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  • SKIN AND SOUL HEALING!
    SKIN AND SOUL HEALING!

    At IAHSN, we are committed to advocacy, education, and whole-person well-being, because living with Hidradenitis Suppurativa (HS) is about more than managing flare-ups. It involves navigating trauma, processing grief, rebuilding confidence, and overcoming isolation. Through patient-centered advocacy, educational resources, and compassionate, trauma-informed support, we empower individuals living with HS to care for both their physical and emotional health. You are more than your diagnosis, and you do not have to face this journey alone.

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Learn About Hidradenitis Suppurativa

It's easy to think of hidradenitis suppurativa as just a "skin condition." But hidradenitis suppurativa actually starts underneath the skin. It is a chronic (long-lasting) disease of the autoimmune system that can range from mild to severe. Learn more

 

Treatment and Doctors

It is difficult to control hidradenitis suppurativa with medical treatment.  The best approach is to catch the disease in its early stages, and treat and control milder symptoms of the disease.  Find out more.

Connect with Others

If you're living with hidradenitis suppurativa, you're not alone. The HS Foundation estimated between 1%-4% of the world's population suffers HS. The numbers equate to between 74 million and 296 million people worldwide. This is your opportunity to be connected with a group of other people living with hidradenitis suppurativa on Facebook. Read more.

Our Impact This Year

  • People Helped

    1423

  • Volunteer Hours

    3783

  • HS Speaks

    5

  • Rx Supplies

    100 Care Bags

April 20, 2026

Questions to Ask Your Dermatologist About Hidradenitis Suppurativa (HS)

byDr. Donna Atherton

Receiving a diagnosis of Hidradenitis Suppurativa (HS)—or even suspecting you may have it—can feel overwhelming. Many people leave appointments with more questions than answers, especially when dealing with pain, recurring flare-ups, drainage, scarring, and emotional exhaustion.

Your dermatologist plays an important role in helping you understand your condition and create a treatment plan that works for your life.

The truth is: asking questions is not being difficult—it is being informed.

Here are important questions to ask your dermatologist about HS so you can feel more confident, prepared, and involved in your care.

1. What Stage of HS Do I Have?

HS is often categorized using the Hurley Staging System (Stage I, II, or III), which helps determine severity and treatment options.

Ask:

  • What stage is my HS currently?
  • Has my condition progressed over time?
  • How does my stage affect treatment decisions?

Understanding your stage helps you better understand what to expect moving forward.

2. What Treatment Options Are Available for Me?

There is no one-size-fits-all treatment for HS.

Ask:

  • Do I need topical treatment, antibiotics, biologics, or surgery?
  • What are the risks and benefits of each option?
  • How long will it take before I notice improvement?

Your treatment should be personalized—not rushed.

3. What Could Be Triggering My Flares?

Triggers can vary from person to person.

Ask:

  • Could hormones be affecting my HS?
  • Does stress make flare-ups worse?
  • Are there lifestyle factors contributing to my symptoms?

Common triggers may include stress, friction, hormones, smoking, certain foods, heat, and weight changes.

4. Should I See Other Specialists?

HS often connects with other health concerns.

Ask:

  • Should I see an endocrinologist, surgeon, gynecologist, nutritionist, or mental health professional?
  • Could I have related conditions like PCOS, diabetes, arthritis, or depression?

Comprehensive care often requires a team approach.

5. What Should I Do During a Flare?

Many patients feel lost during painful flare-ups.

Ask:

  • What should I do when a flare starts?
  • Should I come in immediately or manage it at home first?
  • When is urgent care necessary?

Having a clear flare plan reduces panic and helps you feel more in control.

6. How Should I Care for My Skin and Wounds?

Daily management matters.

Ask:

  • What cleansers or products should I use or avoid?
  • How should I dress draining wounds?
  • Are there products that can reduce irritation?

Wound care is not just physical—it affects confidence, comfort, and daily functioning.

7. Is Surgery Necessary for Me?

Some people are told surgery early, while others may never need it.

Ask:

  • Is surgery recommended for my specific case?
  • What type of surgery would be best?
  • What does recovery look like?

Make sure you understand your options before making major decisions.

8. How Will HS Affect My Long-Term Health?

HS is more than a skin condition.

Ask:

  • Can HS affect other parts of my health?
  • Are there long-term risks I should monitor?
  • What signs should I watch for?

Knowledge helps you advocate for yourself early.

9. How Can I Manage the Pain?

Pain is one of the most challenging parts of HS.

Ask:

  • What are safe ways to manage pain?
  • Are there options beyond pain medication?
  • How do I handle pain that affects sleep and daily life?

Pain management should be part of the treatment plan—not ignored.

10. How Can I Advocate for Myself?

Sometimes the hardest part of HS is feeling unheard.

Ask:

  • What should I track between visits?
  • How can I explain symptoms clearly?
  • Are there resources or support groups you recommend?

Your voice matters in your care.

Final Thoughts

Living with HS often means learning to ask hard questions—and learning that you deserve answers.

You are not “too much.”
You are not overreacting.
You are not asking for too much care.

You deserve a dermatologist who listens, educates, and partners with you.

At International Association of Hidradenitis Suppurativa Network, we believe informed patients become empowered patients.

Because when people understand their condition, they can better advocate for their health, their healing, and their future.

Remember:

Bring a notebook.
Write your questions down.
Take someone with you if needed.
And never leave your appointment feeling afraid to ask for clarity.

Your health matters. Your voice matters. And your journey deserves support.

  • Dr. Donna Atherton, Founder and Chief Mission Officer
    Dr. Donna Atherton, Founder and Chief Mission Officer

    “IAHSN is dedicated to improving the lives of individuals with Hidradenitis Suppurativa by focusing on the intersection of skin health, mental health, and community support.

    We empower people with HS through education, emotional wellness, advocacy, and storytelling, offering a compassionate space to heal from both the physical and emotional scars of this chronic skin condition."

© 2026 ‎International Association of Hidradenitis Suppurativa Network
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