An Accurate HS diagnosis is Important

Speak to a dermatologist

If you believe you have hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) and are experiencing painful nodules or boils, it’s important to speak to a dermatologist as soon as possible. Their expertise in experience of skin health will enable them to assess your skin condition symptoms and provide an accurate diagnosis. HS is not that widely known, so some general practitioners (GPs) will not be familiar with it.

The reported prevalence of HS is about 1% in the general population.1 However, because the skin condition is often misdiagnosed and many people living with HS don’t always feel comfortable talking about their symptoms or seek help, the number of people who are actually diagnosed is far less than this estimate.2,3,4

If you are reading this because you know someone who is experiencing hidradenitis suppurativa symptoms encourage him or her to create a discussion guide and to speak with a dermatologist

REFERENCES:

  1. Revuz J. Hidradenitis suppurativa. J Eur Acad Dermatol Venereol 2009;23:985–998.
  2. Esmann S, Jemec GB. Psychosocial impact of hidradenitis suppurativa: a qualitative study. Acta Derm Venereol 2011;91:328–332.
  3. Jemec GB, Heidenheim M, Nielsen NH. The prevalence of hidradenitis suppurativa and its potential precursor lesions. J Am Acad Dermatol 1996;35:191–194.
  4. Dufour ND, Emtestam L, Jemec GB. Hidradenitis suppurativa: a common and burdensome, yet under-recognised, inflammatory skin disease. Postgrad Med J 2014;90:216–221.