Diagnosis

The condition can be mistaken for an infection, an ingrown hair or other conditions. Many people live with undiagnosed hidradenitis suppurativa for years before receiving a correct diagnosis.

Your doctor will base a diagnosis on your signs and symptoms, skin appearance and medical history. You might be referred to a doctor who specializes in skin conditions (dermatologist), as hidradenitis suppurativa can be difficult to diagnose and requires specialized care.

No laboratory test is available to diagnose hidradenitis suppurativa. But if pus or drainage is present, your doctor might take a sample for testing in a lab.