HS is a chronic, progressive inflammatory skin condition that often starts in the pre-teen or teenage years.
It appears as painful red bumps, blackheads, cysts, or boils—especially in areas where skin rubs together, like the armpits, groin, thighs, buttocks, and under the breasts.
Despite being a common condition, HS is widely misunderstood. Many people go undiagnosed for 7-10 years, struggling with symptoms that progressively worsen without proper treatment. HS does not go away on its own—without care, flare-ups can become severe, leading to debilitating pain, abscesses, and deep tunnel tracts under the skin.
When dealing with a complex, progressive condition like Hidradenitis Suppurativa (HS), it’s essential to see a dermatologist who specializes in treating HS.
The right specialist can make a significant difference in the level of relief you experience and the quality of care you receive.
Dr. Alam is our HS specialist—a board-certified dermatologist dedicated to providing the most advanced and effective treatments for HS. She has contributed to leading dermatology publications with her research on inflammatory skin diseases, ensuring her patients receive the most up-to-date care.
If you would like to be seen by Dr. Alam, your family doctor or clinic doctor will need to assess your symptoms and provide a referral.
There is no cost to see a dermatologist for HS in Ontario. Your appointment is fully covered by OHIP (Ontario Health Insurance Plan) for medical dermatology concerns like HS
The first step to managing Hidradenitis Suppurativa (HS) is a comprehensive evaluation by our expert dermatologists.
While there is no cure, the right treatment plan can significantly reduce flare-ups, relieve pain, and improve your quality of life.
Our team will guide you through proven treatment options, including:
HS affects everyone differently, which is why personalized treatment is key. Our goal is to help you understand your triggers, explore the most effective treatment options, and create a long-term plan to manage your symptoms.
Let’s take the first step together. We are here to support you every step of the way.
Yes, HS can lead to infections, scarring, restricted movement, and conditions like depression, metabolic syndrome, and an increased risk of cardiovascular disease.
Yes, maintaining a healthy weight, quitting smoking, wearing loose clothing, reducing friction, and following an anti-inflammatory diet can help reduce flare-ups.
Yes, certain foods like dairy, processed sugar, and high-glycemic foods may trigger flare-ups. Some patients find relief with an anti-inflammatory or dairy-free diet.
Yes, HS can cause anxiety, depression, and low self-esteem due to chronic pain, scarring, and social stigma. Seeking support from professionals or HS communities can help.
Yes, stress is a known trigger for HS flare-ups. Managing stress through relaxation techniques, therapy, or exercise may help reduce symptoms.
Currently there is no cure for HS. Patients who do not find relief in normal treatments may be eligible to participate in a clinical trial. A trial is a scientific study to evaluate a new medicine to see if it can be better and safer than other treatment options.
By studying new treatments, researchers have advanced the quality of medicines available for people. The government has approved new healthcare innovations every decade that change people’s lives for the better.
If you are looking to be a part of a clinical trial for your HS, you should know that you could receive:
Participating in a trial is an important decision, with a lot to consider. To learn more and apply to participate visit our clinical trials page here.
