This is my first flare. I'm recovering from severe HS flare in my armpit that happened while travelling - I'd had small bumps in both armpits on and off for the past year but this was much worse and very painful so I went to the hospital and a dermatologist diagnosed HS. They injected cortisone which helped calm things and gave me doxycycline to take until it completely clears up. It's been 3 weeks, it's better but not 100% gone. I'd like to try laser hair removal ASAP if it's safe to do so.