{"id":6360,"date":"2026-04-05T11:35:22","date_gmt":"2026-04-05T08:35:22","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/avrupacerrahi.net\/en\/?p=6360"},"modified":"2026-05-01T23:47:10","modified_gmt":"2026-05-01T20:47:10","slug":"what-is-hidradenitis-suppurativa-diagnosis-and-treatment-process","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/avrupacerrahi.net\/en\/what-is-hidradenitis-suppurativa-diagnosis-and-treatment-process\/","title":{"rendered":"What is Hidradenitis Suppurativa? Diagnosis &#038; Treatment"},"content":{"rendered":"<div class=\"ac-byline\" style=\"display:flex;align-items:center;gap:15px;padding:15px 20px;background:#f8f9fa;border-left:4px solid #1e5f8e;border-radius:6px;margin:20px 0 30px;font-size:15px;line-height:1.6;\">\n<div style=\"flex:1;\">\n    <strong style=\"color:#1e5f8e;\">\u270d\ufe0f Written by:<\/strong> Avrupa Cerrahi Medical Editorial Team<br \/>\n    <span style=\"color:#666;font-size:13.5px;\"><strong>\ud83c\udfe5 Medical Review:<\/strong> General Surgery \/ Proctology Team &nbsp;|&nbsp; <strong>\ud83d\udcc5 Published:<\/strong> May 1, 2026 &nbsp;|&nbsp; <strong>\ud83d\udd04 Last Updated:<\/strong> May 1, 2026<\/span>\n  <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<h1>What is Hidradenitis Suppurativa? Diagnosis and Treatment Process<\/h1>\n<div style=\"background:#fee2e2;border-left:5px solid #dc2626;border-radius:8px;padding:16px 20px;margin:20px 0;line-height:1.7;color:#3b0a0a;\">\n  <strong>\ud83d\udea8 Important Medical Notice:<\/strong> This article is for educational purposes only and does not replace a medical examination. If you have rapidly growing painful swelling, fever, spreading redness, foul-smelling discharge, <b><a href=\"https:\/\/avrupacerrahi.net\/en\/non-surgical-rectal-bleeding-treatment\/\">bleeding<\/a><\/b>, severe pain, or repeated abscesses in the armpit, groin, buttock, under-breast, or perianal area, please seek medical care.\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"ac-quick-answer\" style=\"background:linear-gradient(135deg,#e8f4fd 0%,#d4ebf7 100%);border-left:5px solid #2e75b6;border-radius:8px;padding:20px 25px;margin:25px 0;box-shadow:0 2px 6px rgba(0,0,0,0.05);\">\n<p style=\"margin:0 0 10px;font-size:17px;color:#1e5f8e;\"><strong>\ud83d\udca1 Quick Answer<\/strong><\/p>\n<p style=\"margin:0;font-size:16px;line-height:1.7;color:#333;\"><strong>Hidradenitis suppurativa, also known as acne inversa, is a chronic inflammatory skin disease that usually affects areas where skin rubs together, such as the armpits, groin, buttocks, under the breasts, and around the anus.<\/strong> It may cause painful lumps, recurrent abscesses, foul-smelling drainage, tunnels under the skin, and scarring. HS is not contagious and is not caused by poor hygiene. Diagnosis is usually clinical and is based on typical lesion type, typical body areas, and recurrence. Treatment depends on severity and may include lifestyle changes, topical or oral medications, antibiotics, biologic treatments, laser-based approaches, drainage of abscesses, or surgery.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div style=\"background:#fff4ce;border-left:4px solid #d97706;border-radius:6px;padding:12px 18px;margin:15px 0;font-size:14px;line-height:1.6;\">\n  <strong>\u2695\ufe0f Medical Disclaimer:<\/strong> This content is intended for patient education. Diagnosis and treatment must be planned by a qualified physician after examination.\n<\/div>\n<div style=\"background:#f8fafc;border:1px solid #dbe4ea;border-radius:8px;padding:18px 22px;margin:25px 0;\">\n<p style=\"font-size:18px;margin:0 0 12px;color:#1e5f8e;\"><strong>Table of Contents<\/strong><\/p>\n<ol style=\"margin:0;padding-left:22px;line-height:1.8;\">\n<li><a href=\"#section-1\">What is hidradenitis suppurativa?<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#section-2\">What are the symptoms?<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#section-3\">What causes hidradenitis suppurativa?<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#section-4\">How is HS diagnosed?<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#section-5\">What are the stages of hidradenitis suppurativa?<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#section-6\">What are the treatment options?<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#section-7\">When are laser or surgical treatments considered?<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#section-8\">What should not be done?<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#section-9\">When should you see a doctor?<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#faq\">Frequently asked questions<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/div>\n<h2 id=\"section-1\">What is Hidradenitis Suppurativa?<\/h2>\n<p>Hidradenitis suppurativa, often shortened as <strong>HS<\/strong>, is a chronic inflammatory disease of the hair follicle. It is also called <strong>acne inversa<\/strong>. The condition usually appears in areas with friction, sweating, and hair follicles, including the armpits, groin, inner thighs, buttocks, under the breasts, and around the anus.<\/p>\n<p>HS is not a simple pimple, ordinary boil, or hygiene problem. It can begin as a painful lump under the skin and may later develop into abscesses, draining tunnels, recurrent inflammation, and scars. Because the early lesions can resemble boils or ingrown hairs, diagnosis may be delayed.<\/p>\n<p>The ICD-10-CM code for hidradenitis suppurativa is <strong>L73.2<\/strong>. This classification reflects HS as a recognized chronic skin condition rather than a temporary superficial infection.<\/p>\n<div style=\"background:#eef7f1;border-left:4px solid #15803d;border-radius:6px;padding:14px 18px;margin:20px 0;line-height:1.7;\">\n  <strong>\ud83d\udc68\u200d\u2695\ufe0f Clinical Note:<\/strong> A recurring \u201cboil\u201d in the same area should not be ignored, especially if it drains, smells unpleasant, or leaves scars. Repetition is one of the key clues that separates HS from an ordinary skin infection.\n<\/div>\n<p>If you are looking for a treatment-focused overview, see our main service page: <a href=\"https:\/\/avrupacerrahi.net\/en\/hidradenitis-suppurativa\/\">Hidradenitis Suppurativa: Laser Treatment and New Methods<\/a>.<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"section-2\">What are the Symptoms?<\/h2>\n<p>The symptoms of hidradenitis suppurativa vary according to disease severity. Early HS may cause small painful nodules. More advanced disease may include abscesses, drainage, sinus tracts, and thick scars.<\/p>\n<h3>Common Symptoms of HS<\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li>Painful lumps under the skin<\/li>\n<li>Recurrent abscesses<\/li>\n<li>Foul-smelling discharge<\/li>\n<li>Blood-stained or pus-like drainage<\/li>\n<li>Tunnels or openings under the skin<\/li>\n<li>Scarring and thickened skin<\/li>\n<li>Pain that worsens with movement, sweating, or friction<\/li>\n<li>Repeated flare-ups in the same body area<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3>Commonly Affected Areas<\/h3>\n<table style=\"width:100%;border-collapse:collapse;margin:25px 0;font-size:15px;\">\n<thead>\n<tr style=\"background:#1e5f8e;color:#fff;\">\n<th style=\"padding:12px;border:1px solid #dbe4ea;text-align:left;\">Area<\/th>\n<th style=\"padding:12px;border:1px solid #dbe4ea;text-align:left;\">Typical Complaint<\/th>\n<th style=\"padding:12px;border:1px solid #dbe4ea;text-align:left;\">Why It Matters<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td style=\"padding:12px;border:1px solid #dbe4ea;\">Armpits<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding:12px;border:1px solid #dbe4ea;\">Painful lumps, movement-related pain<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding:12px;border:1px solid #dbe4ea;\">Friction, shaving, and sweating can worsen irritation.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr style=\"background:#f8fafc;\">\n<td style=\"padding:12px;border:1px solid #dbe4ea;\">Groin<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding:12px;border:1px solid #dbe4ea;\">Drainage, odor, pain<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding:12px;border:1px solid #dbe4ea;\">Tight clothing and moisture may increase flare-ups.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td style=\"padding:12px;border:1px solid #dbe4ea;\">Buttocks \/ perianal area<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding:12px;border:1px solid #dbe4ea;\">Abscess, drainage, pain when sitting<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding:12px;border:1px solid #dbe4ea;\">May be confused with pilonidal disease or anal fistula.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr style=\"background:#f8fafc;\">\n<td style=\"padding:12px;border:1px solid #dbe4ea;\">Under breasts<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding:12px;border:1px solid #dbe4ea;\">Tender swelling, moisture, friction<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding:12px;border:1px solid #dbe4ea;\">Can be confused with irritation or fungal rash.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<h2 id=\"section-3\">What Causes Hidradenitis Suppurativa?<\/h2>\n<p>HS is not caused by poor hygiene and it is not contagious. Current understanding suggests that HS begins around the hair follicle, where blockage and inflammation may lead to rupture, abscess formation, tunnels, and scarring. The disease usually develops through a combination of genetic, immune, hormonal, metabolic, and environmental factors.<\/p>\n<h3>Risk Factors and Triggers<\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li>Family history or genetic predisposition<\/li>\n<li>Smoking<\/li>\n<li>Excess weight<\/li>\n<li>Skin friction<\/li>\n<li>Sweating and moisture<\/li>\n<li>Hormonal changes<\/li>\n<li>Metabolic factors such as insulin resistance<\/li>\n<li>Stress and poor sleep<\/li>\n<li>Dietary triggers in some patients<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>For a deeper look at causes and risk factors, see: <a href=\"https:\/\/avrupacerrahi.net\/en\/is-hidradenitis-suppurativa-genetic-causes-and-risk-factors\/\">Is Hidradenitis Suppurativa Genetic? Causes and Risk Factors<\/a>.<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"section-4\">How is HS Diagnosed?<\/h2>\n<p>Hidradenitis suppurativa is usually diagnosed clinically. This means that diagnosis is made by a physician based on the appearance, location, recurrence pattern, and history of the lesions. There is no single blood test that confirms HS in every patient.<\/p>\n<h3>Three Key Diagnostic Clues<\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Typical lesions:<\/strong> painful nodules, abscesses, drainage, tunnels, or scarring.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Typical locations:<\/strong> armpits, groin, buttocks, under-breast area, inner thighs, or perianal region.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Recurrence:<\/strong> repeated episodes in the same or similar areas.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>In some cases, the doctor may request imaging, culture tests, or additional evaluation to distinguish HS from pilonidal disease, anal fistula, infected cysts, Crohn-related perianal disease, or other skin conditions.<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"section-5\">What are the Stages of Hidradenitis Suppurativa?<\/h2>\n<p>HS severity is commonly described using the <strong>Hurley staging system<\/strong>. Staging helps physicians plan treatment and estimate the need for medications, laser-based approaches, biologic therapy, or surgery.<\/p>\n<table style=\"width:100%;border-collapse:collapse;margin:25px 0;font-size:15px;\">\n<thead>\n<tr style=\"background:#1e5f8e;color:#fff;\">\n<th style=\"padding:12px;border:1px solid #dbe4ea;text-align:left;\">Stage<\/th>\n<th style=\"padding:12px;border:1px solid #dbe4ea;text-align:left;\">Clinical Picture<\/th>\n<th style=\"padding:12px;border:1px solid #dbe4ea;text-align:left;\">General Treatment Direction<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td style=\"padding:12px;border:1px solid #dbe4ea;\"><strong>Hurley Stage I<\/strong><\/td>\n<td style=\"padding:12px;border:1px solid #dbe4ea;\">Nodules or abscesses without obvious tunnels or widespread scars.<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding:12px;border:1px solid #dbe4ea;\">Lifestyle care, topical treatment, early medical follow-up.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr style=\"background:#f8fafc;\">\n<td style=\"padding:12px;border:1px solid #dbe4ea;\"><strong>Hurley Stage II<\/strong><\/td>\n<td style=\"padding:12px;border:1px solid #dbe4ea;\">Recurrent abscesses, tunnels, and scarring in separated areas.<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding:12px;border:1px solid #dbe4ea;\">Oral medications, antibiotics, laser, local procedures, combined treatment.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td style=\"padding:12px;border:1px solid #dbe4ea;\"><strong>Hurley Stage III<\/strong><\/td>\n<td style=\"padding:12px;border:1px solid #dbe4ea;\">Widespread interconnected tunnels, chronic drainage, extensive scars.<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding:12px;border:1px solid #dbe4ea;\">Biologic therapy, surgery, wound care, multidisciplinary management.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<h2 id=\"section-6\">What are the Treatment Options?<\/h2>\n<p>HS treatment should be individualized. The best plan depends on disease stage, affected areas, pain level, drainage, previous treatments, medical history, and patient expectations. Modern guidelines describe HS management as multimodal, meaning that different treatments may be combined over time.<\/p>\n<h3>Main Treatment Options<\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Lifestyle measures:<\/strong> smoking cessation, weight management, friction reduction, gentle skin care.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Topical treatments:<\/strong> may be used in limited early disease under medical supervision.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Oral antibiotics:<\/strong> may reduce inflammation and drainage in selected patients.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Hormonal or metabolic approaches:<\/strong> may be considered for suitable patients.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Biologic therapies:<\/strong> may be used for moderate to severe or resistant disease.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Abscess drainage:<\/strong> may be needed for tense, painful abscesses.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Laser-based treatments:<\/strong> may help in selected patients, especially when hair follicles contribute to flares.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Surgery:<\/strong> may be required for chronic tunnels, scarring, and persistent diseased tissue.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>For antibiotic-focused information, see <a href=\"https:\/\/avrupacerrahi.net\/en\/the-best-antibiotics-for-hidradenitis-suppurativa\/\">The Best Antibiotics for Hidradenitis Suppurativa<\/a>. For lifestyle and diet, see <a href=\"https:\/\/avrupacerrahi.net\/en\/could-diet-affect-hidradenitis-suppurativa\/\">Could Diet Affect Hidradenitis Suppurativa?<\/a>.<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"section-7\">When are Laser or Surgical Treatments Considered?<\/h2>\n<p>Laser and surgical treatments are considered according to HS stage and lesion type. Laser hair removal may reduce follicular triggers in selected patients, while CO2 laser or surgical excision may be considered for chronic tunnels and scarred areas. Surgery is usually individualized and should not be seen as a one-size-fits-all solution. Surgical literature emphasizes that HS surgery is often part of a broader treatment plan rather than a stand-alone cure.<\/p>\n<h3>Laser May Be Considered When:<\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li>Hair follicle density contributes to repeated flares<\/li>\n<li>Disease is mild to moderate and active abscess is controlled<\/li>\n<li>Flares occur repeatedly in friction-prone areas<\/li>\n<li>Long-term reduction of triggers is part of the plan<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3>Surgery May Be Considered When:<\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li>Chronic sinus tracts are present<\/li>\n<li>Drainage and odor persist despite medical treatment<\/li>\n<li>Scarred diseased tissue causes repeated flares<\/li>\n<li>Abscesses recur in the same area<\/li>\n<li>Quality of life is significantly affected<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>For surgery-specific guidance, see: <a href=\"https:\/\/avrupacerrahi.net\/en\/surgical-treatment-for-hidradenitis-suppurativa-when-and-how-is-it-performed\/\">Surgical Treatment for Hidradenitis Suppurativa: When and How Is It Performed?<\/a>.<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"section-8\">What Should Not Be Done?<\/h2>\n<p>Incorrect self-treatment may worsen HS, increase irritation, or delay proper care. This is especially important when lesions are draining, painful, or recurrent.<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Do not squeeze, pop, or puncture abscesses at home.<\/li>\n<li>Do not apply vinegar, garlic, lemon, alcohol, or harsh essential oils to open wounds.<\/li>\n<li>Do not start or repeat antibiotics without a doctor\u2019s recommendation.<\/li>\n<li>Do not assume that every recurring lump is a simple boil.<\/li>\n<li>Do not delay care if there is fever, spreading redness, or foul-smelling drainage.<\/li>\n<li>Do not blame HS on poor hygiene or personal failure.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<div style=\"background:#fee2e2;border-left:4px solid #dc2626;border-radius:6px;padding:14px 18px;margin:20px 0;line-height:1.7;\">\n  <strong>\ud83d\udea8 Emergency Warning:<\/strong> Fever, chills, rapidly spreading redness, severe pain, worsening swelling, or foul-smelling heavy discharge may indicate infection and should be evaluated urgently.\n<\/div>\n<h2 id=\"section-9\">When Should You See a Doctor?<\/h2>\n<p>You should see a doctor if painful lumps or abscesses recur in typical HS areas, especially if they drain, smell unpleasant, leave scars, or affect sitting, walking, working, or daily life.<\/p>\n<h3>Medical Evaluation is Recommended If You Have:<\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li>Repeated painful lumps in the same area<\/li>\n<li>Foul-smelling or pus-like drainage<\/li>\n<li>Skin tunnels or openings<\/li>\n<li>Scarring or thickened skin<\/li>\n<li>Fever or spreading redness<\/li>\n<li>Pain that limits movement<\/li>\n<li>Symptoms around the anus or buttocks<\/li>\n<li>Repeated \u201cboils\u201d that do not behave like ordinary infections<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Early diagnosis can reduce delays, prevent unnecessary home experiments, and help build a long-term treatment plan.<\/p>\n<style>\n.ac-faq details { position: relative; }\n.ac-faq details summary { list-style: none; position: relative; padding-right: 40px !important; }\n.ac-faq details summary::-webkit-details-marker { display: none; }\n.ac-faq details summary::after {\n  content: \"+\";\n  position: absolute;\n  right: 18px;\n  top: 50%;\n  transform: translateY(-50%);\n  font-size: 24px;\n  font-weight: 700;\n  color: #2e75b6;\n  width: 28px;\n  height: 28px;\n  border-radius: 50%;\n  background: #fff;\n  border: 2px solid #2e75b6;\n  display: flex;\n  align-items: center;\n  justify-content: center;\n  line-height: 1;\n  transition: all 0.2s ease;\n}\n.ac-faq details[open] summary::after {\n  content: \"\u2212\";\n  background: #2e75b6;\n  color: #fff;\n}\n.ac-faq details summary:hover::after { background: #2e75b6; color: #fff; }\n<\/style>\n<h2 id=\"faq\">Frequently Asked Questions About Hidradenitis Suppurativa<\/h2>\n<div class=\"ac-faq\">\n<details style=\"border:1px solid #dbe4ea;border-radius:8px;margin:12px 0;background:#fff;\">\n<summary style=\"cursor:pointer;padding:16px 18px;font-weight:700;color:#1e5f8e;\">Is hidradenitis suppurativa contagious?<\/summary>\n<div style=\"padding:0 18px 16px;line-height:1.7;\">\n<p>No. Hidradenitis suppurativa is not contagious. It does not spread through touching, sharing a room, using the same toilet, or social contact. HS is related to inflammation around hair follicles, immune response, genetics, friction, smoking, weight, and hormonal or metabolic factors. Active draining wounds should still be kept clean and covered when appropriate, not because HS spreads to others, but because wound hygiene helps reduce irritation and secondary infection risk.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/details>\n<details style=\"border:1px solid #dbe4ea;border-radius:8px;margin:12px 0;background:#fff;\">\n<summary style=\"cursor:pointer;padding:16px 18px;font-weight:700;color:#1e5f8e;\">Is HS caused by poor hygiene?<\/summary>\n<div style=\"padding:0 18px 16px;line-height:1.7;\">\n<p>No. HS is not caused by poor hygiene. Many patients with excellent hygiene develop HS. The condition is a chronic inflammatory disease involving the hair follicle and is influenced by genetic, immune, hormonal, metabolic, and environmental factors. Gentle cleansing may help reduce irritation, but excessive scrubbing, harsh soaps, alcohol, lemon, vinegar, or aggressive peeling can worsen the skin barrier and increase pain.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/details>\n<details style=\"border:1px solid #dbe4ea;border-radius:8px;margin:12px 0;background:#fff;\">\n<summary style=\"cursor:pointer;padding:16px 18px;font-weight:700;color:#1e5f8e;\">Can hidradenitis suppurativa be cured completely?<\/summary>\n<div style=\"padding:0 18px 16px;line-height:1.7;\">\n<p>HS is usually a chronic and recurrent disease. Some patients achieve long periods with few or no symptoms, while others need ongoing treatment. The goal is to reduce pain, drainage, odor, abscess formation, scarring, and recurrence. Early diagnosis, proper staging, lifestyle support, medical treatment, laser-based approaches, biologics, or surgery may improve disease control and quality of life.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/details>\n<details style=\"border:1px solid #dbe4ea;border-radius:8px;margin:12px 0;background:#fff;\">\n<summary style=\"cursor:pointer;padding:16px 18px;font-weight:700;color:#1e5f8e;\">How is HS different from a boil?<\/summary>\n<div style=\"padding:0 18px 16px;line-height:1.7;\">\n<p>A common boil is often a short-term skin infection. HS tends to be deeper, recurrent, and located in typical friction areas such as the armpits, groin, buttocks, under-breast area, and perianal region. HS can create tunnels under the skin and leave scars. If \u201cboils\u201d repeatedly appear in the same area, drain, smell unpleasant, or leave marks, HS should be considered and evaluated by a physician.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/details>\n<details style=\"border:1px solid #dbe4ea;border-radius:8px;margin:12px 0;background:#fff;\">\n<summary style=\"cursor:pointer;padding:16px 18px;font-weight:700;color:#1e5f8e;\">Does diet affect hidradenitis suppurativa?<\/summary>\n<div style=\"padding:0 18px 16px;line-height:1.7;\">\n<p>Diet may affect symptoms in some patients, but there is no universal HS diet that works for everyone. Some patients report worsening with high-glycemic foods, dairy, brewer\u2019s yeast, or highly processed foods. Current evidence suggests dietary approaches may support conventional treatment, but should not replace medical care. A personalized food and flare diary may help identify individual triggers.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/details>\n<details style=\"border:1px solid #dbe4ea;border-radius:8px;margin:12px 0;background:#fff;\">\n<summary style=\"cursor:pointer;padding:16px 18px;font-weight:700;color:#1e5f8e;\">Are antibiotics enough for HS?<\/summary>\n<div style=\"padding:0 18px 16px;line-height:1.7;\">\n<p>Antibiotics can help selected patients by reducing inflammation, pain, drainage, or flare severity. However, they are not always enough, especially if sinus tracts, chronic drainage, deep abscesses, or extensive scars are present. Antibiotics should not be started, stopped, or repeated without medical advice because of resistance, side effects, and drug interactions. Moderate or severe HS may require biologics, laser, procedures, or surgery.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/details>\n<details style=\"border:1px solid #dbe4ea;border-radius:8px;margin:12px 0;background:#fff;\">\n<summary style=\"cursor:pointer;padding:16px 18px;font-weight:700;color:#1e5f8e;\">When is surgery needed for HS?<\/summary>\n<div style=\"padding:0 18px 16px;line-height:1.7;\">\n<p>Surgery may be considered when there are chronic tunnels, repeated abscesses in the same area, persistent drainage, scarred diseased tissue, or major quality-of-life impairment. Surgery may include drainage, deroofing, limited excision, wide excision, or reconstruction depending on disease severity and location. It is usually part of a broader treatment plan, not a stand-alone magic switch.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/details>\n<details style=\"border:1px solid #dbe4ea;border-radius:8px;margin:12px 0;background:#fff;\">\n<summary style=\"cursor:pointer;padding:16px 18px;font-weight:700;color:#1e5f8e;\">Can laser treatment help hidradenitis suppurativa?<\/summary>\n<div style=\"padding:0 18px 16px;line-height:1.7;\">\n<p>Laser treatment may help selected patients. Laser hair reduction can decrease follicular triggers in some mild to moderate cases. CO2 laser or other tissue-directed approaches may be considered for chronic diseased areas. Laser is not suitable for every patient and should not be used as a substitute for treating active infection, large abscesses, or advanced tunnel networks.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/details>\n<details style=\"border:1px solid #dbe4ea;border-radius:8px;margin:12px 0;background:#fff;\">\n<summary style=\"cursor:pointer;padding:16px 18px;font-weight:700;color:#1e5f8e;\">When should HS be evaluated urgently?<\/summary>\n<div style=\"padding:0 18px 16px;line-height:1.7;\">\n<p>Urgent evaluation is recommended if there is fever, chills, rapidly spreading redness, severe pain, a fast-growing abscess, foul-smelling heavy discharge, uncontrolled bleeding, or general weakness. These findings may indicate infection or a complication that needs prompt medical care. Recurrent abscesses should also be assessed even if they temporarily improve.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/details>\n<\/div>\n<h2>5 Key Takeaways<\/h2>\n<ol>\n<li>Hidradenitis suppurativa is a chronic inflammatory disease of the hair follicle.<\/li>\n<li>It is not contagious and is not caused by poor hygiene.<\/li>\n<li>Typical symptoms include painful lumps, abscesses, drainage, tunnels, and scarring.<\/li>\n<li>Diagnosis is usually clinical and depends on lesion type, location, and recurrence.<\/li>\n<li>Treatment may include lifestyle measures, medications, antibiotics, biologics, laser, drainage, or surgery depending on disease severity.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<div style=\"background:linear-gradient(135deg,#eef7ff 0%,#f8fbff 100%);border:1px solid #b9d7f0;border-radius:10px;padding:22px;margin:30px 0;\">\n<h2 style=\"margin-top:0;color:#1e5f8e;\">Appointment and Evaluation<\/h2>\n<p style=\"line-height:1.7;\">If you have recurrent painful lumps, abscesses, drainage, odor, scarring, or suspected hidradenitis suppurativa, a medical evaluation can help determine disease severity and the most suitable treatment options.<\/p>\n<p style=\"margin-bottom:0;\"><strong>Contact:<\/strong> <a href=\"https:\/\/avrupacerrahi.net\/en\/contact\/\">Book an appointment \/ Contact us<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<h2>Related Articles<\/h2>\n<h3>Diagnosis and Risk Factors<\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/avrupacerrahi.net\/en\/is-hidradenitis-suppurativa-genetic-causes-and-risk-factors\/\">Is Hidradenitis Suppurativa Genetic? Causes and Risk Factors<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/avrupacerrahi.net\/en\/could-diet-affect-hidradenitis-suppurativa\/\">Could Diet Affect Hidradenitis Suppurativa?<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/avrupacerrahi.net\/en\/how-to-treat-hidradenitis-suppurativa-naturally\/\">How to Treat Hidradenitis Suppurativa Naturally?<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3>Treatment Options<\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/avrupacerrahi.net\/en\/hidradenitis-suppurativa\/\">Hidradenitis Suppurativa: Laser Treatment and New Methods<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/avrupacerrahi.net\/en\/the-best-antibiotics-for-hidradenitis-suppurativa\/\">The Best Antibiotics for Hidradenitis Suppurativa<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/avrupacerrahi.net\/en\/surgical-treatment-for-hidradenitis-suppurativa-when-and-how-is-it-performed\/\">Surgical Treatment for Hidradenitis Suppurativa: When and How Is It Performed?<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2>Sources and References<\/h2>\n<ol>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.jaad.org\/article\/S0190-9622(24)03395-4\/fulltext\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">North American Clinical Practice Guidelines for the Medical Management of Hidradenitis Suppurativa<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/38770982\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">S2k Guideline for the Treatment of Hidradenitis Suppurativa \/ Acne Inversa<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/link.springer.com\/article\/10.1007\/s40257-025-00940-0\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Comprehensive and Updated Algorithm of Hidradenitis Suppurativa Management<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/articles\/PMC10689602\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Dietary Factors and Hidradenitis Suppurativa<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.icd10data.com\/ICD10CM\/Codes\/L00-L99\/L60-L75\/L73-\/L73.2\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">ICD-10-CM L73.2 | Hidradenitis Suppurativa<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<p><script type=\"application\/ld+json\">\n{\n  \"@context\": \"https:\/\/schema.org\",\n  \"@graph\": [\n    {\n      \"@type\": \"MedicalWebPage\",\n      \"@id\": \"https:\/\/avrupacerrahi.net\/en\/what-is-hidradenitis-suppurativa-diagnosis-and-treatment-process\/#medicalwebpage\",\n      \"url\": \"https:\/\/avrupacerrahi.net\/en\/what-is-hidradenitis-suppurativa-diagnosis-and-treatment-process\/\",\n      \"headline\": \"What is Hidradenitis Suppurativa? Diagnosis and Treatment Process\",\n      \"description\": \"Learn what hidradenitis suppurativa is, how it is diagnosed, common symptoms, causes, stages, and treatment options including antibiotics, biologics, laser treatment, and surgery.\",\n      \"inLanguage\": \"en\",\n      \"datePublished\": \"2026-05-01\",\n      \"dateModified\": \"2026-05-01\",\n      \"lastReviewed\": \"2026-05-01\",\n      \"about\": {\n        \"@type\": \"MedicalCondition\",\n        \"name\": \"Hidradenitis suppurativa\",\n        \"alternateName\": [\n          \"Acne inversa\",\n          \"HS\"\n        ],\n        \"code\": {\n          \"@type\": \"MedicalCode\",\n          \"code\": \"L73.2\",\n          \"codingSystem\": \"ICD-10\"\n        },\n        \"signOrSymptom\": [\n          {\"@type\": \"MedicalSymptom\", \"name\": \"Painful nodules\"},\n          {\"@type\": \"MedicalSymptom\", \"name\": \"Abscesses\"},\n          {\"@type\": \"MedicalSymptom\", \"name\": \"Foul-smelling drainage\"},\n          {\"@type\": \"MedicalSymptom\", \"name\": \"Sinus tracts\"},\n          {\"@type\": \"MedicalSymptom\", \"name\": \"Scarring\"}\n        ],\n        \"possibleTreatment\": [\n          {\"@type\": \"MedicalTherapy\", \"name\": \"Lifestyle measures\"},\n          {\"@type\": \"MedicalTherapy\", \"name\": \"Topical treatment\"},\n          {\"@type\": \"MedicalTherapy\", \"name\": \"Antibiotics\"},\n          {\"@type\": \"MedicalTherapy\", \"name\": \"Biologic therapy\"},\n          {\"@type\": \"MedicalTherapy\", \"name\": \"Laser treatment\"},\n          {\"@type\": \"MedicalProcedure\", \"name\": \"Surgical treatment\"}\n        ]\n      },\n      \"medicalSpecialty\": [\n        \"Dermatology\",\n        \"GeneralSurgery\",\n        \"Proctology\"\n      ],\n      \"mainEntity\": {\n        \"@id\": \"https:\/\/avrupacerrahi.net\/en\/what-is-hidradenitis-suppurativa-diagnosis-and-treatment-process\/#faq\"\n      }\n    },\n    {\n      \"@type\": \"FAQPage\",\n      \"@id\": \"https:\/\/avrupacerrahi.net\/en\/what-is-hidradenitis-suppurativa-diagnosis-and-treatment-process\/#faq\",\n      \"mainEntity\": [\n        {\n          \"@type\": \"Question\",\n          \"name\": \"Is hidradenitis suppurativa contagious?\",\n          \"acceptedAnswer\": {\n            \"@type\": \"Answer\",\n            \"text\": \"No. Hidradenitis suppurativa is not contagious and does not spread through touch, shared spaces, or social contact.\"\n          }\n        },\n        {\n          \"@type\": \"Question\",\n          \"name\": \"Is HS caused by poor hygiene?\",\n          \"acceptedAnswer\": {\n            \"@type\": \"Answer\",\n            \"text\": \"No. HS is not caused by poor hygiene. It is a chronic inflammatory disease involving the hair follicle and multiple risk factors.\"\n          }\n        },\n        {\n          \"@type\": \"Question\",\n          \"name\": \"Can hidradenitis suppurativa be cured completely?\",\n          \"acceptedAnswer\": {\n            \"@type\": \"Answer\",\n            \"text\": \"HS is usually chronic and recurrent. Treatment aims to reduce pain, drainage, abscess formation, scarring, and recurrence.\"\n          }\n        },\n        {\n          \"@type\": \"Question\",\n          \"name\": \"How is HS different from a boil?\",\n          \"acceptedAnswer\": {\n            \"@type\": \"Answer\",\n            \"text\": \"HS is usually deeper, recurrent, and located in typical friction areas. It may create tunnels and scars, unlike many ordinary boils.\"\n          }\n        },\n        {\n          \"@type\": \"Question\",\n          \"name\": \"Does diet affect hidradenitis suppurativa?\",\n          \"acceptedAnswer\": {\n            \"@type\": \"Answer\",\n            \"text\": \"Diet may affect symptoms in some patients, but there is no universal HS diet. Dietary changes should support, not replace, medical treatment.\"\n          }\n        },\n        {\n          \"@type\": \"Question\",\n          \"name\": \"Are antibiotics enough for HS?\",\n          \"acceptedAnswer\": {\n            \"@type\": \"Answer\",\n            \"text\": \"Antibiotics may help selected patients but are not always enough, especially when tunnels, chronic drainage, or extensive scarring are present.\"\n          }\n        },\n        {\n          \"@type\": \"Question\",\n          \"name\": \"When is surgery needed for HS?\",\n          \"acceptedAnswer\": {\n            \"@type\": \"Answer\",\n            \"text\": \"Surgery may be considered for chronic tunnels, repeated abscesses, persistent drainage, scarred diseased tissue, or major quality-of-life impairment.\"\n          }\n        },\n        {\n          \"@type\": \"Question\",\n          \"name\": \"Can laser treatment help hidradenitis suppurativa?\",\n          \"acceptedAnswer\": {\n            \"@type\": \"Answer\",\n            \"text\": \"Laser treatment may help selected patients, especially when hair follicle triggers contribute to flares. Suitability should be determined by examination.\"\n          }\n        },\n        {\n          \"@type\": \"Question\",\n          \"name\": \"When should HS be evaluated urgently?\",\n          \"acceptedAnswer\": {\n            \"@type\": \"Answer\",\n            \"text\": \"Urgent evaluation is recommended for fever, chills, spreading redness, severe pain, fast-growing abscess, heavy foul-smelling discharge, or weakness.\"\n          }\n        }\n      ]\n    }\n  ]\n}\n<\/script><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>\u270d\ufe0f Written by: Avrupa Cerrahi Medical Editorial Team \ud83c\udfe5 Medical Review: General Surgery \/ Proctology Team &nbsp;|&nbsp; \ud83d\udcc5 Published: May 1, 2026 &nbsp;|&nbsp; \ud83d\udd04 Last Updated: May 1, 2026 What is Hidradenitis Suppurativa? Diagnosis and Treatment Process \ud83d\udea8 Important Medical Notice: This article is for educational purposes only and does not replace a medical examination.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":6362,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"content-type":"","_metasync_otto_title":"","_metasync_otto_description":"","_metasync_otto_keywords":"","_metasync_otto_og_title":"","_metasync_otto_og_description":"","_metasync_otto_twitter_title":"","_metasync_otto_twitter_description":"","rank_math_title":"","rank_math_description":"","_yoast_wpseo_title":"","_yoast_wpseo_metadesc":"","_aioseo_title":null,"_aioseo_description":"Learn what hidradenitis suppurativa is, how it is diagnosed, common symptoms, causes, stages, and treatment options.","_metasync_seo_title":"","_metasync_seo_desc":"","_metasync_primary_product_cat":0,"_metasync_otto_disabled":"","_metasync_breadcrumb_title":"","_metasync_primary_category":0,"footnotes":""},"categories":[61],"tags":[63,65,64,66,67],"class_list":["post-6360","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-hidradenitis-suppurativa","tag-hidradenitis-suppurativa-treatment-at-avrupa-cerrahi-center","tag-hidradenitis-suppurativa-treatment-methods","tag-hidradenitis-suppurativa-treatment-prices","tag-how-is-hidradenitis-suppurativa-diagnosed","tag-what-is-hidradenitis-suppurativa-diagnosis-and-treatment-process"],"aioseo_notices":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/avrupacerrahi.net\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/6360","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/avrupacerrahi.net\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/avrupacerrahi.net\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/avrupacerrahi.net\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/avrupacerrahi.net\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=6360"}],"version-history":[{"count":6,"href":"https:\/\/avrupacerrahi.net\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/6360\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":8046,"href":"https:\/\/avrupacerrahi.net\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/6360\/revisions\/8046"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/avrupacerrahi.net\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/6362"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/avrupacerrahi.net\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=6360"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/avrupacerrahi.net\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=6360"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/avrupacerrahi.net\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=6360"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}