HS isn’t a rare disease, but in the past, some primary care physicians failed to recognize its signs and symptoms, according to Anna Kirkorian, MD, the chief of dermatology at Children’s National Hospital in Washington, DC. “Fortunately, this is no longer the case in some areas of the United States,” she says, citing the uptick in referrals she’s seen in recent years.
But Dr. Kirkorian says that doctors who don’t recognize HS may treat the symptoms as isolated occurrences, not realizing that the condition is chronic.
Lack of Awareness
“People also may not recognize their symptoms as being caused by a chronic disease. They may think, for example, ‘This is just a strange thing that happens to me,’” says Kirkorian, “or ‘Oh, I just get boils,’ when they have HS.”
- Pain
- Symptoms that don’t get better after a few weeks
- Symptoms that come back within weeks of treatment
- Symptoms in several areas of the body
- Regular flares
- Movement difficulties
Embarrassment
Other times, people may be reluctant to seek care because they’re embarrassed by their symptoms or aren’t comfortable with a doctor examining certain body parts.
“The most common locations for HS lesions are the armpits, under the breasts, the groin, genitals, and buttocks,” says Steven Daveluy, MD, an associate professor and a clinical educator in the Wayne State University department of dermatology in Detroit and a board-certified dermatologist.
“These are sensitive areas that we don’t share with many people in our lives. While logically, we know that it’s okay to show these areas to our doctor, that doesn’t make it any less awkward when another human being is standing in front of you, and you have to take your clothes off.”
Still, Dr. Daveluy advises, “try to remember that they are medical professionals trained to provide expert care for sensitive areas of the body.”
He adds, “If you’ve had a bad experience with a healthcare provider, please don’t give up. Keep looking for a provider who knows the facts about HS and can provide the care you need. The HS Foundation website has a clinic finder that can help you find an HS expert.”
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