Hidradenitis Suppurativa Treatments
Hidradenitis suppurativa treatments can be very effective at treating the condition. Hidradenitis suppurativa is a skin condition that usually begins as small, pimple-like bumps on the skin. These bumps typically develop in places everyday pimples do not appear, like near sweat glands, where skin rubs against itself, and where there is little or no sunlight exposure, especially under the arms and breasts, between the buttocks, and around the groin area. The lumps are generally painful, and they can break open or form tunnels under the skin.
Hidradenitis suppurative is a chronic condition that affects around 4 percent of the population. It can worsen over time and impact daily life, causing embarrassment if breakouts itch or become infected. When the lesions rupture, they can leak a foul-smelling liquid. Patients with this condition should not be embarrassed to seek help from a skin specialist or dermatologist. Early diagnosis and treatment are essential to prevent worsening of symptoms.
Hidradenitis Suppurativa Causes
The exact cause of hidradenitis suppurativa is unknown, though it seldom occurs before puberty or after menopause, so hormones are a suspected factor. People who are overweight, smokers, people with acne, those who take lithium, and women are more susceptible than others. Like acne, hidradenitis suppurativa begins when hair follicles clog with bacteria or other substances, but unlike acne, the immune system is thought to overreact to the blockage. Hidradenitis suppurativa is not hereditary, contagious, or caused by poor hygiene.
Symptoms of Hidradenitis Suppurativa
Initially, hidradenitis suppurativa can resemble acne-like blackheads, pimples around individual hair follicles, or boils. In later stages, breakouts may reoccur and become painful or rupture, leaking a foul-smelling fluid. Scars may form and become thicker over time, causing tunnel-like tracts that create spongy-looking skin between outbreak areas. Serious infection may also occur.
Best Treatment for Hidradenitis Suppurativa
In order to provide a diagnosis, a biopsy may be done to rule out other types of infection. Oral or topical antibiotics, oral retinoids, and hormone therapy may be prescribed. More severe cases may require intravenous medications to suppress immune system response, or even surgery to relieve pain from individual nodules or bumps and pockets that recur. Laser surgery may be used on deep new bumps and skin grafts may be used on more established cases. This condition can last for years, though earlier and long-term hidradenitis suppurativa treatment can help control the pain, promote healing, and reduce flare-ups and complications. If you think you need hidradenitis suppurativa treatment, don’t hesitate to make an appointment with us.
Why Choose Zel for Hidradenitis Suppurativa Treatments?
Effective treatment can significantly reduce the condition’s symptoms. That said, only a dermatologist can discern the subtle differences between hidradenitis suppurativa and other conditions with similar symptoms. If you suspect you need hidradenitis suppurativa treatments, schedule a consultation with us today.
Additionally, this condition is often mistaken for other, more common lesions, like acne, boils, and/or folliculitis. If you’re not sure what is causing the bumps, scheduling an appointment with a dermatologist is the best decision you can make.
Contact us to schedule an appointment or virtual visit today. We’ll assess your skin and recommend a range of treatment options well-suited to your lifestyle.
*Results may vary per patient. Services vary by location.
Zel Skin & Laser Specialists – Plymouth ★★★★★ on Google5:27pm
Felt COvid safe ... always a great experience working with professionals
Brian brings a unique combination of medical science, clinical expertise, integrity and compassion to his patients. He provides the latest technology available in the field of dermatology but with a personalized touch for each patient. He is highly respected by his colleagues throughout the country for his expertise and sincerity.
Everyone I have met at Zel is amazing!
It is rare to find a dermatologist who is as knowledgeable about the many facets of clinical and cosmetic dermatology as Dr. Zelickson. Because of his knowledge and honesty, doctors worldwide know they can depend on his assessment of new therapies, procedures and medical devices. This, in turn, has made him a much sought–after speaker for the plethora of professional medical society meetings and engagements that we have throughout the year. I am honored to know Dr. Zelickson and consider him a friend to the profession.
Dr. Brian Zelickson was one of our initial Thermage investigators and helped us understand the mechanisms of non–invasive skin tightening. He is a renowned expert on how collagen can affect skin tightening and wrinkle reduction.
Dr. Brian Zelickson is one of this country’s leading laser experts. Not only is he unparalleled as a laser surgeon, it is not an exaggeration to state that his superb research helps determine the future of dermatologic laser surgery.
Dr. Zelickson is a highly regarded skin/light expert in our industry. When Candela looks for both medical and scientific advice for new laser applications, we often turn to him for his counsel. The input he provides us always starts with patient safety and satisfaction. We feel fortunate to be able to tap into Brian as an independent resource. The patients who are treated with Candela devices are often the beneficiaries of Brian’s input to us.
Most patients prefer seeing a doctor who is known for a particular specialty or procedure, but all patients want to see the doctor who invented the procedure or therapy. Dr. Brian Zelickson is one of the most respected physicians in the field of cosmetic dermatology and aesthetic medicine. He has lectured around the world and is one of the most sought–after speakers for all major meetings in dermatology.
I would rate Dr. Zelickson's clinic 10 stars!
We have felt honored to have Dr. Brian Zelickson, a world–renowned dermatologist who is distinguished as a high–quality care physician, serving as the investigator evaluating Syneron non–invasive skin tightening technology
I trained with Dr. Zelickson at Mayo Clinic, and I found him to be a very bright and creative dermatologist and scientist. Later, he was our best advisor when we set up our clinic in the Basque Country in Spain. I call him the ‘paparazzi of dermatology.’ His contribution to our speciality is probably among the best of this century.
Tuve la suerte de conocer al Dr. Brian Zelickson en Minneapolis hace muchos anos y desde entonces acudo regularmente a compartir sus conocimientos. Es un científico honrado, brillante, creativo e innovador. Nunca deja de sorprenderte agradablemente.
Dr. Zelickson is a very well–respected dermatologist, not only in the U.S., but also in Europe. He is famous for being the author of relevant dermatological studies published in many prestigious medical journals and for the improvements he’s made on minimally invasive cosmetic procedures that are being used by dermatologists all over the world.
Our view from Europe of Dr. Brian Zelickson is that he is one of the leading four or five U.S. laser dermatologists. His research contributions, his superb lectures and his expert knowledge of laser skin surgery make him a valued friend, colleague and guest.
Dr. Brian Zelickson is one of the world’s leaders in cutaneous laser surgery. He has performed groundbreaking research over the past decade, advancing the field as well as expertly providing the most up–to–date laser treatments for his patients.
Brian Zelickson is a world–renowned laser expert who helps develop the lasers and treatment parameters used by the rest of the world. He is where others turn to learn the latest techniques in laser surgery. If you want the best treatment available, delivering the best results in the safest environment available, there is no need to look anywhere else.
I have met many laser experts in my 20 years of teaching, lecturing and running a busy practice. There is no one who I respect more than Brian. If I have a clinical question or research idea, Brian is one of the few individuals I call, as I know I can count on his intellect, integrity and common sense.
Dr. Zelickson is one of America’s most knowledgeable laser experts. He has done pioneering work with many of the laser and light–based technologies developed in the world over the last 10 years. He is a giant in the field.
Dr. Zelickson is one of the world’s leaders in the field of lasers for the treatment of the skin. His many years experience in treating thousands of patients with lasers and other medical devices makes him one of the most sought–after doctors in this field. Innovation and caring are his trademarks.