Mitchell J. Mandel, MD, FAAD
Dermatologist, founder · All offices
Hidradenitis suppurativa
Medically reviewed by Mitchell J. Mandel, M.D., F.A.A.D., Board-Certified Dermatologist. Last reviewed .
Hidradenitis suppurativa, or HS, is a long-term inflammatory condition that causes painful lumps under the skin, usually in areas where skin rubs together. The lumps can break open, drain and heal with scarring, and they tend to come back.
HS is not caused by poor hygiene and is not contagious. Early treatment can reduce flares and help prevent scarring.
Signs and symptoms
- Painful bumps like deep pimples or boils
- Bumps in the underarms, groin, buttocks, under the breasts or inner thighs
- Lumps that drain fluid or have an odor
- Tunnels under the skin and scarring over time
How we treat it
- Washes and topical medicines
- Oral antibiotics and hormonal treatments
- Biologic and injectable treatments for moderate to severe HS
- Steroid injections to calm painful lumps quickly
- In-office procedures for selected lesions; drainage may relieve pain temporarily but does not control the underlying HS
- Support with lifestyle factors such as smoking and friction
Where it is offered
Offered at all of our offices.
Hidradenitis suppurativa Q&A
Is HS the same as boils?
HS lumps can look like boils, but HS keeps coming back in the same areas and needs long-term treatment.
Can HS be cured?
There is no cure yet, but treatment can greatly reduce flares, pain and scarring.
What makes HS worse?
Friction, heat, sweating, smoking and extra weight can make HS worse. Tight clothing can also irritate affected areas.
Who you can see
Dustin Marks, MD, FAAD
Dermatologist · Upper East Side
Emily Tongdee, MD, FAAD
Dermatologist · Downtown Brooklyn
Emma Newman, PA-C
Physician assistant · Upper East Side
Grace Jarrett, PA-C
Physician assistant · Downtown Brooklyn
Leah Aminov, PA-C
Physician assistant · Greenvale
Karen Chen, PA-C
Physician assistant · Streeterville
Paige Yurick, PA-C
Physician assistant · Streeterville
Arielle Ades, DNP, FNP-BC
Nurse practitioner · Boulder
Francesca Raedel, FNP-BC
Nurse practitioner · Boulder
Jennifer Telgener, FNP-BC
Nurse practitioner · Boulder
Christine Sacco, FNP-C
Nurse practitioner · Palm Beach Gardens