Hidradenitis Suppurativa: Diagnosis and Treatment
Hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) is an inflammatory skin condition that affects 1-4% of the population. HS is often misdiagnosed, leaving many patients without proper treatment or resources to help manage their symptoms. HS Foundation is a Canadian organization dedicated to providing education, support, and resources to dermatologists in order to help them better diagnose and treat hidradenitis suppurativa. If you’re a dermatologist looking for a better way to treat the condition, please read on.
About HS Foundation
HS Foundation was founded with the goal of helping dermatologists provide effective management of hidradenitis suppurativa for their victims. We are passionate about facilitating access to accurate information about HS diagnosis and treatments, as well as offering emotional support for those who suffer from this chronic condition. Our mission is to ensure everyone with HS receives the care they need and deserve.
What is Hidradenitis Suppurativa?
Hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) is an inflammatory skin condition that causes painful lumps under the skin near hair follicles. Symptoms vary from person to person but generally include redness, swelling, and blistering in areas where sweat glands are located (including armpits, chest, groin, and buttocks). In more serious cases of HS, the affected areas may be infected; some cases can also cause scarring.
Unfortunately, HS is frequently misdiagnosed due to its similarity to other skin conditions, such as acne or folliculitis. As a result, many patients do not receive the right treatment or even adequate symptom relief. Dermatologists need fast and reliable access to accurate information about HS diagnosis and treatments in order for their patients to get the proper care.
How Can Doctors Provide Better Management to Treat Hidradenitis Suppurativa?
At HS Foundation, we believe that effective management of hidradenitis suppurativa begins with proper diagnosis by experienced dermatologists familiar with this condition – knowledge that typically only comes from long-term experience or specialized training in treating patients with hidradenitis suppurativa. To help facilitate this process, give our doctors access to accurate information about diagnosing and treating hidradenitis suppurative:
-Increase awareness amongst general practitioners about the correct diagnosis of both minor and severe cases of hidradenitis suppurative
-Educate healthcare providers on the scope of treatment options available for managing hidradenitis suppurative
-Develop efficient communication systems between medical professionals caring for individuals affected by hidradenitis suppurativa
-Engage patients in decision-making when it comes to finding effective ways to manage their symptoms
Additionally, medical professionals should also be aware that non-medication interventions such as lifestyle changes (diet/exercise), psychosocial intervention (emotional/social support), relaxation techniques, and stress reduction can dramatically improve the quality of life for those suffering from this condition when used in conjunction with medications prescribed by a health professional if necessary.
Key Takeaways
- The right way to treat hidradenitis suppurativa is to start with an accurate diagnosis by an experienced dermatologist
- Keep up on the latest research on treating hidradenitis suppurativa so you can provide better care
- Create clear communication systems between healthcare providers when dealing with individuals who have this condition
- Non medication interventions (diet/exercise, psychosocial intervention etc.) can greatly improve the quality of life for those suffering from this condition
- Involve patients in deciding what kind of treatment is best for them
Ultimately at HS Foundation, we envision a world where everyone has access to holistic care specifically tailored towards managing unique cases of individual hidradenitis suppurativa. Through increased awareness, education, and innovation, we will work together to create safe spaces where health professionals understand all aspects of each case and accurately analyze individual situations before prescribing any type of solution. By doing so, we hope not only will patients’ physical experiences improve but also their mental well-being, promoting healthier, healthier lives.
