Hidradenitis Suppurativa (HS)

Living with hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) can be frustrating, painful and isolating. For many patients, flare-ups can interfere with daily life, work and relationships. Since the condition is often misdiagnosed, people may go years without getting the right care. 

At UC Davis Health, we understand how challenging this journey can be. Our board-certified dermatologists are here to provide expert, compassionate treatment and support to help you look and feel your best.

Hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) is a chronic skin condition. Symptoms include painful bumps, abscesses (boil-like lumps) and scarring. The affected skin is usually in areas such as the underarms, groin and under the breasts.

HS is sometimes called acne inversa, but it’s not the kind of acne that people typically think of. Often mistaken for acne, recurrent abscesses, skin infections or other sores, HS requires specialized care to manage symptoms and prevent complications.

Causes

In HS, painful lumps develop when hair follicles become blocked. The trapped material can trigger inflammation and bacterial overgrowth. While the exact reason this happens isn’t fully understood, genetics, hormones and environmental influences may all contribute. In certain cases, specific gene changes are linked to HS.

It’s important to know that HS is not caused by poor hygiene and it cannot be passed from one person to another.

HS symptoms usually begin after puberty, most often during the teenage years or early adulthood. However, symptoms can also appear later in life, even in the 40s or 50s.

While there is no definitive test for HS, your dermatologist will:

• Review your medical history and symptoms
• Examine the lumps on your skin
• Collect tissue or fluid from the lumps to send to our dermatopathology service for review

While there’s currently no cure for HS, treatments can help control symptoms, reduce flare-ups and improve your quality of life.

Treatment may include:

• Medications — Antibiotics, anti-inflammatories, immunosuppressants, pain relievers or steroids 

• Procedures — Lesion drainage, corticosteroid injections or laser therapy

• Surgery — Minimally invasive or advanced surgical approaches for severe symptoms

• Lifestyle Support — Guidance on habits or care that can help prevent HS flare-ups

Without proper treatment, hidradenitis suppurativa can significantly impact quality of life. Pain, scarring and recurrent flare-ups can affect daily activities, mental health and self-confidence. Our UC Davis Health Hidradenitis Suppurativa Clinic provides personalized, evidence-based treatments to reduce symptoms and improve outcomes.

At our clinic, you have access to:

Expert Dermatologists

Clinic co-directors Boya Abudu, M.D., M.P.H., and Jonathan Rick, M.D., have specialized training in diagnosing and treating HS. They are dedicated to providing compassionate care, helping you manage symptoms, reduce flare-ups and improve your overall quality of life. 

Comprehensive, Personalized Care

HS is a complex disease that can be associated with other health issues, such as inflammatory disorders. Since it affects each person differently, care is never one-size-fits-all. Our board-certified dermatologists work closely with you to understand your unique symptoms and medical history. Your treatment plan may include a combination of medications, procedures and lifestyle strategies designed to help reduce your symptoms.

Innovative Therapies

By participating in dermatology research and clinical trials, your care team helps develop better HS treatments. This means you may have access to the latest therapies and innovations that can improve your outcomes.

If you or someone you know is living with hidradenitis suppurativa, early diagnosis and treatment can make a difference. For more information or to schedule an appointment, please call 916-734-6111 or 800-770-9282.

Our Hidradenitis Suppurativa Clinic sees patients at two locations:

• C Street Clinic — 3301 C St., Suite 1300, Sacramento, CA 95816
• Cadillac Drive Clinic — 77 Cadillac Dr., Suite 240, Sacramento, CA 95825