While hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) is not an orphan disease in terms of its prevalence, it has often been a lower priority in comparison to other dermatologic conditions in terms of notice, interest, and ongoing research. HS is a chronic,painful, inflammatory skin disease affecting a young, active population. Although genetic factors are suspected contributors, unfortunately, there are multiple uncertainties in that the etiology and pathophysiology of HS have yet to be fully elucidated. Treatments used in the management of this condition remain off-label. Traditional therapies, such as systemic antibiotics, retinoids, immunosuppressants, and antiandrogens all have been used with limited success. The phenotype of the disease has a wide spectrum, with different morphologic features. This leads us to this question: If these manifestations are within the spectrum of one disease, could we apply the same treatment algorithm to all HS phenotypes? There is a paucity of high-level evidence to support current treatments, and there are few randomized, controlled trials investigating the efficacy and safety of medical therapies in particular. The heterogeneity in clinical studies and the assessment tools make the evaluation even more difficult. The responses to treatment and clinical results have been measured by various endpoints, but there are still limited data or consensus with respect to the best tool to accurately measure the treatment outcomes. Surgery is another established treatment, particularly for patients with severe HS, but recurrence of the disease is the rule rather than the exception. The diffuse involvement of skin in certain phenotypes is a challenge for surgical therapy. Moreover, invasive surgery can lead to scarring, contractures, and reduced mobility, but conservative surgery can be inadequate to treat advanced HS. 1 Progress is being made, however, and there is cause for optimism and enthusiasm. In May of 2015, the US Food and Drug Administration designated a clinical development program for HS, such that the biologic agent (adalimumab) was granted an orphan drug designation for investigational treatment of moderate to severe HS, graded as Hurley stage II and III disease. In September 2015, adalimumab received FDA approval for the management of moderate to severe HS. Unpacking the complete story of HS remains to be done. The association of HS with the metabolic syndrome increases the burden of the disease. To what extent lifestyle modifications, such as weight control and smoking cessation, together with medical therapies will effectively manage the chronic condition remains to be explored in wellcontrolled, clinical trials. The lack of interdisciplinary care and decentralization of care have resulted in a highly variable approach to the signs and symptoms of HS with unsatisfactory outcomes. This fragmentation is also reflected by a significant diagnostic delay of 5 to 9 years in many countries, highlighting an unmet need for medical