Hidradenitis Suppurativa Treatment in Houston

Advanced care for hidradenitis suppurativa from a board certified dermatologist offering medical, surgical, and clinical research treatment options in Houston.

Book Appointment

Specialized Care for Hidradenitis Suppurativa

Hidradenitis suppurativa, also known as HS, is a chronic inflammatory skin condition that can cause painful bumps, abscesses, drainage, and scarring. Because HS often returns in the same areas and can worsen over time, patients may benefit from specialized dermatology care focused on long term control, flare reduction, and improved quality of life. At Harrison Dermatology, we provide hidradenitis suppurativa treatment in Houston for patients seeking advanced, personalized care. Our approach may include medical therapy, biologic treatment options, procedures, lifestyle guidance, and access to clinical research opportunities when appropriate.

What Is Hidradenitis Suppurativa?

Hidradenitis suppurativa is a chronic skin disease that affects hair follicles and surrounding skin. It commonly develops in areas where skin rubs together, such as the underarms, groin, buttocks, inner thighs, and beneath the breasts. HS is not caused by poor hygiene. It is an inflammatory condition that may be influenced by genetics, hormones, friction, smoking, weight, and immune system activity. Without proper treatment, hidradenitis suppurativa can lead to recurring flare ups, painful drainage, sinus tracts, and permanent scarring.

Learn More

Common Symptons

Painful lumps or nodules under the skin
Boil-like bumps that return in the same areas
Abscesses or draining lesions
Tenderness, swelling, or inflammation
Scarring or thickened skin
Tunnels under the skin, also called sinus tracts
Flare ups in areas of friction or sweating

Learn More

Hidradenitis Suppurativa Treatment Options

Treatment for hidradenitis suppurativa depends on the severity of the condition, the areas affected, and how often flare ups occur. The goal is to reduce inflammation, prevent new lesions, manage pain, limit scarring, and improve quality of life.

Topical and Oral Medications

Mild to moderate HS may be treated with topical medications, oral antibiotics, anti-inflammatory medications, or other prescriptions designed to reduce flare ups and control symptoms.

Biologic Therapy

For moderate to severe hidradenitis suppurativa, biologic medications may help target the inflammatory pathways involved in HS. These treatments may be recommended when traditional medications are not enough.

Injections and Procedures

Some painful or inflamed lesions may benefit from in-office treatment, such as injections or drainage when medically appropriate. Procedures may help reduce pain and inflammation during active flares.

Surgical Treatment for Advanced HS

In more advanced cases, surgical treatment may be considered for persistent tunnels, scarring, or recurring areas that do not respond well to medication alone.

Clinical Research Opportunities

Some patients may qualify for dermatology clinical trials evaluating new and emerging HS treatments. Clinical trials can provide access to investigational treatment options while helping advance care for patients with hidradenitis suppurativa.

Why Choose Harrison Dermatology for HS Treatment?

Patients choose Harrison Dermatology for hidradenitis suppurativa treatment because we provide a personalized, research informed approach to complex skin disease. HS can be physically painful and emotionally frustrating, and our goal is to help patients feel heard, supported, and guided through every stage of care.

Topical and Oral Medications

Experience managing complex inflammatory skin conditions

Personalized treatment plans based on severity and symptoms

Access to advanced medical and biologic therapies

Clinical research opportunities for qualifying patients

Long term support focused on flare reduction and quality of life

When to See a Hidradenitis Specialist

You should consider seeing a dermatologist if you have recurring painful bumps, abscesses, drainage, or scarring in areas such as the underarms, groin, thighs, buttocks, or beneath the breasts. Early evaluation is important because HS can worsen over time and may become more difficult to manage if left untreated. A dermatologist can help determine whether your symptoms are hidradenitis suppurativa and recommend a treatment plan based on your condition, medical history, and goals.

Clinical Trials for Hidradenitis Suppurativa

Harrison Dermatology is committed to advancing the future of dermatologic care through clinical research. Some patients with hidradenitis suppurativa may qualify for clinical trials studying new and emerging treatment options. Participating in a clinical trial may provide access to investigational therapies not yet widely available. Study related exams, testing, and procedures may be provided at no cost, and eligibility requirements vary by study.

Frequently Asked Questions About Hidradenitis Suppurativa

Can you pop HS bumps?

You should not pop or squeeze HS bumps at home. This can worsen inflammation, increase pain, introduce bacteria, and raise the risk of infection or scarring. A dermatologist can evaluate painful or draining lesions and recommend safer treatment options.

Is hidradenitis suppurativa curable?

There is currently no simple cure for hidradenitis suppurativa, but treatment can help reduce flare ups, manage symptoms, prevent progression, and improve quality of life. Many patients benefit from a long term treatment plan.

What causes hidradenitis suppurativa?

HS is a chronic inflammatory condition involving hair follicles and surrounding skin. It is not caused by poor hygiene. Genetics, hormones, friction, smoking, weight, and immune system activity may all play a role.

When should I see a dermatologist for HS?

You should see a dermatologist if you have recurring painful bumps, drainage, scarring, or flare ups in the same areas. Early treatment can help reduce symptoms and lower the risk of long term scarring.

What treatments are available for HS?

Treatment may include topical medications, oral medications, antibiotics, anti-inflammatory treatments, biologic therapy, injections, procedures, surgery, and clinical trial opportunities depending on the severity of the condition.

Schedule Hidradenitis Treatment in Houston

If you are dealing with painful HS bumps, recurring flare ups, drainage, or scarring, Harrison Dermatology can help you explore personalized treatment options. Schedule an appointment to discuss advanced hidradenitis suppurativa treatment in Houston.