Hidradenitis Suppurativa (HS)
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Hidradenitis Suppurativa (HS)
If you're living with Hidradenitis Suppurativa, you already know how misunderstood this condition can be.
Painful lumps. Skin that flares without warning. Clothing that hurts to wear. Movement that becomes difficult. The shame. The frustration. The endless search for answers—sometimes for years.
At Biltmore Dermatology, we're not just here to recognize HS. We're here to treat it with respect, compassion, and a plan that makes sense.
Whether you've been officially diagnosed or just know something isn't right, this is a place where your story is heard—and your care starts without judgment.
What Is Hidradenitis Suppurativa?
Hidradenitis Suppurativa (HS) is a chronic inflammatory skin condition affecting hair follicles in areas where skin rubs together—typically underarms, groin, inner thighs, buttocks, and under the breasts.
It causes:
- Deep, painful lumps beneath the skin
- Flares that may rupture or drain
- Scarring or tunnel-like tracts (sinus tracts) over time
- Chronic discomfort and emotional distress
It's often mistaken for ingrown hairs, infected cysts, or boils, especially early on. Many people are misdiagnosed or dismissed before they finally learn it's HS.
What HS Is Not
- It's not caused by poor hygiene
- It's not an infection you can spread
- It's not your fault
This is a medical condition—and it deserves medical care.
How HS Feels—Because It's More Than Skin Deep
HS can change how you move, what you wear, how you sit, and even whether you leave the house. The emotional toll is real. Many patients report:
- Isolation or avoidance of social situations
- Depression or anxiety due to chronic flares
- Shame or fear of being seen during an active flare
- Frustration at how long it took to be taken seriously
We see all of that. And we take it seriously.
You're Not Alone—Even If It Feels That Way
HS affects an estimated 1 in 100 people, but it often goes undiagnosed or misdiagnosed for years.
What patients usually search for online isn't "Hidradenitis Suppurativa"—it's:
- "Boils underarm won't go away"
- "Painful lump in the groin that keeps coming back"
- "Recurring skin abscess inner thigh"
- "Skin flare that hurts to walk"
If that sounds familiar, you're in the right place.
Related Conditions Often Seen Alongside HS
Hidradenitis Suppurativa doesn't exist in isolation. Many patients dealing with HS also experience other recurring skin issues—some mistaken for HS, others caused or worsened by it. These conditions are treated here at Biltmore Dermatology and may be part of your care plan.
Cystic Acne
Sometimes confused with HS, cystic acne forms deep, painful nodules—particularly on the face, back, and chest. We can help differentiate and manage both conditions.
Folliculitis
Folliculitis is inflammation of the hair follicles and can resemble HS, especially in the early stages. It's often triggered by friction, heat, or shaving.
Explore folliculitis treatment
Skin Cysts
Recurring cysts may appear similar to HS flares and can also become infected or inflamed. We offer drainage, removal, and treatment options for cystic skin lesions.
Post-Inflammatory Hyperpigmentation
Dark spots or discoloration left behind after flares are common in HS and other chronic conditions. Treatments can help restore even skin tone.
Treatment options for dark marks
Skin Cancer Concerns
Chronic inflammation or non-healing lesions in one area may require evaluation for skin cancer. We offer skin checks, imaging, and IG-SRT when appropriate.
Our Approach to HS Care
Our goal is simple: treat the skin, respect the patient, and reduce the burden—physically and emotionally.
We create a care plan based on:
- The severity of your flares
- Impact on daily life
- Past treatments you've tried
- Your comfort level and goals
Your plan may include:
- Topical or oral medications to reduce inflammation and recurrence
- In-office procedures for active flares (when appropriate)
- Guidance on skin maintenance and flare prevention
- Support for related conditions like cysts, infections, and scarring
- Referrals for advanced care if needed
Let's Talk—Privately, Respectfully, and Without Pressure
You don't need a formal diagnosis to reach out. If you've been living with painful skin flares, unexplained lesions, or chronic irritation—let's take a closer look together.
Schedule a Consultation
Hidradenitis Suppurativa can be painful, persistent, and emotionally exhausting—but you don't have to face it alone. At Biltmore Dermatology, our board-certified dermatology provider offers discreet, compassionate care and real solutions for HS and other chronic skin conditions.
Contact us to schedule your visit to our Terre Haute or Vincennes office. We're here to help you find clarity, relief, and a care plan that fits your life.