How is hidradenitis suppurativa treated?

Hidradenitis suppurativa causes recurring painful lumps, abscesses, and draining tunnels in areas where skin rubs together, such as the armpits, groin, or under the breasts. Treatment depends on how active the disease is, where lesions occur, whether tunnels or scars have formed, and how much daily life is affected. It is a long-term inflammatory skin condition, not a sign of poor hygiene.

A dermatologist may use anti-inflammatory or antimicrobial medicines, wound care, and pain support. An intralesional steroid injection can be considered for a selected inflamed lump. [Steroid Injection Into The Skin](/treatments/injectables/intralesional-steroid-injection/) explains this option.

Wash gently, keep affected areas dry, and choose loose clothing that limits rubbing. Do not squeeze or repeatedly pick at lumps, since this can injure the skin. Keep a record of flare locations, drainage, triggers, and treatment response so appointments can focus on what is changing.

For recurring disease, a dermatologist may discuss oral antibiotics, biologic therapy, or laser hair removal. Persistent tunnels, scarring, or lesions that return in the same place may need a procedure or [Hidradenitis Surgery](/treatments/surgical-dermatology/hidradenitis-surgery/). These choices require an examination; the acne-related antibiotic information is [Oral Antibiotics For Acne](/treatments/medical-dermatology/oral-antibiotics-for-acne/), while [Biologic Therapy](/treatments/medical-dermatology/biologic-therapy/) covers a specialist treatment category.

Seek prompt care for rapidly increasing pain or swelling, spreading redness, fever, feeling unwell, or difficulty walking or moving an arm. Urgent assessment is also needed when drainage has a strong odour with worsening tenderness, or when a wound is not healing. Painful armpit lumps and painful skin can have causes other than hidradenitis; see [Painful Armpit Lumps](/symptoms/painful-armpit-lumps/) or [Painful Skin](/symptoms/skin-pain/) for symptom context.

Which lesions need medicine, injection, drainage, or surgery? What wound-care routine suits the affected area? Could biologic therapy or laser hair removal fit my pattern of flares, and how will we monitor the plan?