Features Associated With Quality of Life Impairment in Hidradenitis Suppurativa Patients

The study investigated the quality of life (QoL) impairment in 462 patients with hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) and found that HS significantly affected patients' lives, with 40.3% experiencing a very large impairment and 20.1% an extremely large impairment. The severity of QoL impairment correlated with the severity of HS and was associated with the number of affected body regions, particularly the inguinal and gluteal areas. Higher body mass index (BMI) and waist circumference were linked to greater QoL impairment, as was frequent back pain. The type of treatment did not significantly affect QoL scores, although abscess lancing was associated with larger impairments. The study highlighted the profound impact of HS on patients' QoL and the importance of considering disease severity and comorbidities in managing HS.