Boils are a common issue for people with the skin disease hidradenitis suppurativa (HS), also known as acne inversa. Boils happen when hair follicles become infected. They usually start as small, tender bumps but can grow to be the size of a golf ball. Boils fill with pus and dead cells, eventually draining, oozing, and crusting over. Sometimes, the skin around a boil is also affected.

Members of myHSteam have shared their experiences with peeling skin near boils. One member asked, “Has anyone ever had any HS spots where the skin peels off?”

A member responded, “Yes. It happens. The skin peels one layer at a time, and when healing and drying, some skin will peel as well.” Another member added, “Yes, me too. Eventually, it just turns into a scar after the peeling.”

The skin around boils may become irritated, discolored, and itchy. While skin peeling isn’t unusual, it can be a sign of healing. Here’s what you should know.

Why Does the Skin Near Boils Peel?

Skin peeling often occurs as part of healing from damage. However, it can also be a side effect of medication or a symptom of HS. Only your healthcare provider can determine the exact cause of your peeling skin.

When skin peels, it sheds its outer layer. This peeling may be flaky and accompanied by itching and irritation. Staph infections are one of the most common causes of boils. This type of bacterial infection may also cause skin peeling. Your doctor can test for a staph infection and prescribe antibiotics if needed.

How Skin Peeling Affects People With HS

Members of myHSteam have described their experiences with peeling skin. Some say it’s itchy and painful.

One member shared, “Keeping paper towels under the roll of my stomach and under my left breast has helped so much, along with forcing myself not to scratch. My abscesses are dry and flaky, not open, but sometimes they smell like rotten flesh. I have been working out for 15 days now, hoping the weight will come off and my flare-ups will slow down.”

Another member wrote, “The peeling boils tend to hurt way worse than any others.”

Others have experienced flaky skin as a part of HS, even without boils. One member explained, “I was at the doctor last week. What I thought was just dry skin on my scalp turned out to be more hidradenitis. I’m so itchy all the time and flaky, like psoriasis. Not fun.”

Peeling skin can significantly impact your quality of life, especially when pain is involved. In addition to treating dry skin and infections, your dermatologist can discuss pain management options for peeling around lesions and nodules.

Connecting with a support group that understands HS can also be incredibly helpful. It’s common to wonder if what you’re experiencing is a typical HS symptom. After all, even scientists are still learning about this skin disease, and everyone’s skin is different. Hearing others share similar challenges can provide peace of mind and help you feel less alone as you navigate your symptoms.

Potential Complications and Concerns

While peeling skin is often less concerning than the boil itself, it can lead to complications. If the skin is peeling because it’s dry and itchy, you might feel the urge to scratch. Scratching near a boil can cause it to rupture, exposing the area to bacteria from your hands and nails. This can worsen the skin infection and lead to complications that can include an infection that spreads to the blood or vital organs and permanent scars.

If you feel the urge to scratch, try covering the boil to avoid accidentally puncturing it. Applying a warm compress can help the boil drain and begin to heal.

Unfortunately, boils don’t always drain on their own. Severe cases may require surgery. If a boil is particularly painful or you develop a fever, contact your healthcare provider for medical treatment. Boils on your spine or face should be looked at by a healthcare professional right away. Always seek medical attention for boils that last longer than a week or keep coming back.

Some members of myHSteam have shared difficulties finding a dermatologist who listens to their concerns. One member wrote, “Has anyone else run into a problem with their dermatologist where they brush them off or don’t believe they have HS? I’ve finally decided to get help, and I’ve been to the doctor six times. Flare-ups continue. I was finally put on spironolactone, and it has helped, but I’m still getting boils. My doctor seemed frustrated with me the last time I went with a draining boil. What should I do? It’s hard not to feel hopeless.”

Another member offered encouragement: “This is a condition that can take a long time to get properly diagnosed,” they explained. “You’ve got to get to a doctor who is going to listen. Don’t give up. Use an antimicrobial wash, clean the areas very gently with just your hands every day, and don’t scrub. Hang in there — you’re not alone.”

How To Manage Skin Peeling and Boils

For people with hidradenitis suppurativa, peeling skin requires careful handling. Peeling skin is made of dead cells. While you may be tempted to exfoliate or scrub it, this can irritate the skin further. Instead, use gentle skin care products, and keep the affected area clean and moisturized.

Drink plenty of water to keep your skin hydrated, and use a humidifier if your home is dry. In addition, be careful to protect peeling skin against sunburns. Take warm (not hot) showers to avoid drying out your skin.

If you’re concerned about a boil or the surrounding skin, call your dermatologist. They can review your treatment options. Over-the-counter topical antibacterial products may not be enough to treat a boil. Instead, you may need a personalized treatment plan, such as taking oral antibiotics or having the boil drained by a healthcare provider.

Talk With Others Who Understand

On myHSteam, the social network for people with hidradenitis suppurativa and their loved ones, more than 46,000 members come together to ask questions, give advice, and share their stories with others who understand life with this challenging skin condition.

Is skin peeling around boils a common problem for you? How does this symptom affect your quality of life? Share your experience in the comments below, or start a conversation by posting on your Activities page.