Hidradenitis Suppurativa Treatment

JARROD P. KAUFMAN, MD, FACS

General and Vascular Surgery located in Brick, NJ

Premier Surgical is pleased to offer comprehensive treatment for hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) under the expertise of Dr. Kaufman, a board-certified general surgeon in New Jersey. HS is a chronic inflammatory skin condition that causes painful bumps and abscesses to form under the skin, often in areas with apocrine sweat glands, such as the armpits, groin, and buttocks.

Effective Hidradenitis Suppurativa Treatment

Understanding Hidradenitis Suppurativa

HS can be a challenging condition to manage. While the exact cause remains unknown, it’s believed to be linked to hormones and hair follicles. Symptoms can vary but often include:

  • Painful, red bumps or nodules under the skin
  • Recurring abscesses that may drain pus or blood
  • Tunneling under the skin (sinus tracts) connecting abscesses
  • Scarring
  • Fatigue and discomfort

Treatment Options for Lasting Relief

Dr. Kaufman works closely with each patient to develop a personalized treatment plan for HS, tailored to the severity and location of their condition. Treatment options may include:

  • Medications: Antibiotics to combat infection, corticosteroids to reduce inflammation, retinoids to regulate skin cell growth, and hormonal therapies to manage androgen levels.
  • Surgery: In some cases, surgery may be necessary to remove affected skin, abscesses, or sinus tracts. Dr. Kaufman is experienced in various surgical techniques for HS, prioritizing minimally invasive approaches whenever possible.
  • Self-Care Measures: Maintaining a healthy weight, quitting smoking if applicable, and managing stress can all contribute to managing HS symptoms.

 Benefits of HS Treatment with Dr. Kaufman

  • Individualized Care: Dr. Kaufman takes the time to understand your unique needs and develop a treatment plan that addresses your specific concerns.
  • Advanced Surgical Expertise: Dr. Kaufman is skilled in performing minimally invasive surgical procedures for HS, minimizing scarring and downtime.
  • Comprehensive Treatment Approach: We offer a combination of medical and surgical options, along with guidance on self-care strategies, to optimize your HS management.

Schedule a Consultation Today

If you’re experiencing symptoms of HS, don’t hesitate to seek professional help. Contact Premier Surgical today to schedule a consultation with Dr. Kaufman and discuss your treatment options. Together, we can develop a plan to help you achieve lasting relief and improve your quality of life.

Hidradenitis Suppurativa Q&A

You may click on each heading below to learn more.

Treatment for HS depends on the severity of your condition. It can include:

  • Self-care measures: Warm compresses, gentle skin care routine, managing weight, and wearing loose clothing.
  • Topical medications: Antibiotics like clindamycin or dapsone to reduce inflammation and infection.
  • Oral medications: Retinoids like Accutane to regulate skin cell growth, or hormonal medications for women.
  • Steroid injections: To reduce inflammation in individual lesions.

Surgery might be an option for:

  • Large, recurrent boils: If medications haven’t been effective.
  • Tunneling/sinus tracts: To remove these under-the-skin connections between boils.
  • Severely affected areas: To improve quality of life by removing involved skin.
  • Incision and drainage: Opening and draining boils to reduce infection and promote healing.
  • Deroofing: Removing the roof of a boil to expose the infected material and allow drainage.
  • Wide excision: Removing the entire affected area of skin, including healthy tissue around it, to minimize recurrence.
  • Laser surgery: Using a laser to remove boils or scar tissue.

Surgery can offer:

  • Improved drainage and healing: Leading to faster symptom relief and reduced risk of infection.
  • Reduced pain and discomfort: By removing inflamed and painful boils.
  • Improved quality of life: Especially for those with severely affected areas.

As with any surgery, risks include:

  • Infection: Though uncommon with proper precautions.
  • Bleeding: Controlled by the surgeon during the procedure.
  • Scarring: Surgery will likely leave scars, though minimally invasive techniques aim to minimize them.

Recovery time varies depending on the type and extent of surgery. Generally, it involves:

  • Wound care: Following doctor’s instructions for cleaning and dressing the surgical site.
  • Pain management: Using pain medication as prescribed.
  • Reduced activity: Limiting strenuous activity for a recommended period.

Remember, discussing these options with your doctor will help determine the most suitable treatment plan for your specific case of HS.

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