British Association of Dermatologists
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Introduction
Glossary
What is hidradenitis suppurativa (HS)?
What areas of the body are affected?
What does HS look like?
Who tends to have HS?
What causes HS?
Is HS hereditary?
Is HS catching?
Is HS serious?
Does anything make HS worse?
Will HS go away?
How will HS be diagnosed?
How can HS be treated?
Are there any complications with HS?
How can I help myself?
What sort of dressings should I use?
Will daily life be affected by HS?
Will having HS affect pregnancy or giving birth?
I am about to see a healthcare professional; what do I ask them
Other frequently asked questions
What do I do next?
Where can I get more information?
References
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>> Other frequently asked questions
Please click on the questions below to reveal the answers underneath.

Q1 Is there a cure for HS?

There is no cure for HS but treatments may suppress the condition and reduce the impact on your life. Major surgery has the best chance of a complete remission of the disease in the areas treated.

Q2 Will surgery help me?

Armpits tend to respond better to radical surgical treatment than the groin and genital areas. Major surgery is unlikely to be useful in areas such as the female breast, neck and scalp, although, as in other affected areas, opening of sinuses may be useful in these areas (see ‘How can HS be treated?’).

Q3 How do I get in contact with other people with HS?

Support groups are available for sufferers of HS and have links other people with HS (see ‘Where can I get more information?’).

Q4 How can I exercise when I have HS?

Many people find that if their HS is not too severe they can do most forms of exercise that they wish to do. But if the pain is too bad, then low impact exercise like gardening and walking might still be possible. Some people find that swimming is a good choice as it is a good all round form of exercise and as the chlorine helps keep the skin clean and dry. The water also minimises rubbing and sweating.

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