Hidradenitis Suppurativa Specialist

What is hidradenitis suppurativa?

Hidradenitis suppurativa is a complex skin condition that can be a challenge to treat. It’s also very rare. If you have it, the team at Wellskin Dermatology & Aesthetic Clinic offers close monitoring and the latest treatments available to reduce your symptoms. 

Hidradenitis suppurativa causes lumps to form under the skin in areas where there’s friction from your skin rubbing together, like under the armpits or between the buttocks. The lumps heal slowly and often leave behind scars when they do. Some people have very mild cases while others have severe symptoms and long-lasting effects. 

The condition develops when the follicles in your skin become blocked. It isn’t contagious, but experts suspect it develops due to many factors, like hormones, genetics, and body fat. 

What are the symptoms of hidradenitis suppurativa?

The symptoms of hidradenitis suppurativa can vary and range from mild to severe. In areas where skin folds over itself or rubs against other areas of skin, you might notice:

• Boil-like lumps
• Blackheads
• Cysts
• Scarring
• Channels in the skin
• Pus leakage
• Pain or discomfort

When you come to Wellskin Dermatology & Aesthetic Clinic with symptoms of hidradenitis suppurativa, the team performs a detailed evaluation. 

The lesions that come with hidradenitis suppurativa are easy to mistake for ingrown hairs and other more common conditions, so the team asks questions about your symptoms and how or when they occur. 

There isn’t a specific diagnostic test for hidradenitis suppurativa, but the team might take a fluid sample for lab testing if any of your lesions are leaking pus or blood. 

How is hidradenitis suppurativa treated?

Treating hidradenitis suppurativa can involve medications, surgery, or a combination of both approaches. Some medications are topical while others are oral. 

The team at Wellskin Dermatology & Aesthetic Clinic creates an individualized treatment plan for your case and sees you regularly with follow-up visits. 

Your hidradenitis suppurativa treatment might involve:

Medications

You can manage many of the symptoms of hidradenitis suppurativa with medications like biologics, antibiotics, retinoids, steroid injections, and hormones. The team at Wellskin Dermatology & Aesthetic Clinic monitors you for results and side effects and can adjust your medications if necessary. 

Laser therapy

Laser therapy for hidradenitis suppurativa involves a carbon dioxide laser to help minimize or eliminate the sores. 

Surgeries

Surgery for hidradenitis involves removing individual bumps, uncovering the tunnels under the skin, or removing skin and placing a skin graft. 

For help with hidradenitis suppurativa lesions, call the nearest Wellskin Dermatology & Aesthetic Clinic office or schedule a visit online today.