Topic 1: HS Is More Than a Series of Isolated Lesions

HS is a chronic, relapsing inflammatory disease. A painful nodule or abscess may be the finding that brings a patient to care, but the clinically important pattern occurs across time: recurrent lesions in characteristic locations, incomplete resolution, new involvement, drainage, and the possible development of tunnels and scars.¹

Treating each episode as an unrelated infection can temporarily address pain or drainage while leaving the underlying disease unrecognized. Incision and drainage may provide short-term relief for an acute abscess, but it does not establish longitudinal disease control. Repeated short courses of antibiotics also should not substitute for reassessment when lesions continue to recur.