Sexual Distress in Patients with Hidradenitis Suppurativa: A Cross-Sectional Study

Hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) is a chronic auto-inflammatory skin disease with a great impact in quality of life. However, there is little research about the impact of HS on sex life. The aims of this study are to describe the frequency of sexual distress (SD) in patients with HS and to explore potentially associated epidemiological and clinical factors. We conducted a cross-sectional study by means of a crowd-sourced online questionnaire hosted by the Spanish hidradenitis suppurativa patients' association (ASENDHI). Sexual distress (SD) was evaluated with a Numeric Rating Scale (NRS) for HS impact on sex life. A total of 393 participants answered the questionnaire. The mean NRS for HS impact on sex life was 7.24 (2.77) in women and 6.39 (3.44) in men (p < 0.05). Variables significantly associated (p < 0.05) with SD in the multiple linear regression model were sex, with a higher risk in females, the presence of active lesions in the groin and genitals and NRS for pain and unpleasant odor; being in a stable relationship was an important protector factor. Regarding these results, it seems that SD in HS patients is due, at least in part, to disease symptoms and active lesions in specific locations, emphasizing the importance of disease control with a proper treatment according to management guidelines. Women and single patients are more likely to suffer from sexual distress.