Hidradenitis suppurativa diagnosis and management in primary care: not just recurrent boils

Hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) is characterized by inflamed skin lesions and scars that occur in apocrine-gland-bearing areas including axillae, inframammary folds, and groin, with a chronic course including flares. HS significantly impacts general health and quality of life. A recent cross-sectional survey of GPs found that, while patients were largely managed appropriately, there was suboptimal management of pain, psychosocial aspects, and comorbidity screening. Historically, HS was poorly recognized and under-researched. Patients are often treated sub-optimally and comorbidities are not managed. Practitioners in primary care can both diagnose and treat early disease.