What doctor should I see for hidradenitis suppurativa?

Dermatologists are skin specialists and experts in inflammatory skin conditions. In this video, dermatologist Michelle Henry, MD, shares the benefits of seeing a dermatologist for HS and how to prepare for an appointment.

Transcript

00:00

All right, Dr. Henry. So say my primary physician suspects that I have hidradenitis suppurativa and then suggested that I go see a dermatologist.

00:08

Is that actually necessary? [MUSIC PLAYING]

00:16

Hidradenitis suppurativa, or HS, is a condition that's not really well known, so not all medical doctors may be familiar with it.

00:24

Dermatologists are skin specialists and experts in inflammatory skin conditions like HS, so they're more likely to have experienced

00:32

diagnosing and treating this condition more so than your medical doctor. So track your symptoms, and don't be afraid to take photos.

00:41

Since abscesses change over time, taking photographs will help your doctor track your progression.

00:47

Tell your doctor when you first notice your signs and symptoms, the month and the day, and pay attention to the area on the body where you've noticed your lesions.

00:56

Pay special attention to areas where the skin rubs together, so areas like the armpits and the groin.

01:03

List or bring in any medications that you take. This includes prescription drugs, over-the-counter drugs,

01:09

vitamins, or supplements. Tell your doctor what you expect to get from your treatment, including any goals or concerns that you may have.

01:18

Don't be afraid to talk to your doctor about how HS makes you feel. It's important for your doctor to understand how HS

01:25

affects your entire well-being. Although hidradenitis suppurativa is a chronic recurring condition,

01:31

there are many treatment options that we can prescribe to you to give you some relief and to manage your signs and symptoms.

01:37

The treatment course that your dermatologist will prescribe depends on many factors, one of them being the severity

01:43

of your disease state. The best outcome that we can hope for is a very long period of a quiet disease state,

01:50

so we don't use the word "cure" because this condition can be really unpredictable. However, I have patients that have not

01:57

had a relapse for many years. And so with great treatments and great compliance with your treatments, you can have a quiet disease