Hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) is a chronic skin condition that predominantly affects Black people. Despite this, it can take longer for them to get diagnosed and this can lead to irreversible complications or effects. That’s why it makes sense for you to know the symptoms of HS and when to see a doctor so you can get diagnosed quickly.
5 Signs Of HS On Black Skin
1. Blackheads
The early signs of HS can be blackheads or pimples. These can occur in pairs and pop up in pitted areas of the skin. Doctors also think that the first occurrence of the condition can be caused by clogged pores or hair follicles, which explains why it can be dismissed as acne.
2. Lesions
Over time, you can develop lesions under the skin that may or may not be related to the blackheads that you saw before. These lesions can be painful and leave scarring if not addressed.
3. Tunnels
It’s common for people with HS to develop tunnels under the skin that connect two or more lumps. These tunnels can take a long time to heal and some don’t heal at all. In some cases, the only way to deal with them is surgery. Until then, they can drain blood and pus.
4. Sores
Sometimes, HS bumps become sores and burst. When this happens, they can drain pus and produce a bad smell. While this occurrence isn’t always a sign of infection, it’s best to let your doctor determine the right course of action.
5. Lumps
HS is often characterized by lumps or nodules under the skin. In Black people, these lumps may not have the red appearance that other ethnicities experience.
Instead, you can see purple, dark brown, flesh-colored inflamed areas depending on your skin tone. These lumps are most likely to form in areas where skin rubs together like the armpit, groin, around the anus, and under the breasts.
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The Facts About HS And Black People
Studies show that Black people are at least three times more likely to develop HS than other ethnicities. Unfortunately, they don’t get diagnosed as early as others with the symptoms. This can have a significant impact on their health because research suggests that the pain from inflammation can be worse in Black Americans. Furthermore, when HS isn’t treated quickly, the symptoms get worse and you can end up with irreversible scarring.
While there have been some studies and clinical trials focused on HS, statistics show that the information about how the condition affects Black people is still lacking. This is because the participants in studies and clinical trials are usually