HS FAQs
- Under the breasts
- Genital area
- Perianal area
- Underarms
- Thighs
However, HS has been known to affect almost any part of the body. HS is also associated with other conditions like diabetes and Crohn’s disease. Understanding HS can be confusing. Here we have compiled a list of frequently asked questions and their answers.
General Queries
Is HS contagious?
What are the lumps called?
- Boils
- Abscesses
- Nodules
- Cysts
Not all flares look or feel the same. So, some will use these terms interchangeably. While others are referring to different types of lesion.
Will my HS get worse over time?
How often will I get a flare-up?
Is fatigue a symptom of HS?
What is a sinus tract?
Causes of HS
Is HS caused by smoking?
Does obesity cause HS?
Is HS caused by something I did?
Does a poor diet cause HS?
But does diet affect HS?
- Dairy
- Brewer’s yeast
- Sugar
However, triggers are very personal. So, what triggers you may not trigger someone else. For most people, it is trial and error when finding out the effect of diet.
Is HS Genetic?
Management of HS
Can I exercise or play sports?
Is there specific clothing I should wear?
Can I shave/wax if I have HS?
How do I prevent a flare-up?
Diagnosis
Can HS be tested for with a blood test?
What is the difference between HS and a skin boil?
Is it like acne?
IS HS associated with other diseases?
- Diabetes type 2
- Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome
- Metabolic Syndrome
- Inflammatory Bowel Disease
- Cardiovascular disease
This does not mean that if you have HS, you will also have these conditions. But it does mean your doctor will consider you at risk. This is because a greater number of people with HS also have these conditions than people who don’t.