When is hidradenitis surgery recommended for hidradenitis suppurativa?

Hidradenitis suppurativa can cause painful nodules, draining areas, and tunnels beneath the skin, often in folds such as the armpits or groin. Surgery may remove or open a problem area, but the choice depends on its size, depth, location, active inflammation, and the condition of nearby skin. Medical treatment may still be needed because surgery addresses selected areas rather than every factor behind the condition.

Ask a dermatologist or surgical team to map the affected areas and discuss whether drainage, limited removal, or wider removal is appropriate. Review wound care, healing time, movement near the site, pain control, and whether reconstruction or staged care may be needed. Bring a list of previous treatments and describe how often lesions recur. Read more about Hidradenitis Suppurativa and Hidradenitis Surgery.

Seek urgent medical advice for rapidly worsening swelling, spreading redness, fever, severe pain, or feeling faint. Arrange a specialist review for repeated drainage, persistent tunnels, restricted movement, or wounds that do not heal. A new or changing lesion also deserves examination rather than being assumed to be a flare.

Ask: What structure is being treated? What are the alternatives? How will the wound be managed? Could nearby areas flare? What symptoms should prompt urgent review?