By Chris Sharry on May 16th, 2025 in Disability, Disability Claims, Disability Qualifying
Hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) is an inflammatory disorder of the sweat glands in which apocrine sweat ducts are obstructed or destroyed. Bacterial infection follows duct obstruction. This causes painful boils or nodules, often in areas where skin rubs together like the armpits, groin, or buttocks. These nodules can rupture, leading to abscesses, drainage of pus, and significant scarring.
Hidradenitis suppurativa can affect one or several areas of the body. Signs and symptoms of the condition include:
- Blackheads. Blackheads appear in small, pitted areas of skin, often appearing in pairs.
- Painful pea-sized lumps. The condition usually starts with a single, painful lump under the skin that persists for weeks or months. More bumps may form later, usually in areas where you have more sweat and oil glands or where the skin rubs together, such as the armpits, groin, buttocks and breasts.
- Leaking bumps or sores. Some bumps or sores get bigger, break open and drain pus with an odor.
- Tunnels. Over time, tunnels might form under the skin, connecting the lumps. These wounds heal slowly, if at all, and drain blood and pus.
Treatment: There’s no cure for HS, but treatments can help manage symptoms and prevent flare-ups.
Treatment options:
Medications: Antibiotics (topical or oral), corticosteroid injections, and other medications to reduce inflammation.
Lifestyle changes: Weight loss, stress management, and quitting smoking can help manage HS.
Surgery: In severe cases, surgical removal of affected skin and tissues may be necessary.
Emotional support: Coping with the physical and psychological challenges of HS can be difficult, so seeking support from family, friends, or support groups is important.
Social Security will evaluate you claim under listing 8.09 to determine if you meet the criteria for Social Security Disability.
8.09 Chronic conditions of the skin or mucous membranes resulting in:
- Chronic skin lesions or contractures causing chronic pain or other physical limitation(s) that persist despite adherence to prescribed medical treatment for 3 months.
AND
- Impairment-related functional limitations demonstrated by 1, 2, 3, or 4:
- Inability to use both upper extremities to the extent that neither can be used to independently initiate, sustain, and complete work-related activities involving fine and gross movements due to chronic skin lesions or contractures; or
- Inability to use one upper extremity to independently initiate, sustain, and complete work-related activities involving fine and gross movements due to chronic skin lesions or contractures , and a documented medical need for an assistive device that requires the use of the other upper extremity; or
- Inability to stand up from a seated position and maintain an upright position to the extent needed to independently initiate, sustain, and complete work-related activities due to chronic skin lesions or contractures affecting at least two extremities (including when the limitations are due to involvement of the perineum or the inguinal region); or
- Inability to maintain an upright position while standing or walking to the extent needed to independently initiate, sustain, and complete work-related activities due to chronic skin lesions or contractures affecting both lower extremities (including when the limitations are due to involvement of the perineum or the inguinal region).
Even if you do not meet the criteria under Listing 8.09, SSA will evaluate you claim to determine if your limitations prevent you from performing your past relevant work and that there is no other work that you can perform based on your age, education and past work experience.
Getting the Disability Benefits You Deserve for Hidradenitis Suppurativa
If hidradenitis suppurativa has made it impossible for you to work, you may qualify for Social Security Disability benefits—either by meeting the strict criteria under Listing 8.09 or by showing that your condition prevents you from performing any substantial gainful activity. The claims process can be complex, and medical evidence must clearly document the severity of your symptoms and their impact on your daily functioning. Attorney Christopher Sharry has the experience and knowledge to guide you through the disability claims process and advocate for the benefits you deserve. Contact Sharry & Monfette today for help with your claim.
