Dr. Abdulaziz AlRashed — Consultant Dermatologist, Cosmetic & Laser

Hidradenitis Suppurativa (HS) Advice

Last reviewed 1 July 2026 — Dr. Abdulaziz AlRashed

A patient advice sheet — 8 practical points. Reviewed and updated by Dr. Abdulaziz AlRashed, July 2026.

Last reviewed: July 2026

The advice

A chronic inflammation of fold areas (underarms, groins, under the breasts) causing painful nodules and recurrent abscesses; it is not poor hygiene and not contagious.
Early diagnosis and regular treatment prevent scarring and skin tunnels — do not settle for emergency drainage each time.
Smoking is the top trigger: quitting clearly improves the disease, and weight loss reduces flares and friction.
Wear loose cotton clothing and avoid friction and traumatic shaving in inflamed areas (laser hair removal is often the better option).
Use an antiseptic wash (chlorhexidine or benzoyl peroxide) on affected areas several times weekly.
Do not squeeze the nodules; use warm compresses for painful ones, and come early for injections or medical drainage.
Effective treatments exist by stage: courses of antibiotics, effective modern biologic injections, and surgical options for advanced cases.
HS is emotionally exhausting — psychological support is a legitimate part of the plan, and regular follow-up changes the course of the disease.

See also the full treatment page: Hidradenitis suppurativa treatment — options, evidence and expected timelines.

My private clinic at Kuwait Hospital (Sabah Al-Salem) — direct assessment and a treatment plan built around your case.