can occur together.
These treatments help slow progression of the disease, reduce inflammation, and prevent or reduce scarring.
Surgery can also restore appearance.
Some scar treatmentsshould notbe used while a person has active HS.
Once a person is in long-term remission, they may consider dermabrasion, microdermabrasion,laser resurfacing, andmicroneedling.
It is normal to feel embarrassed.
HS on the face can also be mistaken for several other conditions that can occur at the same time.
There are a number of factors that make HS worse, although the exact cause is unknown.
Frequently Asked Questions
Hidradenitis suppurativa nodules should not be squeezed.
Popping the bumps can put you at risk of infection.
HS is not a sexually transmitted infection (STI), nor an infectious disease.
HS is a form of acne known as acne inversa.
It is an inflammatory condition that affects the hair follicles.
Soaps with benzoyl peroxide or other antibacterial compounds can help with HS.
Vinkel C, Thomsen SF.Hidradenitis suppurativa: causes, features, and current treatments.J Clin Aesthet Dermatol.
2018;11(10):17-23.
2017;3(4):215-218. doi:10.1159/000477412
National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases.Hidradenitis suppurativa.
Pink A, Anzengruber F, Navarini AA.Acne and hidradenitis suppurativa.Br J Dermatol.
2018;178(3):619-631. doi:10.1111/bjd.16231
MedlinePlus.Hidradenitis suppurativa.
2021;313(2):95-99. doi:10.1007/s00403-020-02065-2
Cedars-Sinai.Epidermoid cyst.
Institute for Quality and Efficiency in Health Care.Boils and carbuncles: overview.
Sun KL, Chang JM.Special types of folliculitis which should be differentiated from acne.Dermatoendocrinol.
2017;9(1):e1356519.
2023;59(4):801. doi:10.3390/medicina59040801
Johns Hopkins Medicine.Scars.
HS Connect.Scarring and scar massage therapy.
Published 2017 Apr 19. doi:10.2147/CCID.S111019
