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By Mayo Clinic staffHidradenitis suppurativa often causes complications when the disease is persistent and severe. These complications include:
- Sinus tracts or tunnels that connect and form a network under the skin. The tracts prevent the sores from healing and cause more sores to develop.
- Scars and skin changes. Severe hidradenitis suppurativa may leave thick, raised scars, pitted skin or patches of skin that are darker than normal (hyperpigmentation).
- Restricted movement. The disease may cause limited or painful movement, especially when it affects the armpits or thighs.
- Cellulitis. This potentially serious bacterial infection appears as an area of swollen, red skin that feels hot and tender and that may spread rapidly. Although the initial infection may be superficial, it eventually can affect the tissues underlying your skin or spread to your lymph nodes and bloodstream.