Weill Cornell Dermatology Center for Hidradenitis Suppurativa

Clinical Services: Dermatology
Upper East Side
1305 York Avenue, 9th Floor
New York, NY 10021
Wed 08:00am - 04:30pm
Thu 08:00am - 11:30am
Upper West Side
2315 Broadway, 2nd Floor
New York, NY 10024
Mon 08:00am - 11:30am
Fax
(646) 962-0033
Call
(646) 962-3376

The Weill Cornell Dermatology Center for Hidradenitis Suppurativa (HS) is dedicated to providing exceptional care for individuals living with HS. As one of few specialized centers in the United States, we offer a comprehensive approach to diagnosis, management, and support of patients with this debilitating condition.

About the Program

The HS team is committed to developing personalized therapies that address the diverse ways that the disease persents. We understand that HS therapy is not one-size-fits-all.

Why Choose Weill Cornell Medicine

The Weill Cornell Dermatology Center for HS is one of four specialized facilities in the Northeast and the only one of its kind in the Tri-State Region. 

Our practice provides advanced, patient-centered care and actively engages in clinical research, offering access to the latest and most innovative therapies.

Our Services

The Weill Cornell Dermatology Center for Hidradenitis Suppurativa provides comprehensive, compassionate care to improve the quality of life for those with HS. 

Our services include:

  • Pharmacologic therapies, including antibiotics, corticosteroids, anti-androgen drugs, and biologic modulators
  • Specialized surgical interventions
  • Lifestyle modifications
  • Pain management services
  • Psycho-social support

Conditions We Treat

Our team of experts diagnose and treat a wide range of skin disorders and health conditions associated with HS:

  • Hidradenitis suppurativa
  • Pyoderma gangrenosum
  • Nodulocystic acne
  • Acne conglobata
  • Dissecting cellulitis
  • Obesity
  • Tobacco use disorder
  • PolyCystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS)

Hidradenitis Suppurativa Symptoms

Hidradenitis Suppurativa is a chronic skin disease presenting with painful, recurrent nodules, abscesses and fistulous tracts (“tunnels”) that may involve any anatomic site. HS can substantially affect quality of life, both physically and psychologically. The presentation of HS varies greatly from person to person, but our dedicated team is here to provide compassionate and effective treatment for each individual.

Hidradenitis Suppurativa Causes

The cause of HS is multifactorial, involving a combination of genetic, hormonal, environmental, immunoregulatory, and lifestyle factors. HS is an autoinflammatory condition, meaning it is associated with dysregulation of the immune system, leading to inappropriate and excessive redness, swelling, pain, and, at times, drainage.

The immune response starts in the hair follicles and seems to result in the following process:

  • A hair follicle clogs with a natural skin protein called keratin.
  • Keratin and sebum build up inside the follicle provoking bacterial overgrowth.
  • Rupture of the follicle stimulates an inflammatory response that may cause a range of HS lesions including nodules, abscesses, and fistulous tracts.
  • The inflammation may spread to nearby follicles creating networks of HS lesions, and scarring over time.

Hidradenitis Suppurativa Treatment

At the Weill Cornell Dermatology Center for Hidradenitis Suppurativa, we offer a range of treatments that include but are not limited to:

  1. Pharmacologic Therapies
    • Antibiotics: Topical, oral, and intravenous antibiotics are used to manage inflammation and prevent secondary infection.
    • Hormonal: Anti-androgens: Medications such as spironolactone or finasteride may be prescribed to block the effects of androgens, which can help reduce HS symptoms.
      • Combined oral contraceptives: These can help regulate hormones and may improve HS in some women.
    • Biologic Modulators: These advanced treatments target specific components of the immune system to reduce inflammation.
  2. Surgical Interventions for Acute Painful Flares
    • Incision and drainage
    • Trephine grattage (“punch debridement”) procedure
    • Deroofing fistulouis tracts (“tunnels”)
  3. Lifestyle Modifications
    • Weight Management: We provide guidance and resources to help maintain a healthy weight. This is a powerful therapeutic adjunct to our current treatments.
    • Smoking Cessation: Our team offers support and resources to help patients quit smoking, a known trigger of HS flares.
Hidradenitis Suppurativa
Our Doctors
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Our Care Team

  • Huongly Do
  • Isabel Trenholm
  • Isabella Tan
  • Kimberly Nunez
  • Karen Sanchez
  • Alexandra Gaytan
  • Marianne Gulnick
  • Dayna Bell

Testimonials

“After decades of just struggling to survive this condition (hidradenitis suppurativa). I was at my wits' end and ready to give up. 8 years later, I'm enjoying every part of life and thriving in it because of one man in one place. His name is Doctor Steve R. Cohen. Tangible results, knowledge, and compassion are what I got from him the very first visit. And it's the reason why I continue to come back.” – Long-term patient under Dr. Cohen’s care

***

“I have had Hidradenitis Suppurativa for over thirty years. Working with Dr. Cohen feels like we're on the same team; the end goal is to tackle this disease head-on. I feel heard and seen and I have a say in my treatment. I’m grateful to have been referred to him. Dr. Cohen is honest, kind, and has a heart for his patients. – Patient living with HS since their teenage years

***

"When I met Dr.Cohen in 2020,I was in my worst stage of H.S. After he prescribed the infusion and few other medicines, it's helping me not only to heal but improve my immune system. Me and my family want to thank Dr.Cohen for everything he has done for me" – Patient living with HS for eight years

***

I’ve been living with Hidradenitis Suppurativa (HS) for years, and for the first time in a very long time, my condition is finally under control thanks to Dr. Cohen. Since my first visit in May 2024, Dr. Cohen and his amazing staff have gone above and beyond to listen to my concerns and create a personalized treatment plan that truly works. With their guidance, I began a combination of infusions, hormone therapy, and antibiotics. At first, I was intimidated by all the new medications and treatments, but the results have been life-changing.

I also experienced a painful HS flare on my back/flank area, and Dr. Cohen recommended a deroofing procedure. I’ll admit, I was very nervous at first because I didn’t know what to expect — but Dr. Cohen and his staff explained everything clearly, answered all my questions, and made me feel completely at ease. The procedure itself was pain-free and done in the office. Recovery was smooth, and within a short time, I noticed how much better that area felt. The constant pressure, pain, and drainage that I had lived with for so long were finally gone.

Now, I am completely flare-free on my flank, and it’s such a relief to finally experience normal, pain-free skin there. I truly wish I had known about deroofing earlier — it has been one of the best decisions for my HS.

I’m beyond grateful to Dr. Cohen and his caring, knowledgeable team for their compassion, expertise, and commitment to helping their patients find real relief. They’ve given me back not just comfort, but confidence and hope.” – Patient treated surgically for HS

***

“For years, living with Hidradenitis Suppurativa (HS) was an overwhelming and isolating experience. The physical pain and unpredictability of flare-ups made daily life difficult, and the emotional impact was equally challenging. I often felt unheard and uncertain about how to manage my condition effectively. That changed when I began care with Dr. Cohen. From the very first appointment, Dr. Cohen demonstrated genuine compassion, understanding, and an unwavering commitment to improving my quality of life. For the first time, I felt truly seen and supported in my journey with HS. Dr. Cohen took the time to listen carefully, explain every treatment option, and tailor a care plan specifically for my needs. With this guidance and expertise, I began to experience real relief and learned how to better manage my condition day-to-day. Beyond the medical care, what stood out most was Dr. Cohen’s empathy and encouragement. I no longer feel defined by my diagnosis—I feel empowered to live fully and confidently. I am deeply grateful to Dr. Cohen for providing not only exceptional medical care but also hope, understanding, and renewed confidence in my own strength.” – Patient living with HS for over 15 years

Patient Resources

To grow an informed and knowledgable community, Weill Cornell Dermatology offers a variety of resources. These include:

  • Hidradenitis Suppurativa Support Group: Designed to provide a safe and welcoming space, the support group meets monthly, providing an opportunity for HS patients to connect with others who have the disease. Through shared experiences and mutual support, participants can find encouragement, exchange practical tips and build community.
  • Educational Material: Learn more about HS and the Weill Cornell team approach to treatment.
  • HS Foundation: People living with HS are at the heart of our mission, which is to improve the lives of people affected by HS through research, education, and advocacy.Our vision is to live in a world where no one suffers from HS.

Our Research and Innovation

Recently published studies include:

  • Efficacy and Durability of Intravenous Ertapenem Therapy for Recalcitrant Hidradenitis Suppurativa
  • Adalimumab Efficacy is Inversely Correlated with Body Mass Index (BMI) in Hidradenitis Suppurativa
  • Hidradenitis Suppurativa-Associated Cutaneous Squamous Cell Carcinoma in a Diverse Population
  • Ch’en PY, Nosrati A, Torpey ME, et al. SARS-CoV-2 Vaccine Seroconversion in Patients With Hidradenitis Suppurativa Receiving Anti-TNF Therapy. J Cutan Med Surg. 2025;0(0).

Contact Us

Appointments and Prescriptions

(646) 962-3255, option #1

Physician Messages

(646) 962-2546

Fax

(646) 962-0033

Do I need a referral?

No, you do not need a referral to see our team. We are currently accepting new patients. Call (646) 962-3376 to make an appointment to see one of our providers.

Do you accept insurance?

Yes, we accept several types of insurance. Contact our team at (646) 962-3376 for more information.