Hidradenitis Suppurativa

Hidradenitis Suppurativa Treatment in Austin, TX Q & A

What is hidradenitis suppurativa?

Hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) is a chronic inflammatory skin condition that causes painful bumps, cysts, abscesses, and tunnels beneath the skin. HS commonly affects areas where skin rubs together, including the:

• underarms
• groin
• buttocks
• inner thighs
• under the breasts

HS is not caused by poor hygiene and is not contagious. The condition develops from inflammation involving hair follicles and the immune system.

Over time, hidradenitis suppurativa can lead to recurrent drainage, scarring, and significant discomfort if left untreated.

What are the symptoms of hidradenitis suppurativa?

Symptoms of hidradenitis suppurativa may include:

• painful boils or lumps under the skin
• recurrent cysts or abscesses
• draining lesions with odor or discharge
• tunnels beneath the skin (sinus tracts)
• scarring and skin thickening
• tender inflamed nodules

Symptoms often flare and recur over time.

Many patients initially mistake hidradenitis suppurativa for recurrent ingrown hairs, infected cysts, or boils.

What causes hidradenitis suppurativa?

The exact cause of hidradenitis suppurativa is not fully understood, but HS is believed to involve immune dysregulation and inflammation around hair follicles.

Certain factors may worsen HS symptoms or flare-ups, including:

• smoking
• obesity
• friction
• heat and sweating
• hormonal influences
• family history

HS is not an infection, although secondary bacterial infection can sometimes occur.

How is hidradenitis suppurativa diagnosed?

Dermatologists diagnose hidradenitis suppurativa based on the appearance of the skin lesions, the areas involved, and the history of recurrent flare-ups.

Because HS can worsen over time, early diagnosis is important to help prevent progression, scarring, and chronic drainage.

How is hidradenitis suppurativa treated?

At Pure Dermatology, treatment is individualized based on the severity and extent of hidradenitis suppurativa.

Treatment options may include:

Topical Medications

Prescription topical antibiotics or anti-inflammatory medications may help mild disease.

Oral Antibiotics

Oral antibiotics are commonly used to reduce inflammation and flare frequency.

Biologic Therapy

Advanced HS may respond to biologic medications that target specific inflammatory pathways in the immune system.

Corticosteroid Injections

Steroid injections may help calm painful inflamed nodules.

Surgical Treatment

Some patients with advanced hidradenitis suppurativa benefit from drainage procedures, excision of scarred areas, or surgical management of persistent tunnels beneath the skin.

Lifestyle Modifications

Weight management, smoking cessation, gentle skin care, and minimizing friction may help reduce flare-ups.

When should I see a dermatologist for hidradenitis suppurativa?

You should see a dermatologist if you experience:

• recurrent painful boils
• draining cysts or abscesses
• recurring lesions in the underarms or groin
• painful scarring
• chronic inflamed nodules

Early treatment may help prevent worsening disease and long-term scarring.

Hidradenitis Suppurativa Specialist in Austin, TX

At Pure Dermatology, our Austin dermatology team provides comprehensive hidradenitis suppurativa treatment focused on reducing pain, controlling inflammation, and improving quality of life.

Call Pure Dermatology today or schedule an appointment online to learn more about hidradenitis suppurativa treatment in Austin, TX.

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