Do You Need a Referral for Hidradenitis Surgery?

Hidradenitis surgery can include deroofing or wider removal of affected skin and tunnels. The appropriate approach depends on the location, extent, repeated flares, drainage, scarring, and response to medical care. A dermatology assessment can confirm the diagnosis and map active disease before a dermatologic surgeon considers an operation. A referral helps coordinate this pathway when direct access is not available.

Ask the clinic whether you can self-book and whether it needs a referral, recent dermatology notes, or insurer approval. Keep a record of affected areas, flare frequency, drainage, pain, prior procedures, and medicines. Tell the clinician about smoking, allergies, diabetes, or medicines that affect bleeding or healing. Discuss wound care, the possible need for staged treatment, and how surgery fits with ongoing medical management.

Seek prompt medical care for rapidly worsening pain or swelling, spreading redness, fever, feeling faint, or drainage with a strong unpleasant smell. An abscess or spreading infection may need urgent treatment rather than a routine surgical consultation. Do not squeeze or repeatedly open lesions yourself, because this can injure the skin and complicate assessment.

Ask whether your diagnosis and disease extent have been confirmed, whether a referral is required, which procedure is being considered, how wounds will be managed, and what symptoms should trigger urgent review. Also ask how medical treatment will continue around the operation.