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:

Image showing areas of body where HS commonly appears, including the armpits, groin area, inner thighs, buttocks, under the breasts, back of neck, and ears.

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:

Image showing Hidradenitis Suppurativa (HS) severe symptoms in Hurley stage I

MILD^‡

Mild is when there is 1 bump or multiple inflammatory bumps and abscesses, with no scarring or tunnel (sinus tract) formation.

Image showing Hidradenitis Suppurativa (HS) severe symptoms in Hurley stage II

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.

All images used with permission from DermNet NZ^TM

^†In classifying the severity of your condition, your dermatologist may call these Hurley stages.
^‡COSENTYX® (secukinumab) is approved to treat moderate to severe HS.

HS can feel like it takes over

Living with HS can be a long and frustrating journey. Often, dealing with HS symptoms can make everyday activities a challenge.

Understanding HS

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.

FIND A DOCTOR

Ask your dermatologist if COSENTYX® (secukinumab) may be right for you. Real people taking COSENTYX are seeing results. Could you be one of them?

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