Patients can have an alarmingly poor quality of life
Acute or chronic pain is one of the features of HS. Pain often occurs in sensitive anatomical regions, which can impact a patient's ability to perform even the most basic activities of daily living, including walking, sitting, sleeping, using the bathroom, and getting dressed6-8. Timely referrals to specialists for pain management and mental healthcare may help mitigate these burdens.
You can help patients with the physical and psychological burdens of HS6
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The healthcare providers featured in these videos were compensated for their time. These videos represent their opinions and do not represent the opinions of Novartis.
The burdens
associated with
HS may exacerbate
each other
- Recurrent or persistent HS can lead to the formation of more lesions and more distress9
- Shame, embarrassment, and impaired sexual health may lead to depression and anxiety3,10
- The embarrassment of HS means patients are less likely to discuss HS with a
physician, leading to diagnostic delays7
Patient portrayal
- Pain ~97 of patients with HS experience pain4,11
- Odor 88% of patients experience malodourous discharge12
- Depression ~43% of patients with HS experience depression4,13
- Suicide Over 2x the risk of completed suicide with HS vs those with psoriasis4
- Mental Health Deterioration ~81% may have persistent psychological symptoms or limitations from HS skin damage14
- Negative Career ImpactUp to 25% of patients with HS may be unemployed4
- Sexual Health DeteriorationUp to 62% of women experience sexual impairments15
- IsolationPatients with HS experience high levels of loneliness which correlate with impaired quality of life16,17
The impacts of HS are not limited only to those listed.
Patient portrayal
Resources for you and
your patients
These tools are specially designed to assist you and your patients in understanding and managing HS.
Illuminate the facts about hidradenitis suppurativa
The following questions can serve as helpful reminders about HS. Swipe or click on the correct answers.
What occurs at higher rates in those with HS than in the general population?18
Acute asthma due to systemic manifestations
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Chronic kidney disease
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Depression and anxiety
CORRECT. Keep it up
Since HS is a physical condition with an emotional impact, what is important for patients during appointments?19
A deep understanding of HS by the healthcare provider
CORRECT.
Compassion and empathy at all appointments
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Meaningful discussions around comorbidities
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All of the above
CORRECT. Keep it up
Some of the most common locations of HS lesions are6:
The dermis of sun-exposed areas of the body
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Cheeks, hands, toes, and knees
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Axillae, groin, and inner thighs
CORRECT. Keep it up
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References: 1. Alikhan A et al. J Am Acad Dermatol. 2019;81(1):76-90. 2. Sabat R et al. Nat Rev Dis Primers. 2020;6(1):18. 3. Alavi A et al. Int J Womens Dermatol. 2018;4(2):74-79. 4. Goldburg SR et al. J Am Acad Dermatol. 2020;82(5):1045-1058. 5. Shih T et al. Int J Womens Dermatol. 2022;8(3):e040. 6. Kimball AB et al, eds. Hidradenitis Suppurativa: A Disease Primer. Adis; 2017. 7. Shah M et al. J Clin Cosmet Dermatol. 2020;4(2):1-4. 8. Garg A et al. J Am Acad Dermatol. 2020;82(2):366-376. 9. Fletcher JM et al. Clin Exper Immunol. 2020;201(2):121-134. 10. Tzellos T et al. Dermatol Ther (Heidelb). 2020;10(1):63-71. 11. Matusiak Ł et al. Acta Derm Venereol. 2018;98(2):191-194. 12. Alavi A et al. J Cutan Med Surg. 2017;21(6):513-524. 13. Vazquez BG et al. J Invest Dermatol. 2013;133(1):97-103. 14. Kirby JS. J Am Acad Dermatol. 2016;74(6):1269-1270. 15. Cuenca-Barrales C et al. J Eur Acad Dermatol Venereol. 2021;35(2):345-352. 16. Fisher S et al. Arch Dermatol Res. 2020;312(6):421-426. 17. Kouris A et al. Dermatology. 2016;232(6):687-691. 18. Phan K et al. Ann Transl Med. 2020;8(13):821. 19. Collier EK et al. Int J Dermatol. 2020;59(6):744-747.
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