Treatments

TREATMENTS

HS Treatments: Options for Managing Hidradenitis Suppurativa

Treating Hidradenitis Suppurativa (HS)

There is currently no cure for hidradenitis suppurativa (HS), but there are many treatment options that can help reduce symptoms, manage flares, prevent complications, and improve quality of life. Because HS affects people differently, treatment plans are highly individualized and may change over time.

HS treatment often works best when it addresses:

Inflammation
Pain and drainage
New lesion prevention
Scarring and tunnels
Overall physical and emotional well‑being

How Is HS Treated?

HS is typically treated using a combination of approaches, rather than a single medication or procedure. Your health care provider may recommend treatments based on:

Your symptoms and how long you’ve had them
How often flares occur
Areas of the body affected
Presence of tunnels or scarring
How HS impacts your daily life

Treatment plans may include medical, procedural, and supportive strategies.

Medications Used to Treat HS

Topical Treatments

Topical medications are applied directly to the skin and may be used to reduce inflammation, manage drainage, or prevent flares in specific areas. These treatments are often used in early or localized disease and may be combined with other therapies.

Oral Medications

Oral medications are used to address inflammation throughout the body. Depending on the treatment, they may be used for shorter periods or as part of long‑term management. Your provider will weigh potential benefits and risks when recommending oral therapies.

Biologic Medications

Biologic therapies target specific pathways of the immune system involved in HS inflammation. These medications are commonly used for moderate to severe HS and require ongoing monitoring by a medical provider experienced in HS care.

Procedural and Surgical Treatments

Some people with HS may benefit from procedures that address ongoing or severe disease in specific areas. These treatments may include:

Drainage of painful lesions
Laser therapies
Surgical removal of affected tissue

Procedures are often used alongside medical treatments, not as stand‑alone cures, and are tailored to each person’s situation.

Supportive and Lifestyle‑Based Care

Supportive care is an important part of managing HS and may improve comfort, coping, and quality of life especially when used alongside medical treatment.

Supportive and lifestyle‑based approaches may include:

Wound care and skin protection strategies
Pain management
Identifying potential flare triggers
Managing fatigue and mobility limitations
Mental health support, including therapy or counseling

Living with a chronic condition like HS can be emotionally difficult. Therapy or counseling can help people cope with pain, stress, anxiety, depression, and changes in daily life related to HS. Mental health care is a valid and important part of comprehensive HS management.

Complementary and Integrative Approaches

Some people with HS explore complementary or integrative approaches to support overall well‑being. These approaches are not proven cures, but may be helpful for symptom management or stress reduction when used alongside medical care and with a provider’s guidance.

These approaches may include:

Dietary changes or nutrition support
Supplements
Mind‑body techniques such as meditation, mindfulness, or gentle movement

Because supplements and alternative therapies can interact with medications or affect inflammation, it’s important to discuss these options with a health care provider before starting them.

How Do HS Stages Affect Treatment?

Health care providers may use the Hurley staging system to help describe patterns of HS and guide treatment decisions. However, staging is only one part of treatment planning.

People at any stage of HS can experience significant pain, drainage, or life disruption. Treatment is based on the whole person, not just the stage assigned.

Learn more about Hurley Stages.

Clinical Guidelines and HS Treatment

HS treatment recommendations are informed by ongoing research and expert consensus. Updated HS clinical guidelines are expected later this year (2026 ) and will continue to shape best practices in care.

The HS Foundation supports evidence‑based treatment and works to ensure both patients and providers have access to the most current information as it becomes available.

HS Clinical Trials and Research Studies

Clinical trials play an important role in advancing the understanding and treatment of hidradenitis suppurativa (HS). By participating in research studies, people living with HS help researchers learn more about the disease and evaluate new treatment options, benefiting both current and future patients.

Taking part in a clinical trial is always voluntary and is not the right choice for everyone. Studies have specific eligibility criteria and safety measures, and participation may involve new medications, procedures, or approaches to care. It’s normal to have questions or feel uncertain about whether a clinical trial is a good fit.

Support Through the HS Buddy Program

To help support people who are interested in clinical trials but may feel nervous or unsure, the HS Foundation offers the HS Buddy Program. This peer‑based program connects individuals living with HS who are considering participating in clinical trials with volunteer mentors who also have HS and have personal experience in trials.

HS Buddies can:

Share their own experiences participating in clinical trials
Help answer questions about what participation may be like
Offer encouragement and emotional support from someone who truly understands HS

The HS Buddy Program is not meant to replace medical advice, but rather to provide peer support and reassurance so individuals can feel more informed and supported as they explore their options.

If you’re interested in learning more about HS clinical trials or the HS Buddy Program, talk with your health care provider and explore HS Foundation resources to see what opportunities may be available.

Living With HS?

If you are living with HS, you do not have to manage it alone. Treatment options continue to evolve, and many people find relief through individualized care.

Work with a medical provider experienced in HS to review your symptoms, discuss treatment options, and adjust your care plan as needed. Explore additional resources, find an HS‑experienced provider, and learn more about managing HS right here on the HS Foundation website.