Living with Hidradenitis Suppurativa: Treatment Options

Hidradenitis suppurativa, often shortened to HS, is a chronic inflammatory skin condition that is frequently misdiagnosed and undertreated. If you have been dealing with painful, recurring bumps in areas where skin rubs together, you are not alone, and effective help is available. Our team cares for HS patients throughout Flint and Genesee County, and we want you to know there is a path to feeling better.

What is hidradenitis suppurativa?

HS is a condition in which painful lumps develop deep under the skin, most often in the armpits, groin, buttocks, and under the breasts. These lumps can become inflamed, break open, drain fluid, and sometimes form tunnels under the skin called sinus tracts, which can leave scarring over time. It is important to know that HS is not caused by poor hygiene and it is not contagious. HS is thought to involve inflammation around the hair follicles, and genetics, hormones, and immune factors all play a role. It often begins after puberty and is more common in women, and because it can look like ordinary boils, many people go years before receiving an accurate diagnosis.

What triggers HS flares?

While triggers vary from person to person, several factors commonly make symptoms worse. Identifying your own triggers can help you manage flares more effectively.

• Friction from tight clothing or skin-on-skin rubbing
• Smoking, which is strongly linked to more severe disease
• Excess weight and hormonal fluctuations
• Heat, sweating, and stress

You do not need to have every trigger to develop flares, and keeping a simple journal of what preceded a flare can reveal patterns unique to you.

What treatment options are available?

HS is treated on a spectrum based on severity, and most patients benefit from a combination of approaches. Milder cases may respond to topical and oral antibiotics, medicated antiseptic washes, and lifestyle adjustments. Moderate to severe HS often calls for hormonal therapies, or biologic medications that target the specific inflammation driving the disease and have transformed care for many patients. Steroid injections can calm an individual painful lump quickly, while for persistent lumps and tunnels, in-office procedures or surgery can remove affected tissue and provide lasting relief. Early treatment is important because it can slow the scarring and tunneling that make advanced HS harder to manage. A dermatologist will help you find the right mix for your stage of disease and adjust it as your needs change.

How can I manage HS day to day?

Beyond medical treatment, small daily habits make a real difference. Wear loose, breathable clothing, use gentle antiseptic cleansers, apply warm compresses to painful areas, and avoid picking or squeezing lesions. Quitting smoking and maintaining a healthy weight can meaningfully reduce flares. Because HS can affect emotional wellbeing, connecting with a support community or counselor is also worthwhile.

HS is a lifelong condition, but with the right care it can be controlled so you can live more comfortably. The team at Dermatology and Cosmetic Center in Flint has experience managing hidradenitis suppurativa for patients across Genesee County. Reach out to schedule a consultation and build a treatment plan that fits your life.