Hidradenitis Suppurativa (HS)

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Hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) is a chronic inflammatory skin condition that causes painful lumps, recurrent abscesses and tunnels beneath the skin. It most commonly affects areas such as the armpits, groin, buttocks and beneath the breasts.

Repeated inflammation can result in permanent scarring and interconnected sinus tracts. For selected patients, deroofing is a minimally invasive procedure that can effectively treat these persistent tunnels.

People with hidradenitis suppurativa may experience:

• Recurrent painful boils
• Abscesses that drain fluid
• Persistent tunnels beneath the skin
• Scarring following repeated flare-ups
• Tenderness and discomfort in affected areas

Management depends on the severity of the condition and may include medications, lifestyle measures and procedural treatments.

For suitable patients, deroofing is a procedure that involves removing the overlying skin covering chronic tunnels while preserving surrounding healthy tissue. This allows the affected area to heal naturally and may reduce ongoing inflammation and recurrence.

Your dermatologist will discuss whether deroofing is an appropriate option based on your individual condition.

Please note: Deroofing procedures are performed at our Brighton clinic location.

If you have recurring boils, draining lesions or ongoing scarring in areas such as the underarms or groin, specialist assessment is recommended.

Early diagnosis and treatment can help reduce disease progression and improve quality of life.