4. Lumps
Patients who are dealing with the effects of hidradenitis suppurativa notice a single, small, painful lump appear on the underside of the skin. In most cases, the condition starts with the formation of a single lump, that grows in size over weeks or months. After noticing the first bump, the patient will often experience the onset of multiple lumps that are pea-sized in appearance.
The lumps typically occur in areas where hair follicles form, causing a blockage in his pores. The condition is particularly painful for girls and young women, as many of them will shave their armpits, exacerbating the effects of the condition. As a result, many girls and women decide to refrain from shaving their armpits, as the irritation symptoms increase after shaving.
The bumps steadily gain and size over a few weeks or months, causing changes in the skin color that make the skin look irritated and inflamed. Some patients may confuse the bumps with shaving rash or ingrown hair.