Chronic skin conditions can affect far more than the skin. For women living with psoriasis or hidradenitis suppurativa (HS), recurring symptoms may affect comfort, confidence, work, relationships, physical activity, and overall quality of life.

Finding the right dermatologist can also be more complicated than scheduling a one-time visit. Psoriasis and HS are chronic inflammatory conditions that may require ongoing treatment, medication adjustments, monitoring, insurance approvals, and coordination with other healthcare providers.

Women with HS may face an additional challenge: the condition is more commonly reported in women, and symptoms can sometimes change around menstruation, pregnancy, or other hormonal life stages. Psoriasis can also require special treatment considerations during pregnancy or when symptoms involve the joints.

For women in Columbus, Ohio, the right dermatology practice may therefore depend on more than location or online reviews. Experience managing chronic inflammatory skin disease, access to advanced treatments, insurance coverage, appointment availability, and support navigating specialty medications can all matter.

In this guide, we compare six Columbus-area dermatology options for women seeking care for psoriasis, hidradenitis suppurativa, and other ongoing inflammatory skin conditions. 

But first, why does the right dermatologist matter for psoriasis and hidradenitis suppurativa? 

Psoriasis vs. Hidradenitis Suppurativa: Why the Right Dermatology Experience Matters

Psoriasis and HS are both chronic inflammatory skin diseases, but they present differently and may require different treatment approaches.

Psoriasis

Psoriasis commonly causes areas of inflamed, thickened, or scaly skin and can also affect the scalp and nails. Some people also develop psoriatic arthritis.

There is no single treatment that works for everyone. Depending on the type and severity of psoriasis, treatment may include topical medication, phototherapy, oral systemic medication, biologic treatment, or a combination of approaches.

Biologic therapies are one option dermatologists may consider for patients with moderate-to-severe psoriasis or psoriatic arthritis. These medications target specific parts of the immune system involved in psoriasis. They require individualized prescribing and appropriate screening and monitoring.

Hidradenitis suppurativa

HS can cause recurring painful nodules, abscesses, drainage, tunnels underneath the skin, and scarring, often in areas where skin rubs together.

HS is a chronic inflammatory disease. Researchers have found evidence suggesting autoimmune mechanisms may play a role, but more research is needed before HS can be definitively classified as an autoimmune disease.

Treatment depends on disease severity and other individual factors. Dermatologists may use medications, procedures, or a combination of approaches. Biologic medications are among the treatment options available for some patients with moderate-to-severe HS.

Because HS can be recurrent and progressive, finding a dermatologist with experience managing the condition longitudinally may be more useful than seeking treatment only when individual lesions appear.

How We Evaluated the Best Dermatologists for Women in Columbus

This guide focuses on medical dermatology for women managing ongoing inflammatory skin conditions rather than primarily cosmetic concerns.

We considered five factors:

• Psoriasis and HS expertise: Whether the practice specifically treats psoriasis, hidradenitis suppurativa, or complex inflammatory dermatologic conditions.
• Treatment options: Access to topical, oral, injectable, biologic, or other systemic therapies when clinically appropriate.
• Medication and insurance support: Help navigating prior authorizations, specialty pharmacies, medication access, and insurance requirements.
• Access to care: New-patient availability, virtual care options, referral requirements, and insurance participation.
• Whole-person and coordinated care: Whether the practice can help address related concerns or coordinate with other specialists when a chronic skin condition affects more than the skin.

For women managing psoriasis or HS, these factors may be more meaningful than cosmetic services, star ratings, or the size of the practice.

1. AndHealth – Whole-Person Specialty Teams for Chronic Psoriasis and HS

AndHealth provides dermatology care in Columbus for chronic inflammatory skin conditions including psoriasis, atopic dermatitis, and hidradenitis suppurativa. Care is available through both virtual and in-person appointments.

A distinguishing feature of the model is its coordinated care team. Patients may work with dermatology providers, clinical pharmacists, health coaches, and care coordinators rather than navigating each part of treatment independently.

For psoriasis, available treatment approaches may include prescription topical medications, oral therapies, injectable treatments, and biologic therapies when clinically appropriate. For HS, treatment options may include antibiotics, systemic medications, biologic therapies, and ongoing disease-management strategies based on the patient’s individual needs.

AndHealth currently states that:

• New-patient dermatology appointments are often available within 1–2 weeks.
• No referral is required to get started.
• Virtual and in-person appointments are available.
• Initial appointments are typically longer than standard follow-up visits.
• Medicaid, Medicare, TRICARE, and most major commercial health plans are accepted.
• Medication-access support includes prior authorizations, insurance navigation, and copay-assistance coordination when applicable.

AndHealth currently lists two Columbus dermatology locations:

• 3433 Agler Road, Suite 2800, Columbus, OH 43219
• 777 W. State Street, Suite 201A, Columbus, OH 43222

Best for those with psoriasis or HS who want ongoing, team-based care and additional support navigating specialty medications, insurance requirements, and care between appointments.

2. Downtown Dermatology – Female-Led Care with Dr. Shari Hicks-Graham

Downtown Dermatology is a top pick for women seeking a board-certified female dermatologist with a long record of thorough medical care, same-day scheduling, and zero cosmetic upselling. 

Downtown Dermatology delivers the attentive, female-led experience many women seek, and deep Reddit loyalty confirms consistency. 

• Dr. Shari Hicks-Graham, MD, FAAD, a Castle Connolly Top Doctor with 15+ years of experience, treats psoriasis, eczema, skin cancer, and acne at 500 E. Main St., Suite 310, Columbus, OH 43215.
• Reddit sentiment is overwhelmingly positive—patients praise same-day appointments, thorough skin checks, efficient billing, and no upsell pressure.
• Both on-site and third-party reviews consistently highlight diagnostic accuracy and a reassuring bedside manner.

Best for annual skin checks, acne, psoriasis, and eczema patients who value a warm, efficient private-practice experience. 

Less ideal if you require a large multidisciplinary team for complex biologics management—though Dr. Hicks-Graham also practices via AndHealth, providing an alternative insurance avenue.

3. Ohio State Wexner Medical Center Dermatology – Complex Care & Pregnancy Dermatology Expertise

Women navigating severe psoriasis, co-managed rheumatologic disease, or pregnancy-related skin conditions will find OSU’s academic department a valuable resource. 

When skin conditions intersect with autoimmune comorbidities or pregnancy, OSU’s specialized faculty and hospital infrastructure provide a safety net that’s difficult to replicate. 

The psoriasis-psoriatic arthritis clinic is particularly valuable, given that an estimated 30% of psoriasis patients develop joint disease (National Psoriasis Foundation).

• Dr. Jessica Kaffenberger, Vice Chair of Education, co-directs a dermatology-rheumatology psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis clinic.
• Dr. Kelly Tyler, MD, is dual board-certified in dermatology and gynecology, specializing in skin conditions during pregnancy—a relevant expertise for female patients.
• The department offers pediatric dermatology and lasers across multiple Columbus locations.
• Wait times can be significant: the 2025 U.S. average is 36.5 days (Statista), and a 2024 study—the most recent data available—found Medicaid-accepting providers had median waits of 30.5 days vs. 13.0 days for non-Medicaid.

Best when cutting-edge treatments and multi-specialty collaboration are essential. 

Less ideal for a quick private-practice visit, because academic scheduling can stretch, especially for Medicaid patients, and waits may mirror national averages.

4. Rixis Dermatology – Complex Medical Dermatology in Private Practice

Rixis suits women with rare or complex conditions who want a female-led, highly rated private practice.

For privately insured or Medicare-covered women with challenging diagnoses, Rixis offers rare subspecialty expertise in a comfortable, small-practice environment. 

The absence of Medicaid acceptance is a significant filter, but for those with matching insurance, it’s a compelling female-led option alongside larger academic centers. 

• Led by Dr. Stephanie K. Fabbro, MD, FAAD, a Castle Connolly Top Doctor, at 4300 Clime Rd, Suite 100, Columbus, OH 43228. She treats common conditions like acne, eczema, psoriasis, and skin cancer.
• Holds a 4.9 Google rating from 85+ reviews, signaling consistently high patient satisfaction.
• Accepts Medicare and TRICARE but does NOT accept Medicaid; patients with commercial plans should verify network status directly.
• The practice is not heavily discussed on Reddit, but its credentials and strong ratings provide solid independent validation for the quality of care.

Best for Medicare or commercially insured patients seeking subspecialty expertise in a smaller, attentive setting. 

Less ideal if you rely on Medicaid, because the practice explicitly does not accept it, creating a clear access divide.

5. Signature Dermatology – Convenient Access to Chronic Medical Dermatology Care

Signature Dermatology wins on speed and advocacy: women who need a prompt appointment—often days, not weeks—for acne, rosacea, eczema, or psoriasis will find a practice that treats these as serious medical diseases. 

For women with chronic skin conditions who have been dismissed elsewhere, Signature’s relentless insurance advocacy and quick turnaround time transform dermatology from a frustrating gatekeeping experience into a validated partnership. 

The west-side and northern suburb locations provide an escape from downtown traffic, making it a pragmatic choice for working women.

• Two locations (Hilliard and Lewis Center/Powell) with a 4.8 Birdeye rating from 610 reviews; accepts new patients with rapid scheduling.
• Treats acne, rosacea, eczema, psoriasis, warts, skin tags, and offers full-body skin exams and patch testing.
• Reddit users consistently highlight fast appointment access, thorough exams, and a provider who “truly treated psoriasis as a medical condition,” even fighting insurance denials.
• One physician’s direct bedside manner is noted, but knowledge and thoroughness are widely praised; the practice’s insurance advocacy is a recurring theme across reviews.

Best for those who value quick access, consistent long-term care, and a physician willing to battle insurance denials on their behalf. 

‘Less ideal if you require a dedicated pregnancy dermatology specialist or integrated biologics pharmacy dispatch, which this practice does not house internally.

6. Central Ohio Skin & Cancer (COSC) – Private Practice Excellence & Skin Cancer Vigilance

COSC is a top choice for women who want a consistent, long-term relationship with a practice—free from private-equity group dynamics—that emphasizes medical dermatology and skin cancer surveillance. 

COSC’s award-winning reputation and fiercely loyal patient base make it a compelling choice for women whose dermatology needs center on skin cancer vigilance and ongoing management of common conditions. 

The independent structure often translates into the kind of personal, uninterrupted care that large chains struggle to deliver.

• Named #1 in Columbus CEO Best of Business 2023 for Dermatology and Skin Care; services include Mohs surgery, medical and cosmetic dermatology, laser treatments, and patch testing.
• Reddit users repeatedly recommend providers like Dr. Donnelly and Dr. Thomas Wenker, emphasizing the practice’s independent, non-PE ownership and noting that the practice is accepting new patients.
• The physician-owned model is highlighted as a trust factor—fewer billing department nightmares and more direct provider communication compared to large corporate chains.
• Always verify insurance acceptance, particularly for Medicaid, as no public information confirms broad participation in government plans.

Best for annual mole checks and managing common skin conditions with a trustworthy, independent team. 

Less ideal if you need rapid in-house biologic initiation for severe psoriasis or HS, as external pharmacy coordination may be required.

Caveats & Counterpoints

Wait times fluctuate—the 2025 U.S. average for non-urgent dermatology is 36.5 days (Statista), and a 2024 study, the most recent available, showed Medicaid patients face longer waits on average (PMC). 

Always call for current availability. Insurance networks change, especially for biologic pharmacy benefits, so verify coverage before booking. Online reviews are snapshots: patterns across platforms matter more than isolated complaints. 

For hidradenitis suppurativa—which affects ~1% of the population, with female sex as the sole consistent risk factor (ILDS/GHiSA, December 2025)—prioritize documented expertise over ranking position.

Making the Choice That’s Right for Your Skin

The best dermatologist balances clinical expertise, insurance fit, access speed, and a philosophy that respects your health goals. 

Whether you choose AndHealth’s integrated model, OSU’s pregnancy focus, or a trusted private practice, schedule a visit and pay attention to how you’re made to feel—comfort matters as much as credentials.