Sometimes insurance restrictions and geographic barriers curb your dermatologist choices. But whatever your limits, try to find a doctor who’s a good fit for your specific skin care so you treat your hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) as best you can.

If you’re already under a doctor’s care but have questions about your treatment, or simply want more information, it’s a good idea to get a second opinion. It can give you the peace of mind that you’re doing the right thing. Or it may open your eyes to a different kind of doctor-patient relationship that works better for you.

If you’re a person of color, you may benefit from seeing a dermatologist who understands what it’s like to live in your skin. HS affects Black adults more often than White adults, but there are fewer Black people in clinical trials. Find a doctor who can recognize and treat HS in skin that looks like yours.

Find a board-certified dermatologist. Look at the letters after their name. You should see “FAAD,” letters that mean Fellow of the American Academy of Dermatology. The dermatologist might also be certified by the American Board of Dermatology or the American Osteopathic Board of Dermatology.

Beyond board certification, ask around to find a dermatologist who has treated HS. You want someone who has knowledge of the condition and experience providing care for its specific challenges.

Your doctor is your primary source of treatment, but the rest of the clinic plays an important role in your care, too. From front desk staff to nurses and physician assistants, you want to feel heard and be treated with respect.

You don’t need a referral to make an appointment with a dermatologist. If you have a primary care doctor you trust, they may have a good recommendation for someone. They can help you find a doctor who has experience treating HS, as well as one who seems like a good fit for you personally.

You can find reviews of doctors online, but your best bet is to ask people you know. They can help you find experts that people in your community prefer – and those you may want to avoid.

Consider how busy your dermatologist is. Is it hard to get an appointment? Can you contact them outside of visits and expect a timely response? If you feel like your concerns go unheard, you may need a dermatologist with a smaller office or one who’s easier to get in touch with.

Ultimately, you want a doctor who listens, takes your concerns seriously, explains things in a way you understand, and works with you to treat your HS. If you don’t feel right about the care you’re getting, that’s the only reason you need to keep looking for a better fit.