At our CQC-registered dermatology clinic, our consultant dermatologist-led team offers a calm, understanding approach to diagnosis and ongoing management. Patients travel to us from across Kent, including Canterbury, Whitstable, Herne Bay, Faversham, Maidstone, Ashford, Folkestone and Thanet. Our aim is to give you an accurate diagnosis, explain your options clearly and build a management plan that fits your life.
About the Condition
HS is a chronic, relapsing inflammatory condition affecting hair follicles. It causes painful nodules, abscesses and, in more established cases, tunnels beneath the skin. It most commonly affects the armpits, groin, buttocks and the skin under the breasts, and usually begins after puberty.
Common features include:
- Recurrent, painful lumps or boil-like swellings, often in the armpits, groin or under the breasts
- Lumps that come to a head, discharge and heal with scarring, only to recur
- Tunnels developing under the skin, connecting several lumps over time
- Symptoms in more than one area, or repeatedly in the same sites
- Discomfort that affects daily activities or confidence
HS is not caused by poor hygiene and is not contagious. Smoking and excess weight are linked with more severe disease, and hormones and genetics may play a part. HS is associated with some other conditions, including metabolic syndrome, and can affect mood and quality of life.
Because HS is often mistaken for recurrent boils, ingrown hairs, acne or a sebaceous cyst, it can go undiagnosed for some time. An accurate diagnosis is the first step towards proper management.
How We Treat It
Management of HS usually combines several approaches, and it begins with a dermatology consultation to confirm the diagnosis, assess how established the condition is and discuss what matters most to you. HS cannot be cured, but a combination of measures can help reduce flare-ups and improve quality of life. Individual results vary.
Lifestyle measures, including stopping smoking and working towards a healthy weight, can meaningfully help. Medical treatment may include topical or oral antibiotics and isotretinoin, prescribed by your clinician. Laser hair removal may also be considered for some people, and a tailored skincare routine through our Prescriptive Strength Skin Care service can support the skin between flare-ups.
Persistent lumps that do not settle with medical treatment alone may need further discussion about surgical options. We will talk through whether this is appropriate for you and, if it is, how it would be arranged. We are CQC regulated and accept all major private medical insurers.
When to See a Specialist
It is worth seeking an assessment if you have recurring, painful lumps in the same areas, particularly the armpits, groin or under the breasts. HS can be mistaken for boils or ingrown hairs, so an accurate diagnosis and a proper management plan matter.
Book sooner if lumps are frequent, leave scars, or are affecting your movement, sleep or mood. Please seek urgent medical advice if you develop a high temperature, spreading redness, severe pain or feel generally unwell, as these can be signs of infection. There is no need to feel embarrassed about booking, and you do not have to wait for a flare-up to settle first.
Further reading: NHS – Hidradenitis suppurativa · DermNet – Hidradenitis suppurativa · British Association of Dermatologists
Frequently Asked Questions
Is hidradenitis suppurativa caused by poor hygiene?
No. HS is an inflammatory condition of the hair follicles and is not caused by how clean someone is, nor is it contagious. This is a common misconception that can add unnecessary distress.
Can hidradenitis suppurativa be cured?
HS cannot be cured at present, but a combination of lifestyle changes, medical treatment and, where appropriate, surgery can help reduce flare-ups and improve quality of life.
Does smoking make hidradenitis suppurativa worse?
Smoking is strongly linked with HS and is associated with more severe disease, so stopping smoking is one of the most helpful lifestyle changes someone with HS can make.
When is surgery considered for HS?
Surgery is generally considered for persistent lumps or tunnels that have not responded adequately to medical treatment, and your clinician will discuss whether this is appropriate for you.
Is hidradenitis suppurativa linked to other health conditions?
HS is associated with certain other conditions, including metabolic syndrome, and can also affect mood and quality of life, which is why a broad, understanding approach to care matters.
Do I need a GP referral?
No, you can book directly with us. Consultant Dermatologist appointments are booked by phone or email so we can check whether you are insured or self-funding.
Get your concern assessed
First step
Dermatology Consultation, £300
Appointment
30 minutes
Availability
Usually within 1 to 2 weeks
Consultant Dermatologist appointments are booked by phone or email, so we can check whether you are insured or self-funding.
Treatments for hidradenitis suppurativa
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