Evaluation of Quality of Life in First‐Degree Relatives of Patients With Hidradenitis Suppurativa Using Family Dermatology Life Quality Index: QoL in First‐Degree Relatives of Patients With HS

Background: Hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) is a chronic inflammatory skin disease that affects the quality of life (QoL) of afflicted patients. This current study was designed to assess the QoL of first‐degree relatives of HS patients and the various associated parameters. Methods: We conducted this cross‐sectional study at the Outpatient Dermatology Clinics of Shahid Faghihi Hospital and Imam Reza Clinic, affiliated with Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran, from 2021 to 2022. Thirty‐nine first‐degree relatives of thirty‐nine patients with HS were selected to enter this cross‐sectional study, through the census sampling method. The Family Dermatology Life Quality Index (FDLQI) was used to determine the scores. Results: A total of 39 patients (24 men and 15 women) with HS were included in the present study. The mean total score of the FDLQI questionnaire was 9.10 ± 6.77, which indicates a moderate impact on the QoL of the first‐degree relatives of HS patients. In HS patients with underlying diseases, FDLQI scores were greater. Other first‐degree relatives had a higher average overall FDLQI score than the patient’s spouse. Comorbid first‐degree relatives showed considerably higher FDLQI scores than those without. FDLQI scores increased with first‐kin age. Conclusion: The FDLQI score of first‐degree relatives of HS patients is considerably affected by any other underlying condition. Additionally, FDLQI scores were substantially associated with the first‐degree relative’s relationship with the patient (spouse vs. other relation) and the patient’s and relative’s underlying diseases.