Hidradenitis Suppurativa (HS) | HS Awareness

The impact of hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) goes deeper than the skin

Patients with HS may deal with debilitating physical and emotional burdens.^1,2 The chronic, systemic, and often progressive nature of the condition may lead to distress, which can impact many aspects of a patient's life, including their career and intimate relationships.^1-4 For some patients, helping alleviate the psychosocial burdens of HS is their top priority.⁵

"I carry wet wipes to help with the smell.... I have to be prepared."

— Patient with HS

“I do whatever I can to make myself comfortable.”

— Patient with HS

“At the moment, all the wounds are in my bikini line.”

— Patient with HS

“I had a boil the size of a golf ball in my armpit.”

— Patient with HS

“I feel like a lot of doctors have just given up.”

— Patient with HS

Patients can have an alarmingly poor quality of life

Acute or chronic skin 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 dressed.^6-8 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

Hear insights from healthcare providers with real-world managing the physical and psychological impacts of hidradenitis suppurativa.

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 anxiety^3,1⁰
The embarrassment of HS means patients are less likely to discuss HS with a physician, leading to diagnostic delays⁷

Pain
~97% of patients with HS experience pain^4,11

Odor
88% of patients with HS experience malodorous discharge¹²

Depression
~43% of patients with HS experience depression^4,13

Suicide
Over 2x the risk of completed suicide in patients with HS vs those with psoriasis⁴

Mental Health Deterioration
~81% of patients have persistent psychological symptoms or limitations from HS skin damage¹⁴

Negative Career Impact
Up to 25% of patients with HS may be unemployed⁴

Sexual Health Deterioration
Up to 62% of women experience sexual impairments¹⁵
Up to 52% of men experience erectile dysfunction¹⁵

Isolation
Patients with HS experience high levels of loneliness which correlate with impaired quality of life^16,17

The impacts of HS are not limited only to those listed.

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