5. Tunneling
The development of tunneling symptoms is one of the more severe symptoms of hidradenitis suppurativa. Over months, the bumps underneath the skin may start to connect. This effect results in the formation of a tunnel. These tunnels often turn dark red or black in appearance, giving the impression of skin necrosis.
If left untreated and unmanaged, these tunnels start to crack and leak pus. The cracks in the tunnels may also present a bad odor, and the patient may start to notice a crust around the edges, causing further symptoms of irritation. In most cases, these tunnels take an extensive amount of time to heal, with some tunnels persisting for months.
The tunneling effect of hidradenitis suppurativa is incredibly painful, and patients may experience sharp pains and severe irritation whenever the folds in the skin rub against one another. The addition of odor coming from the tunnels is also embarrassing, especially for young women in their teenage years. Unfortunately, these individuals cannot use any form of deodorant on the affected area as it may exacerbate the symptoms of pain.