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Is Hidradenitis Suppurativa Curable? An Honest Answer
What “Cure” Means for a Chronic Condition
Many dermatological conditions are chronic, including Atopic Dermatitis (Eczema), Psoriasis, Prurigo Nodularis (PN), and Hidradenitis Suppurativa (HS). This means that there are no cures for the condition. For any chronic condition, the “cure” is a treatment plan to help relieve the symptoms of the condition and minimize the impact that the condition may have on the patient’s daily life and everyday activities. When we are able to manage the symptoms of HS to where patients are able to live a normal life without the worry of flare-ups or the constant pain without treatment, this is called remission.
Long-Term Remission Is Realistic
What does remission look like for Hidradenitis Suppurativa (HS) patients? Patients that have achieved remission have very minor or non-present symptoms of HS. This can mean dormant nodules, no longer forming recurrent abscesses, and minor-to-no pain or irritation on previously affected sites.
This all sounds great, but is it really achievable? The answer to that question is yes. At Texas Hidradenitis Center, we specialize in researching and treating HS, and many patients have found a treatment plan and therapy that works for them.
Treatments That Get Closest to Remission
There are many treatments available to help manage the symptoms of chronic Hidradenitis Suppurativa (HS). HS is typically managed both clinically and surgically. Clinically, the nodules and recurrent lesions can be managed by either oral antibiotics, biologic injections, GLP-1s, or some combination of the three. Surgically, the affected areas of the skin can be definitively removed via excision to remove the tunneling and sinus tracts below the surface of the skin, which lead to the recurrency of nodules and drainage.
Why Early Intervention Changes the Outcome
For less severe cases of Hidradenitis Suppurativa (HS), patients may begin on some combination of topicals and oral antibiotics. Early intervention helps us when working with you to prevent abscesses from forming, and how to proceed if they do form. In monitoring your HS, we can determine if you are a candidate for systemic therapeutic biologic injections to treat HS from the inside out. Early intervention allows us to keep the manifestation of HS symptoms from spreading and requiring surgical intervention.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is hidradenitis suppurativa curable?
Hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) is a chronic disease with no known cure, but there are many therapies approved to help manage the symptoms of HS.
What is the best treatment for HS?
Treatment plans vary from patient to patient. We offer patient-focused care and long-term management of HS symptoms.
Are biologics safe?
Biologics are generally considered safe and approved methods of treating auto-inflammatory diseases such as HS.
Can HS come back after surgery?
HS can come back after surgery; however, with long-term management, we can closely monitor the signs and symptoms after surgical procedure.
Is HS contagious?
HS is not a contagious disease, rather an auto-inflammatory disease.
Does weight loss help HS?
Speak with a provider today about how weight loss can help your symptoms of HS.
What foods trigger HS?
Obesity, smoking, and environmental factors can be triggers for HS, as well as patients being genetically predisposed.
How long does treatment take?
Treatment duration varies from patient to patient. HS is a chronic condition, meaning we will work with you to manage your HS long-term.
When should I see a dermatologist?
See a dermatologist as soon as signs and symptoms start appearing.
Can smoking affect HS?
Yes, studies have shown that smoking is a potential trigger for HS.