Hidradenitis Suppurativa (HS) Care
Expert treatment for a painful skin disorder
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Leading-Edge HS Dermatology Care
Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center (BIDMC) dermatologists offer specialty care for hidradenitis suppurativa (HS). HS can be difficult to diagnose. However, BIDMC dermatologists and their teams are highly experienced in diagnosing and effectively treating this painful skin disorder.
What is Hirdradenitis Suppurativa (HS)?
HS is a chronic, inflammatory skin condition that causes small bumps under your skin the size of a pea or marble. HS typically develops after puberty. The bumps usually start to develop in these areas:
- Near sweat glands, such as the groin, buttocks, inner thighs and under the arms and breasts
- Where the skin on your body rubs together
- Where you have hair
Poor hygiene or cleansing practices don't cause HS. Instead, people with the condition often have a different pattern of the skin's natural bacteria. Their body responds to the bacteria in an abnormal and destructive way. If it’s left untreated and worsens, it can lead to chronic (long-term) skin infection and disfiguring scars.
More About Hidradenitis Suppurativa
It's important to speak with your doctor or dermatologist if you have the symptoms of hidradenitis suppurativa. Your health care team can help you manage the symptoms, keep new areas from forming, and prevent complications.
Symptoms may start off looking like these issues:
- Deep, acne-like cysts
- In-grown hairs
- Pimples or blackheads
- Tender bumps or boils
Then, these areas can harden or enlarge substantially, becoming more irritated as skin rubs against skin. Early diagnosis of HS is important to help manage symptoms and prevent complications.
What starts as a small lump could progress into a painful abscess that ruptures. These wounds heal very slowly, can persist and drain pus for many years, and can result in tracts of scars.
A single occurrence of symptoms isn’t enough to diagnose it. HS is recurring and long-lasting. At the same time, HS can be challenging to diagnose. To diagnose this condition, your dermatologist may take these steps:
- Perform a comprehensive physical exam
- Ask questions about your symptoms and health history
- Run lab tests if you have active pus or drainage
Your dermatologist may prescribe antibiotic medications to help calm inflammation. We may have you try other types of medications, such as steroid injections, hormonal therapy or biologic treatment.
We also may suggest these lifestyle changes to help manage symptoms:
- Quitting smoking
- Reaching and maintaining a healthy body weight
Researchers have found that people have a better response to treatment when changing these behaviors.
If more conservative treatment options aren’t enough to manage your HS, your dermatologist may suggest a surgical procedure or laser therapy.
Our team holds a subspecialty clinic for HS at two locations:
- Three, half-day sessions per week at the BIDMC Shapiro Clinic
- One, half-day session per week in the BIDMC Dermatology Chestnut Hill office
This clinic provides you with convenient access to different specialty providers you may need for your HS care. Our team consists of dermatologists, who are considered international experts in their field, as well as dedicated nursing and pharmacy staff.
The dermatology team also coordinates with gastroenterology, rheumatology, plastic surgery, OB/GYN, pain management, physical therapy, and other specialists to provide comprehensive care.
Advancing Care, Research & Education
Department of Dermatology
The Department of Dermatology offers exceptional patient care, research programs and education and training opportunities.
Dermatology Research
The Clinical Laboratory for Epidemiology and Applied Research in Skin (CLEARS) is committed to leading-edge skin research.
Dermatology Education
The department offers comprehensive education and training programs for healthcare professionals, including fellowships and residencies.
