Quality-of-life endpoints in women of childbearing age with hidradenitis suppurativa: a tertiary-care-centre-based study

Abstract

Hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) principally affects women of childbearing age, who face gender-specific challenges, with lower life-quality than men. To investigate various quality-of-life endpoints in women of childbearing age with HS. A cross-sectional questionnaire-based study was performed at a university dermatology department. Eighteen yes/no and one open-ended questions explored impact of HS on social life, sexual life, family planning, working life and healthcare-backed support. Ninety-six women were included. Most women (80.8%) carry a stigma because of HS, which also affects their choice of clothes and social relationships. Sexual impairment affects 73.1% of women. One third of women wants less or no children because of HS, 67.7% worry about its impact on pregnancy, birth and the postpartum, and 84.6% worry about the impact of HS treatment on fertility and their babies’ health. Almost 43% fear losing their job because of HS, 34.4% are discriminated against at work and 33.3% state HS has hindered their career. Most women are not adequately informed about their disease or available support groups/material and 41.7% have not received good enough care through pregnancy/postpartum. Life-quality endpoints should be meticulously screened in women. Multidisciplinary-led treatment should be offered during pregnancy and the postpartum.