Hidradenitis suppurativa, also known as Acne inversa, is a skin condition that causes painful lumps deep in your skin. They look like pimples and acne cysts, but are not. They are often filled with pus and may get larger, break open, and drain.
Commonly affected areas are where the skin rubs together, such as the armpits, groin, and anal area.
Your health care provider needed to make a cut (incision) into the abscess to drain the pus. If the abscess is large, the provider may have put gauze packing into it. The packing will need to be removed and possibly replaced on your next visit. Always follow wound care instructions from your provider. It will take 1 to 2 weeks for the wound to heal. This depends on how large the abscess is.
You may be given antibiotics to help treat infection. If your condition is severe, you may need to have the sweat gland removed.
Home care
Follow these tips or other instructions given by your provider when caring for yourself at home:
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The wound may drain for the first 2 days. Cover it with a clean, dry bandage. If the dressing becomes soaked with blood or pus, change it.
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Make a warm compress by running hot water over a washcloth. To prevent spreading bacteria, use a new, clean washcloth each time. Put it on the sore area for 10 minutes. You can heat the washcloth under hot water again if it cools off. As an alternative, you can stand in the shower and direct the warm spray onto the area. After each treatment, replace any dressing that had been on it.
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If a gauze packing was put inside the abscess cavity, follow the instructions from your provider. You may be told to remove it yourself. You can do this in the shower. Once the packing is removed, you should wash the area carefully in the shower once a day. Do this until the skin opening has closed. Use antibacterial soap. You can buy this soap at pharmacies and larger grocery stores.
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If you were prescribed antibiotics, take them as directed by your provider until they are gone.
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You may use over-the-counter medicine for pain relief and swelling, unless another pain medicine was prescribed. Note: If you have chronic kidney or liver disease, talk with your provider before using this medicine. Also, talk with your provider if you’ve had a stomach ulcer or gastrointestinal bleeding.
Prevention tips
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Use mild antiperspirants and deodorants that do not contain alcohol, baking soda parabens, dyes, or fragrance to prevent irritation.
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Stay out of the heat as much as possible.
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When shaving the affected area, prevent nicks and cuts. Waxing is not recommended.
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If you smoke, quit.
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Get to a weight that's healthy for you.
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Wear loose clothing. Don't wear tight synthetic clothing.
Follow-up care
Follow up with your provider as advised. If a gauze packing was put in your wound, remove it in 1 to 2 days, or as directed by your provider. Check your wound every day for the signs listed below.
When to contact your doctor
Contact your provider or get medical care right away if:
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You have a fever of 100.4°F (38°C) or higher, or as advised by your provider.
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Your pain gets worse.
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Pus continues to drain from the wound for more than 2 days after treatment.
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Redness or swelling gets worse.
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Red tracks in the skin appear around the wound.
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Online Medical Reviewer: Jessica Gotwals BSN MPH
Online Medical Reviewer: Michael Lehrer MD
Online Medical Reviewer: Ronald Karlin MD
Date Last Reviewed: 02/01/2025
© 2000-2026 The StayWell Company, LLC. All rights reserved. This information is not intended as a substitute for professional medical care. Always follow your healthcare professional's instructions.
