LAUSR

BACKGROUND Pain is a common, important symptom negatively affecting the well-being and quality of life of patients with hidradenitis suppurativa (HS). The aim of this study was to examine self-reported pain alleviating methods among outpatients attending a tertiary referral center. METHODS Consecutive patients with HS were invited to complete a questionnaire regarding their self-reported pain alleviating methods for HS associated pain. Additionally, the patients filled out the Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI) questionnaire and a Visual Analog Scale (VAS) for overall distress related to HS and for boil-associated pain in the past month. Information on disease severity and onset was obtained by interview and clinical examination. RESULTS A total of 134 patients with a mean age of 38.3 years (SD=12.8) participated; 32% (n=43) had Hurley stage I, 52% (n=70) had Hurley stage II, and 16% (n=21) had Hurley stage III. Overall, to achieve pain relief, 82% (n=110) of the patients had previously drained puss from the lesions by manual pressure. Compared to patients who did not alleviate pain, patients who attempted to alleviate pain had a higher mean overall disease related distress score (7.43 (SD=2.81) vs. 5.47 (SD=3.37), p<0.003), and a higher boil-associated pain score in the past month (6.56 (SD=3.07) vs. 4.39 (SD=3.88), p=0.007). CONCLUSION This study demonstrates that a large proportion of HS patients attempt to alleviate pain through various alternative and homespun methods. These results may reflect a major role of pain in HS and its potential insufficient management by dermatologists.