Abscess
Abscess
Image of abscess of HS patient provided by Dermatology Online Journal, copyright Noah Scheinfeld, MD.
An early diagnosis of hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) can help mitigate disease burdens1
HS can be challenging to diagnose as the clinical characteristics may be difficult to identify or mistaken for other conditions. But the consequences of a delayed HS diagnosis can be damaging and may even be permanent. Recognizing the characteristic lesions of HS and how they present across different skin tones can help get patients the care they need to help inhibit further disease progression.1-4
There are 3 essential diagnostic criteria that can help distinguish HS from other skin conditions6
COMMONLY INVOLVED AREAS3,6
Less common areas2
Around the ears, back, face, scalp, chest, and legs
Know HS when you see it
Early HS lesions may resemble other dermatological conditions. Knowing the common presentations, common differential diagnoses, and stage of disease can help you identify HS more quickly and make referrals to HS-treating dermatology providers sooner.2
CHARACTERISTIC HS LESIONS9-15
CHARACTERISTIC HS LESIONS9-15
Nodule
Nodule
Image of nodule of HS patient provided by DermNet.
Follicular papule/pustule
Follicular papule/pustule
Image of follicular papules/pustules of HS patient provided by Dermatology Online Journal, copyright Noah Scheinfeld, MD.
Tunnel
Tunnel
Image of sinus tract/fistula of HS patient provided by Experimental Dermatology.
Scar/cord
Scar/cord
Image of cord/scar of HS patient provided by Dermatology Online Journal, copyright Noah Scheinfeld, MD.
Comedone
Comedone
Image of comedones of HS patient provided by American Family Physician.
DIFFERENTIAL DIAGNOSIS2,9,10,16,17
DIFFERENTIAL DIAGNOSIS2,9,10,16,17
Folliculitis
Folliculitis
Image provided by International Journal of Dermatology.
Carbuncle
Carbuncle
Image provided by Science Source.
Cutaneous Crohn's disease
Cutaneous Crohn's disease
Image provided by British Medical Journal.
Acne vulgaris
Acne vulgaris
Image provided by Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology.
Intergluteal pilonidal cysts
Intergluteal pilonidal cysts
Image provided by Science Source.
Pyogenic granuloma
Pyogenic granuloma
Image of granuloma provided by iStock.
STAGING HS3,18
STAGING HS3,18
MILD
MILD
Image of inframammary fold of HS patient provided by Dr Ali Moiin.
Sometimes described as Hurley Stage 1.
Typically presents as 1 or more nodules with no to minimal scarring or tunnel formation.
MODERATE
MODERATE
Image of axilla of HS patient provided by Science Source.
Sometimes described as Hurley Stage 2.
Typically presents as multiple nodules along with limited tunneling and/or scarring.
SEVERE
SEVERE
Image of axilla of HS patient provided by Science Source.
Sometimes described as Hurley Stage 3.
Typically presents as multiple or extensive interconnected tunnels, nodules, and scarring.
HS can appear differently depending on skin tone19
Hidradenitis suppurativa disproportionally affects patients of color and is associated with increased disease severity. Knowing the clinical presentations of HS on darker skin tones may help you accurately identify HS.4,19
Presentations of HS unique to patients of color
Presentations of HS unique to patients of color
SUBTLE ERYTHEMA20
SUBTLE ERYTHEMA20
Image of axilla of HS patient provided by Science Source.
VIOLACEOUS, DARK BROWN, AND GRAY LESIONS20
VIOLACEOUS, DARK BROWN, AND GRAY LESIONS20
Image of groin of HS patient provided by Dr Ali Moiin.
POST-INFLAMMATORY HYPER-PIGMENTATION1,21
POST-INFLAMMATORY HYPER-PIGMENTATION1,21
Image of axilla of HS patient provided by Science Source.
KELOIDS22
KELOIDS22
Image of chest provided by Science Source.
Hear from your peers about identifying and diagnosing HS
Healthcare providers with experience identifying and diagnosing HS offer their wisdom for clinical evaluations.
The healthcare providers featured in these videos were compensated for their time. These videos represent their opinions and do not represent the opinions of Novartis.