How to prepare for a video visit about 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 like the armpits or groin. If you have mild HS, a video visit with a healthcare provider can help you discuss your symptoms and get advice on managing the condition. Preparing well for your video visit can make the appointment more effective. This includes noting your symptoms, any treatments you've tried, and questions you want to ask. During the visit, your provider may ask about your medical history and the impact of HS on your daily life. While telemedicine can help with education, symptom review, and treatment planning for mild HS, it cannot replace in-person exams or urgent care if your symptoms worsen. If you notice signs like severe pain, spreading infection, or fever, seek immediate medical attention. After your visit, follow your provider’s advice and schedule follow-ups as needed. Remember, this guidance is educational and not a substitute for direct medical care.

Red flags — go in person / ER

• Severe pain or rapidly increasing size of lumps — seek urgent medical care.
• Spreading redness, warmth, or pus indicating infection — get immediate evaluation.
• Fever or feeling very unwell alongside skin symptoms — go to emergency services.

What telemedicine can do

• Discussing mild HS symptoms and history
• Providing education on skin care and symptom management
• Reviewing current treatments and suggesting adjustments
• Answering questions about HS and its impact
• Planning follow-up and monitoring

What telemedicine cannot do

• Performing physical examination or procedures
• Diagnosing severe or complicated HS
• Treating infections requiring urgent care
• Managing severe pain or systemic symptoms
• Conducting laboratory or imaging tests

What is Hidradenitis Suppurativa (HS)?

HS is a skin condition that causes painful lumps, often in areas where skin rubs together, such as armpits, groin, or under the breasts. These lumps can sometimes break open and drain fluid. Mild HS means the lumps are fewer and less severe but can still affect your comfort and daily activities.

How Telemedicine Can Help with Mild HS

A video visit allows you to talk with a healthcare provider about your symptoms without leaving home. Providers can review your medical history, discuss your symptoms, and suggest treatment options like skin care routines or medications. They can also help you understand how to manage flare-ups and when to seek in-person care.

Preparing for Your Video Visit

To get the most from your appointment, prepare by:

What to Expect During the Video Visit

Your healthcare provider may ask about your symptoms, such as pain, lump size, and drainage. They might ask about your daily activities and how HS affects your life. While they cannot perform a physical exam over video, they may ask you to show affected areas if comfortable. Based on this, they can recommend treatments or further tests.

When to Seek In-Person Care

Telemedicine is useful for mild HS, but certain signs need urgent attention, including:

In these cases, visit an emergency room or see a healthcare provider in person promptly.

How to prepare for your tele-visit

• List your HS symptoms with start dates and frequency.
• Note any treatments or remedies you've tried and their effects.
• Prepare questions or concerns to discuss with your provider.
• Ensure your device (phone, tablet, or computer) has a working camera and microphone.
• Find a private, well-lit, and quiet space for your video visit.
• Have your medical history and medication list available.

After your tele-visit

• Follow your provider's advice on skin care and medications.
• Monitor your symptoms and note any changes or worsening.
• Schedule follow-up appointments as recommended.
• Seek in-person care if you develop red flags or severe symptoms.
• Maintain good hygiene and avoid triggers that worsen HS.

FAQs

What causes Hidradenitis Suppurativa?

HS is thought to be caused by inflammation of hair follicles and blocked sweat glands. The exact cause is not fully understood but may involve genetics, immune system factors, and lifestyle influences like smoking or obesity.

Can mild HS be managed without surgery?

Yes, mild HS is often managed with medications, good skin care, and lifestyle changes. Surgery is usually reserved for more severe cases or when other treatments do not work.

Is HS contagious?

No, HS is not contagious. It cannot be spread from person to person through touch or close contact.

How can I reduce flare-ups of HS?

Maintaining good hygiene, avoiding tight clothing, managing weight, quitting smoking, and following your provider’s treatment plan can help reduce flare-ups.

What should I do if my HS symptoms worsen suddenly?

If you experience severe pain, spreading redness, pus, or fever, seek in-person medical care promptly as these may indicate infection or complications.

Sources

1. Hidradenitis Suppurativa — MedlinePlus, U.S. National Library of Medicine.
2. Hidradenitis Suppurativa: Overview and Management — Mayo Clinic.
3. Hidradenitis Suppurativa Fact Sheet — Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
4. Hidradenitis Suppurativa: Diagnosis and Treatment — Merck Manuals Consumer Version.

This telemedicine guidance is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for in-person medical care. If you have concerns about your health or symptoms, please consult a healthcare professional directly.