For adults with moderate to severe hidradenitis suppurativa
WHAT IS HIDRADENITIS SUPPURATIVA (HS)?
Hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) is a chronic, or long-lasting, inflammatory skin condition. When you have HS, your immune system is believed to be overactive and produces too much of certain inflammatory molecules, like IL-17A. Too much IL-17A is thought to contribute to excess inflammation in your body that may lead to HS symptoms like bumps and abscesses that can hurt.
HS signs and symptoms can include painful bumps or abscesses, mostly in areas where skin rubs against skin, like the armpits, the groin area, inner thighs, buttocks, and under the breasts. HS abscesses can drain and may lead to tunnels that can leave scars.
Where HS Symptoms commonly appear:
How HS may progress
Over time, hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) may progress or get worse if left untreated, and may lead to scarring; that's why it's important to understand more about HS.
HS can be classified into 3 stages† based on the severity of the symptoms:
MILD‡
Mild is when there is 1 bump or multiple inflammatory bumps and abscesses, with no scarring or tunnel (sinus tract) formation.
MODERATE
Moderate is when there are multiple abscesses, along with limited tunnels and/or scarring.
SEVERE
Severe is when there are multiple or extensive interconnected tunnels, abscesses, and scarring.
‡COSENTYX® (secukinumab) is approved to treat moderate to severe HS.
HS can affect emotional well-being.
Living with HS can be a long and frustrating journey. Dealing with HS symptoms may make everyday activities a challenge. Feelings of anxiety and depression are common with HS. Approximately, 43% of patients experience depression.
Be sure to talk to your dermatologist about how your HS is making you feel, beyond just the physical symptoms.
Facts about HS
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One in 100 people may be affected by HS. Up to 40% may have a family member with the condition.
HS is not contagious or due to poor hygiene.
HS usually begins when people are in their 20s, but it can start as early as puberty or as late as their 50s.
HS is mostly seen in women and disproportionately affects people of color. Hormonal changes may contribute to HS symptoms, and can lead to HS flares, making the symptoms worse.
Other factors that may contribute to HS symptoms getting worse include one's weight or smoking.
You Are Here
Watch as three people living with HS meet at a crossroads in their journeys to share their stories and discuss where to go next.
Pedro
Pedro has lived with HS since the age of five, but it wasn’t until 30 years later that he received an official diagnosis. Pedro is most proud of instilling a sense of pride and resilience in his three children, teaching them to embrace who they are without shame.
Crystal
After Crystal was diagnosed with HS at age 13, she often retreated into isolation. Now, she’s helping others living with HS by using social media to advocate for positive thinking and community support.
Rukiya
Rukiya was diagnosed with HS at age 12 and is a devoted mother of three young children. Despite some difficulties along her HS journey, Rukiya is helping others navigate the healthcare system by pursuing a master’s degree in health administration.
Dr Shahriari
Dr Mona Shahriari is a board-certified dermatologist who specializes in researching and treating inflammatory skin conditions like HS. She is dedicated to providing patient-centered care in her clinical practice.
Pedro, Crystal, and Rukiya are living with HS. The individuals featured have been compensated for their time.
Where will you go next with HS?
The road to managing HS can feel long, confusing, and filled with unexpected challenges. But knowledge about biologic treatment options like COSENTYX® (secukinumab) can help forge a new path by taking on HS from the inside out.
Individual results may vary. Lily was compensated for her time.
“I would tell my younger self that it is not my fault. And that it is okay, that there is going to be something that's going to help. That's going to make it so much better.”
– Lily, actual patient
Individual results may vary. NiYondashay was compensated for her time.
“I'm sharing my HS story because I didn't have the voice in the beginning to share it. I'm sharing my story for others out there who look like me, talk like me, who are in my community.”
– NiYondashay, actual patient
FIND A DOCTOR
Ask your dermatologist if COSENTYX® may be right for you. Real people taking COSENTYX are seeing results. Could you be one of them?