Don't ignore recurring pain and pus: Experts urge early diagnosis for hidradenitis suppurativa

Recurrent inflammation and pain associated with certain skin conditions should not be dismissed as mere blemishes. Korean Novartis is highlighting hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) during the first week of June, designated as HS Awareness Week. This initiative shines a light on the disease, which often leads to a prolonged diagnostic journey for patients.

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Hidradenitis suppurativa is a chronic inflammatory skin disease characterized by recurrent inflammatory nodules, abscesses, and tunnel lesions.

Hidradenitis suppurativa is a chronic inflammatory skin disease marked by recurring inflammatory nodules, abscesses, and tunnel-like lesions. It typically affects areas where skin folds, such as the buttocks, armpits, or groin. The condition causes significant physical and psychological distress due to persistent pain, pus, scarring, and odor.

Despite the debilitating nature of HS, a lack of awareness means many patients face an average diagnostic delay of seven to ten years. They often hesitate to disclose symptoms or share treatment experiences due to the sensitive nature and location of the affected areas. This delay can lead to worsening symptoms and long-term complications.

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Due to the characteristic location and symptoms of the disease, patients often hesitate to reveal their symptoms or share their treatment experiences, leading to delayed diagnosis and treatment.

To combat this, Korean Novartis has launched an Instagram channel as part of its ongoing campaign to improve HS awareness since 2023. The channel aims to provide accessible and continuous disease information, featuring insights from dermatologists and relatable patient stories. The goal is to foster social empathy and encourage early diagnosis and appropriate treatment, emphasizing that prompt medical attention from a dermatologist is crucial for managing this condition, especially for the over half of patients who are young adults aged 20-30.

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It is important not to dismiss recurrent inflammation and pain as simple skin troubles but to seek an early and accurate diagnosis from a dermatologist and begin treatment tailored to you.