Can steroid injections treat hidradenitis suppurativa?

Hidradenitis suppurativa causes recurring inflamed lumps, tunnels, and drainage in areas where skin rubs together, such as the armpits or groin. A clinician can place steroid medicine into a selected, active nodule to settle swelling and tenderness. The injection acts at that spot; it does not remove the underlying tendency for new lesions to develop or prevent every future flare.

Treatment depends on the pattern of disease. A dermatologist may combine local treatment with medicines, wound care, or procedures suited to repeated nodules and draining tunnels. Diagnosis matters because boils, cysts, and other skin conditions can look similar.

Arrange a dermatology assessment if lumps recur, heal slowly, drain, or leave scars. Bring a record of where lesions appear and how long flares last. Do not inject steroid at home or squeeze a nodule, since this can injure skin and spread irritation. Ask whether a targeted injection fits the lesion being examined and what broader plan will reduce repeat flares.

Seek prompt medical care for rapidly increasing redness or swelling, severe pain, fever, feeling faint, or redness spreading away from a draining area. Urgent assessment is also sensible when an underarm or groin lesion makes movement difficult or drainage has a strong new odour. These features can signal infection or a complication that needs more than a local injection.

Ask which lesion is being treated, what improvement to expect, whether another approach is needed for tunnels or scarring, and how the injection fits with your longer-term hidradenitis suppurativa plan.