My ob woman care dr. has helped me along with a dermatologist.
June 5
Finding the right doctor for HS can feel like a journey, but it's absolutely worth the effort. Many people see multiple doctors before finding one who truly understands the condition, so don't get discouraged if it takes some time.
Here are some practical steps to help you find a good HS doctor:
- Start with a Show Full Answer
Finding the right doctor for HS can feel like a journey, but it's absolutely worth the effort. Many people see multiple doctors before finding one who truly understands the condition, so don't get discouraged if it takes some time.
Here are some practical steps to help you find a good HS doctor:
- Start with a dermatologist β They are trained to identify and treat HS. A general practitioner may have limited knowledge of the condition
- Ask for a referral to a complex medical dermatologist β These specialists handle difficult skin conditions like HS and work at major hospitals and private practices
- Check the HS Foundation's website β They maintain a list of HS Specialty Clinics across the U.S.
- Consider teaching hospitals β If there's a college medical school near you, their dermatology department can be a great resource
- Ask for referrals β Your primary care doctor or other healthcare providers may know trusted HS specialists in your area
- Don't hesitate to get a second opinion β If your current care doesn't feel right, it's completely okay to seek another perspective
- Explore telehealth β If no specialist is nearby, virtual consultations are a valid and convenient option As one myHSteam member put it, seeing a dermatologist made them feel truly listened to and taken seriously β something that can make a huge difference when managing HS.
Once you find a good specialist, they can help build a broader care team that may include a mental health professional, pain specialist, or surgeon depending on your needs.
June 5