DiagnosisThe condition can be mistaken for an infection, an ingrown hair or other conditions. Many people live with undiagnosed hidradenitis suppurativa for years before receiving a correct diagnosis. Show
Your doctor will base a diagnosis on your signs and symptoms, skin appearance and medical history. You might be referred to a doctor who specializes in skin conditions (dermatologist), as hidradenitis suppurativa can be difficult to diagnose and requires specialized care. No laboratory test is available to diagnose hidradenitis suppurativa. But if pus or drainage is present, your doctor might take a sample for testing in a lab. TreatmentTreatment with medications, surgery or both can help control symptoms and prevent complications of hidradenitis suppurativa. Talk with your doctor about the risks and benefits of the treatment options and how to develop an approach tailored to you. Expect to have regular follow-up visits with your dermatologist. Some people might need the comprehensive care provided by a multidisciplinary health care team. MedicationsYour doctor might prescribe one or more of the following types of medications:
SurgeryCombined medical and surgical approaches help manage hidradenitis suppurativa. Surgery is an important part of disease management when a tunnel and bump (abscess) are present. Which surgical approach is right for you depends on the extent and severity of your condition. Talk with your doctor about the risks and benefits of the options, which include:
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Clinical trialsExplore Mayo Clinic studies testing new treatments, interventions and tests as a means to prevent, detect, treat or manage this condition. Lifestyle and home remediesMild hidradenitis suppurativa can sometimes be effectively controlled with self-care measures. Self-care is also an important complement to any medical treatment you're getting. The following suggestions might help relieve discomfort, speed healing or prevent flareups:
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Coping and supportHidradenitis suppurativa can be a challenge to your emotional health and well-being. Painful sores might affect your sleep, ability to move or sex life. Or the sores might drain pus with an odor, which might make you feel anxious, embarrassed, angry, self-conscious or depressed. The ongoing, persistent nature of the disease and its treatment challenges only add to the burden. Try to find support among your family and friends. The concern and understanding of other people with hidradenitis suppurativa also might be comforting. Don't hesitate to ask for help with your mental health and coping strategies. Your doctor can refer you to a mental health professional or provide the contact information of a support group. Preparing for your appointmentYou'll likely first see your primary care doctor. You might then be referred to a doctor who specializes in diagnosing and treating skin diseases (dermatologist). Depending on the severity of your condition, your care might also involve specialists in colorectal surgery, plastic surgery or digestive diseases (gastroenterology). Here's some information to help you get ready for your appointment. What you can doMake a list of the following:
For hidradenitis suppurativa, some basic questions to ask your doctor include:
What to expect from your doctorYour doctor is likely to ask you several questions, such as:
What is a specialist in diagnosing and treating diseases disorders and problems associated with aging?Geriatricians are primary care doctors who have additional specialized training in treating older patients.
What is the name for the physician who specializes in the diagnosis and treatment?Internal medicine physicians are specialists who apply scientific knowledge and clinical expertise to the diagnosis, treatment, and compassionate care of adults across the spectrum from health to complex illness.
Is a specialist in diagnosing and treating disorders of the foot?A podiatrist is a doctor of podiatric medicine (DPM), a branch of medicine that deals with the diagnosis and treatment of disorders of the foot, ankle, and lower leg. A podiatrist attends a four-year podiatric medical school and completes a residency program.
Is a physician who specializes in diagnosing and treating diseases and disorders with xrays and other forms of radiant energy?Radiologist. A radiologist is a physician who completed medical school and received specialized training in obtaining and interpreting medical images using x-rays (radiographs, CT, fluoroscopy),radioactive substances (nuclear medicine), sound waves (ultrasound) or magnets (MRI).
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