HS Introductory Overview

HS is an inflammatory skin disease that affects an estimated 1% of the population. The main features of HS include painful and chronically recurring, deep-seated follicular nodules, papules, pustules and abscesses, scarring, sinus tracts and recurrent discharge. The areas most commonly affected are under the arms, groin, buttocks, and under the breasts. The disease is variable and recurrent. It may present with solitary or multiple lesions in one area, with lesions in many areas, or in more severe cases may have large areas of skin affected by recurrent, draining lesions that are very difficult to heal. Past medical research details a disease in which the time taken to diagnose is measured in years or even decades, and is often undiagnosed or misdiagnosed. These issues compound the high morbidity and disabling nature of the disease. Therefore there is an urgent need for detailed investigations into the nature of Hidradenitis Suppurativa. The HSF fosters and encourages worldwide research by developing and supporting an interdisciplinary family of scientists and physicians devoted to studying the molecular and cellular basis of HS, in order to develop and deliver more effective forms of treatment and preventative measures for those with this common, debilitating, and eminently chronic disease.