Can Telemedicine Treat Hidradenitis Suppurativa (Mild)?

Audience: adult

Hidradenitis Suppurativa (HS) is a long-term skin condition that causes small, painful lumps under the skin, often in areas where skin rubs together. Mild HS usually involves a few lumps or bumps that may heal on their own or with treatment. Telemedicine can be a helpful way to get advice and support for managing mild HS. Through video or phone visits, healthcare providers can assess your symptoms, suggest treatments like topical creams or lifestyle changes, and help you monitor your condition. However, telemedicine has limits. If your lumps become very painful, infected, or if you notice new symptoms like fever or spreading redness, you should seek in-person care promptly. Telemedicine is best for education, follow-up, and mild cases but cannot replace hands-on exams or procedures. Always share clear photos and detailed information during your tele-visit to get the best advice. Remember, this guidance is educational and not a substitute for professional diagnosis or treatment.

Red flags — go in person / ER

• Increasing pain or swelling in affected areas — seek in-person care immediately.
• Fever or chills accompanying skin lumps — possible infection needing urgent evaluation.
• Rapidly spreading redness or warmth around lumps — may indicate serious infection.

What telemedicine can do

• Assessment and education for mild symptoms.
• Guidance on skin care and lifestyle changes.
• Monitoring stable conditions and medication side effects.
• Follow-up consultations for mild HS management.

What telemedicine cannot do

• Treatment of large abscesses requiring drainage.
• Evaluation of severe infections or systemic symptoms.
• Procedures like biopsies or surgical interventions.
• Emergency care for rapidly worsening symptoms.

What is Mild Hidradenitis Suppurativa?

Mild Hidradenitis Suppurativa (HS) usually means you have a few small, painful lumps or bumps under your skin. These lumps often appear in areas like the armpits, groin, or under the breasts — places where skin rubs together. They may come and go and sometimes heal without scarring. Mild HS can cause discomfort but typically does not involve large abscesses or widespread skin damage.

How Can Telemedicine Help?

Telemedicine allows you to connect with healthcare providers remotely using video calls, phone, or messaging. For mild HS, telemedicine can help by:

This approach saves travel time and can be convenient for regular check-ins.

Limitations of Telemedicine for HS

While telemedicine is useful for mild cases, it cannot replace in-person exams when:

In these situations, seeing a healthcare provider face-to-face is important.

Preparing for Your Telemedicine Visit

To get the most from your tele-visit:

Being ready helps your provider understand your condition better.

After Your Telemedicine Visit

After your appointment, you may be advised to:

Keep track of your symptoms and communicate any changes to your provider.

How to prepare for your tele-visit

• Find a quiet, well-lit space for your tele-visit.
• Take clear photos of affected skin areas beforehand.
• List your symptoms with start dates and any changes.
• Prepare a list of current medications and treatments tried.
• Write down any questions or concerns you want to discuss.

After your tele-visit

• Follow prescribed treatments and skin care advice.
• Avoid known triggers such as friction or shaving affected areas.
• Schedule follow-up telemedicine or in-person visits as recommended.
• Monitor your symptoms and report any worsening promptly.
• Seek urgent care if red flags such as fever or spreading redness develop.

FAQs

Can telemedicine diagnose Hidradenitis Suppurativa?

Telemedicine can help healthcare providers assess your symptoms and guide you, but a definitive diagnosis may require an in-person exam. Mild cases are often identified based on your history and photos, but more severe or unclear cases usually need face-to-face evaluation.

What treatments can I get through telemedicine for mild HS?

Providers may recommend topical antibiotics, antiseptic washes, or lifestyle changes during tele-visits. They can also advise on pain relief and ways to reduce skin irritation. Prescriptions can often be sent to your pharmacy remotely.

When should I see a doctor in person?

If you develop large, painful lumps, fever, spreading redness, or severe pain, you should seek in-person medical care promptly. These signs may indicate infection or complications needing hands-on treatment.

Can lifestyle changes help manage HS?

Yes, avoiding tight clothing, maintaining good hygiene, managing weight, and quitting smoking can reduce flare-ups. Your telemedicine provider can guide you on these changes.

Is telemedicine safe for managing HS long-term?

For mild and stable HS, telemedicine can be a convenient way to monitor your condition and adjust treatments. However, regular in-person evaluations may still be needed to ensure proper care.

Sources

1. Hidradenitis Suppurativa — MedlinePlus, U.S. National Library of Medicine.
2. Hidradenitis Suppurativa Overview — Mayo Clinic.
3. Hidradenitis Suppurativa: Diagnosis and Treatment — National Library of Medicine.
4. Telemedicine: What You Need to Know — Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

This telemedicine guidance is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional in-person medical care, diagnosis, or treatment. If you have concerns about your health or symptoms worsen, please seek care from a healthcare provider in person.