Dermatologist near me that treat hidradenitis suppurativa

Hidradenitis suppurativa is a condition in which lumps form under the skin, typically in the groin or armpit areas, which over time heal with extensive scar formation. Because this rare condition is often misdiagnosed, many people experience progressively worsening symptoms for a long time before receiving the right diagnosis and right treatment.

With deep experience in recognizing the common as well as uncommon signs of hidradenitis suppurativa, the specialists of the Mount Sinai Department of Dermatology are highly skilled in diagnosing and treating this rare condition. We are also seeking new and better treatment options through clinical trials. In addition, we are the only institution in New York State with physicians who are board certified in both rheumatology and dermatology, enabling us to offer uniquely specialized care for hidradenitis suppurativa patients.

Causes of Hidradenitis Suppurativa

Although the exact cause of hidradenitis suppurativa is not yet known, it is believed that the condition begins in the hair follicle, where keratin (a type of protein), sweat, and bacteria build up to the point of bursting, forming a lump.

Hidradenitis suppurativa appears to run in families and could be triggered by factors like cigarette smoking and being overweight. Women are more likely to develop this condition than men.

Symptoms of Hidradenitis Suppurativa

This condition involves lumps forming in the skin that may cause pain, itching, burning, and swelling. The lumps can be pus filled. Multiple lumps can appear at the same time, grow, break open, and heal, then reappear in the same spot. Over time they can heal with extensive scarring.  While these lumps mostly form in the armpit and groin, they could also appear in other areas, such as the breasts, abdomen, and inner thighs.

If untreated, hidradenitis suppurativa could lead to significant scarring, infections, an increased risk of skin cancer, anxiety, and impaired quality of life, to name a few associations.

Treatments for Hidradenitis Suppurativa

Because hidradenitis suppurativa is often misdiagnosed, patients can go for years as symptoms worsen and as lumps rupture and scar. At Mount Sinai’s Department of Dermatology, our specialists are experienced in diagnosis and providing the full range of hidradenitis suppurativa treatments. We are also investigating new therapies through clinical trials.

Following diagnosis, which includes a skin exam and testing of any fluid that leaks from the lesions, your doctor will customize the best care plan for you. In addition to helping you develop a skin care plan, we will offer treatment options include the following:

  • Biologic medications: Humira (Adalimumab) is currently the only drug approved by the Food and Drug Administration to treat hidradenitis suppurativa. Other medications may also be used as needed, such as antibiotics.
  • Outpatient procedures: These options include corticosteroid injections, laser hair reduction, drainage, removing the skin over the abscess, removal of a lesion, and surgery.

IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION  ABOUT HUMIRA® (adalimumab)1

What is the most important information I should know about HUMIRA?

You should discuss the potential benefits and risks of HUMIRA with your doctor. HUMIRA is a TNF blocker medicine that can lower the ability of your immune system to fight infections. You should not start taking HUMIRA if you have any kind of infection unless your doctor says it is okay.

  • Serious infections have happened in people taking HUMIRA. These serious infections include tuberculosis (TB) and infections caused by viruses, fungi, or bacteria that have spread throughout the body. Some people have died from these infections. Your doctor should test you for TB before starting HUMIRA, and check you closely for signs and symptoms of TB during treatment with HUMIRA, even if your TB test was negative. If your doctor feels you are at risk, you may be treated with medicine for TB.
  • Cancer. For children and adults taking TNF blockers, including HUMIRA, the chance of getting lymphoma or other cancers may increase. There have been cases of unusual cancers in children, teenagers, and young adults using TNF blockers. Some people have developed a rare type of cancer called hepatosplenic T-cell lymphoma. This type of cancer often results in death. If using TNF blockers including HUMIRA, your chance of getting two types of skin cancer (basal cell and squamous cell) may increase. These types are generally not life-threatening if treated; tell your doctor if you have a bump or open sore that doesn’t heal.

What should I tell my doctor BEFORE starting HUMIRA?

Tell your doctor about all of your health conditions, including if you:

  • Have an infection, are being treated for infection, or have symptoms of an infection
  • Get a lot of infections or infections that keep coming back
  • Have diabetes
  • Have TB or have been in close contact with someone with TB, or were born in, lived in, or traveled where there is more risk for getting TB
  • Live or have lived in an area (such as the Ohio and Mississippi River valleys) where there is an increased risk for getting certain kinds of fungal infections, such as histoplasmosis, coccidioidomycosis, or blastomycosis. These infections may happen or become more severe if you use HUMIRA. Ask your doctor if you are unsure if you have lived in these areas
  • Have or have had hepatitis B
  • Are scheduled for major surgery
  • Have or have had cancer
  • Have numbness or tingling or a nervous system disease such as multiple sclerosis or Guillain-Barré syndrome
  • Have or had heart failure
  • Have recently received or are scheduled to receive a vaccine. HUMIRA patients may receive vaccines, except for live vaccines. Children should be brought up to date on all vaccines before starting HUMIRA
  • Are allergic to rubber, latex, or any HUMIRA ingredients
  • Are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, breastfeeding, or planning to breastfeed
  • Have a baby and you were using HUMIRA during your pregnancy. Tell your baby’s doctor before your baby receives any vaccines

Also tell your doctor about all the medicines you take. You should not take HUMIRA with ORENCIA® (abatacept), KINERET® (anakinra), REMICADE® (infliximab), ENBREL® (etanercept), CIMZIA® (certolizumab pegol), or SIMPONI® (golimumab). Tell your doctor if you have ever used RITUXAN® (rituximab), IMURAN® (azathioprine), or PURINETHOL® (mercaptopurine, 6-MP).

What should I watch for AFTER starting HUMIRA?

HUMIRA can cause serious side effects, including:

  • Serious infections. These include TB and infections caused by viruses, fungi, or bacteria. Symptoms related to TB include a cough, low-grade fever, weight loss, or loss of body fat and muscle.
  • Hepatitis B infection in carriers of the virus. Symptoms include muscle aches, feeling very tired, dark urine, skin or eyes that look yellow, little or no appetite, vomiting, clay-colored bowel movements, fever, chills, stomach discomfort, and skin rash.
  • Allergic reactions. Symptoms of a serious allergic reaction include hives, trouble breathing, and swelling of your face, eyes, lips, or mouth.
  • Nervous system problems. Signs and symptoms include numbness or tingling, problems with your vision, weakness in your arms or legs, and dizziness.
  • Blood problems (decreased blood cells that help fight infections or stop bleeding). Symptoms include a fever that does not go away, bruising or bleeding very easily, or looking very pale.
  • Heart failure (new or worsening). Symptoms include shortness of breath, swelling of your ankles or feet, and sudden weight gain.
  • Immune reactions including a lupus-like syndrome. Symptoms include chest discomfort or pain that does not go away, shortness of breath, joint pain, or rash on your cheeks or arms that gets worse in the sun.
  • Liver problems. Symptoms include feeling very tired, skin or eyes that look yellow, poor appetite or vomiting, and pain on the right side of your stomach (abdomen). These problems can lead to liver failure and death.
  • Psoriasis (new or worsening). Symptoms include red scaly patches or raised bumps that are filled with pus.

Call your doctor or get medical care right away if you develop any of the above symptoms.

Common side effects of HUMIRA include injection site reactions (pain, redness, rash, swelling, itching, or bruising), upper respiratory infections (sinus infections), headaches, rash, and nausea. These are not all of the possible side effects with HUMIRA. Tell your doctor if you have any side effect that bothers you or that does not go away.

Remember, tell your doctor right away if you have an infection or symptoms of an infection, including:

  • Fever, sweats, or chills
  • Muscle aches
  • Cough
  • Shortness of breath
  • Blood in phlegm
  • Weight loss
  • Warm, red, or painful skin or sores on your body
  • Diarrhea or stomach pain
  • Burning when you urinate
  • Urinating more often than normal
  • Feeling very tired

HUMIRA is given by injection under the skin.

This is the most important information to know about HUMIRA. For more information, talk to your health care provider.

Uses

HUMIRA is a prescription medicine used:

  • To reduce the signs and symptoms of:
    • Moderate to severe rheumatoid arthritis (RA) in adults. HUMIRA can be used alone, with methotrexate, or with certain other medicines. HUMIRA may prevent further damage to your bones and joints and may help your ability to perform daily activities.
    • Moderate to severe polyarticular juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) in children 2 years of age and older. HUMIRA can be used alone or with methotrexate.
    • Psoriatic arthritis (PsA) in adults. HUMIRA can be used alone or with certain other medicines. HUMIRA may prevent further damage to your bones and joints and may help your ability to perform daily activities.
    • Ankylosing spondylitis (AS) in adults.
    • Moderate to severe hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) in people 12 years and older.
  • To treat moderate to severe Crohn’s disease (CD) in adults and children 6 years of age and older.
  • To treat moderate to severe ulcerative colitis (UC) in adults and children 5 years of age and older. It is not known if HUMIRA is effective in people who stopped responding to or could not tolerate anti-TNF medicines.
  • To treat moderate to severe chronic plaque psoriasis (Ps) in adults who are ready for systemic therapy or phototherapy, and are under the care of a doctor who will decide if other systemic therapies are less appropriate.
  • To treat non-infectious intermediate (middle part of the eye), posterior (back of the eye), and panuveitis (all parts of the eye) in adults and children 2 years of age and older.

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Can a dermatologist treat hidradenitis suppurativa?

Hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) is a skin condition that causes painful lumps deep in your skin. These lumps usually develop on parts of the body where skin touches skin like the armpits, inner thighs, and groin area. Dermatologists are the doctors who specialize in the diagnosis and treatment of this condition.

Can a dermatologist diagnose hidradenitis suppurativa?

A dermatologist is often the doctor who diagnoses a patient with hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) Getting an accurate diagnosis and an individualized treatment plan can prevent HS from worsening.

What is the best cream for hidradenitis suppurativa?

Topical antibiotics, such as clindamycin (Cleocin T, Clinda-Derm), are commonly prescribed for mild HS. They can treat infections, reduce inflammation, and prevent new lesions from forming. They may also reduce the odors that can sometimes accompany infection.

Does insurance cover hidradenitis suppurativa surgery?

Surgery for HS can cost several thousands of dollars. Wide excision is generally more expensive than deroofing because it requires general anesthesia and a hospital stay. Health insurance should cover all or most of the costs for these procedures, with the exception of laser treatments.