Online hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) treatment, available now.

Dealing with painful bumps, abscesses or another hidradenitis suppurativa symptom? Book with a Sesame provider today for a diagnosis and treatment plan.

Convenient video appointment
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Same-day prescription to treat hidradenitis suppurativa, if appropriate
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Pay per visit or subscribe to Skincare Rx for $59/mo. and get all of the following:

  • Material Check Circle IconSame-day prescriptions & refills
  • Material Check Circle IconOngoing care from a dedicated provider
  • Material Check Circle IconVideo visits & unlimited messaging
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Get hidradenitis suppurativa treatment in 3 simple steps.

1. Pick your providerBrowse provider reviews, same-day time slots, and upfront prices before you book.
2. Meet with your providerTalk through your HS symptoms and treatment options during a face-to-face video call with a board-certified dermatologist or provider of your choice.
3. Get a prescription If medication is prescribed as part of your HS treatment plan, your prescription will be sent to your pharmacy for same-day pickup.

Browse the best providers for hidradenitis suppurativa, available now.

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About Hidradenitis suppurativa treatment

Hidradenitis suppurativa (HS), also known as acne inversa, is an inflammatory skin condition that occurs when hair follicles get blocked, inflamed and sometimes infected. Symptoms include recurrent pus-filled cysts, painful nodules and abscesses that develop in areas like the armpits, groin, buttocks and breasts.

In cases of severe hidradenitis suppurativa, patients may also experience sinus tracts – small tunnels under the skin that can fill with pus.

Even though the exact causes of HS is not known, research shows that flare-ups can be triggered by hormonal changes (such as puberty or oral contraceptives), your environment (high temperatures can cause sweating and friction, which can irritate your follicles), and even your lifestyle. Your risk for developing HS is increased if you have obesity, an autoimmune disorder, or a family history of HS.

There are a number of therapies and interventions that can be prescribed for the treatment of hidradenitis suppurativa. The best treatment for you will depend on the severity of your HS symptoms and your medical history.

During your Sesame appointment, you can speak with your provider about the best hidradenitis suppurativa treatment for you.

  • Antibiotics: Oral and topical antibiotics like mupirocin (Bactroban), doxycycline (Vibramycin, Monodox), minocycline (Minocin), rifampin (Rifadin), and clindamycin (Cleocin T) may be prescribed to stop the bacterial growth in affected areas like the underarms or groin.
  • Steroids: Corticosteroids and steroids like prednisone (Deltasone) and spironolactone (Aldactone) can have an anti-inflammatory effect on painful cysts and nodules, but are only recommended for short-term use due to side effects like skin-thinning. Steroids may be taken orally, or in some cases, administered into the lesion by a healthcare provider.
  • Retinoids: Retinoids like isotretinoin (Accutane) are sometimes prescribed to treat HS symptoms. However, isotretinoin requires close monitoring from a healthcare provider due to the risk of serious side effects.
  • Metformin: Metformin is thought to provide relief by blocking activity from androgen hormones (which may worsen HS symptoms).
  • Finasteride: Finasteride, like metformin, has anti-androgen properties which can reduce inflammation and help calm HS symptoms.
  • Biologics: In severe cases of HS, biologic medications may be prescribed to prevent your immune system from triggering inflammation in areas affected by HS. These include adalimumab (Humira), upadacitinib (Rinvoq), and infliximab (Remicade).
  • Laser hair removal: Laser hair removal targets and destroys hair follicles, which prevents them from becoming blocked and infected due to HS.
  • Surgery: In some cases, your provider may recommend a simple procedure called “de-roofing” to remove the top layer of tissue on your lesions or sinus tracts and prevent them from worsening. They also may suggest an excision, a procedure where the HS nodules are removed and drained.
  • Over-the-counter (OTC) skin care products: Your provider may recommend OTC products with antiseptic ingredients like benzoyl peroxide or chlorhexidine for your HS symptoms.

Save more with Sesame,
insured or not.

If you're uninsured...

  • Get HS treatment at a low, upfront price
  • Skip the lines at the clinic
  • Know what you’re paying without any hidden fees

If you're insured...

  • Our prices are often cheaper than your co-pay
  • Avoid long wait times for in-network providers
  • Generic medications for HS are covered by most insurance plans

Pay with Credit Card, HSA or FSA

FAQs

Have more questions about hidradenitis suppurativa?

Medically reviewed by:Dr. Jillian Foglesong-Stabile

Hidradenitis suppurativa occurs when hair follicles become blocked and inflamed, causing painful bumps and boils to develop on the underarms, groin, and other areas of the body when your skin rubs together. The cause of HS is not known but is thought to be a combination of hormonal fluctuations, genetics, environment and lifestyle factors.

If you’re unsure what’s triggering your hidradenitis suppurativa, book an in-person or online skin consult with a licensed healthcare provider. They can help you identify the cause of your symptoms and come up with a personalized treatment plan.

Hidradenitis suppurativa can be managed with a range of treatments, including medication, biologic therapy, over-the-counter antiseptic products, laser hair removal, and minor surgical procedures. Home remedies, such as applying warm compresses to the affected area, may offer some relief as well.

To find out which HS treatment is best for you, talk with a licensed medical provider. They can offer personalized medical advice catered to your needs and prescribe medication if appropriate.

Yes. If deemed clinically appropriate, an online doctor or provider on Sesame can prescribe medication and other treatments for HS symptoms like lesions, nodules, cysts or sinus tracts. Any HS prescriptions will be sent to a pharmacy of your choice for pickup.

Sesame also offers convenient, online management of hidradenitis suppurativa through Skincare Rx, a $59 monthly subscription that includes video consults with a provider of your choice, messaging & prescriptions for hidradenitis suppurativa medication if appropriate.

No. Sesame does not accept insurance to keep prices low and transparent – the upfront price you see next to your provider’s name is the price you pay!

However, you can pay for your online visit using your Health Savings Account (HSA) card or Flexible Spending Account (FSA) card if you have one.

If you do have insurance and are prescribed medication during your appointment, your prescription may be covered depending on your plan.

You will also receive a prescription savings card from Sesame if medication is prescribed. The prescription savings card is often cheaper than a co-pay on your prescription, so we recommend comparing your insurance co-pay to the savings card price before filling your prescription.

Yes! Sesame is available to all patients regardless of insurance status. Simply browse Sesame providers, select a price and an appointment time slot that works for you, and get the care you need without hidden fees or surprise bills.

If medication is prescribed during your appointment, you will also receive a prescription discount card that you can show to your pharmacist when you pick up your medication for even more savings.

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