Which specialist treats hidradenitis suppurativa?

Hidradenitis suppurativa causes recurring inflamed nodules, abscesses, tunnels, and scars, commonly in skin folds such as the armpits, groin, or under the breasts. A dermatologist looks at the pattern over time and asks about pain, drainage, healing, and previous treatments. This helps separate it from isolated boils, acne, or an infection needing a different approach.

Keep a record of flare locations, triggers, drainage, and how long lesions take to settle. Treatment may include skin injections, medicines, biologic therapy, or surgery when tunnels and scarring need procedural care. Laser hair removal may be discussed in selected situations, but it is not a substitute for an individual diagnosis and plan.

Arrange prompt review for rapidly worsening pain, spreading redness, fever, foul-smelling drainage, or a wound that is not healing. Seek urgent care if you feel severely unwell or redness is spreading quickly. Recurrent painful armpit lumps deserve dermatology review even when each flare settles, because early planning can reduce disruption and scarring.

Ask whether the pattern fits hidradenitis suppurativa, what stage or severity features are present, which treatment targets current inflammation, how to care for open areas, and when surgery should be considered.