A rare condition where sweat is trapped in the deeper layers of the skin, causing inflammation.
: The area often feels tender, sore, or itchy due to built-up pressure under the skin. blocked underarm sweat glands
The progression of HS is categorized into three stages (Hurley Stages). In Stage I, a patient might experience a single, painful lump that comes and goes, often mistaken for a boil or an ingrown hair. By Stage II, recurrent abscesses form, with sinus tracts beginning to develop. In Stage III, the most severe form, the entire underarm can become a network of interconnected, draining wounds and thick, immobile scars. Movement of the arm becomes excruciatingly painful. The skin loses its elasticity, and the constant drainage leads to chronic maceration (breakdown) of the surrounding tissue. At this stage, the simple act of putting on a shirt, hugging a loved one, or raising a hand to wave goodbye becomes an act of deliberate, painful planning. A rare condition where sweat is trapped in