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Self-Reported Pain Alleviating Methods in Patients with Hidradenitis Suppurativa
A H Ravn Jørgensen1, Y Yao1, S F Thomsen2
1Servicio de Dermatología, Venereología y Centro de Cuidados de Heridas, Hospital de Bispebjerg, Copenhague, Dinamarca.
Background:
Pain is a common, important symptom negatively affecting the well-being and quality of life of patients with hidradenitis suppurativa (HS). The aim of this study was to examine self-reported pain alleviating methods among outpatients attending a tertiary referral center.
Methods:
Consecutive patients with HS were invited to complete a questionnaire regarding their self-reported pain alleviating methods for HS associated pain. Additionally, the patients filled out the Dermatology Life Quality Index questionnaire and a visual analog scale for overall distress related to HS and for boil-associated pain in the past month. Information on disease severity and onset was obtained by interview and clinical examination.
Results:
A total of 134 patients with a mean age of 38.3 years (SD 12.8) participated; 32% (n=43) had Hurley stage i, 52% (n=70) had Hurley stage ii, and 16% (n=21) had Hurley stage iii. Overall, to achieve pain relief, 82% (n=110) of the patients had previously drained pus from the lesions by manual pressure. Compared to patients who did not alleviate pain, patients who attempted to alleviate pain had a higher mean overall disease related distress score (7.43 [SD 2.81] vs. 5.47 [SD 3.37], P<.003), and a higher boil-associated pain score in the past month (6.56 [SD 3.07] vs. 4.39 [SD 3.88], P=.007).
Conclusion:
This study demonstrates that a large proportion of HS patients attempt to alleviate pain through various alternative and homespun methods. These results may reflect a major role of pain in HS and its potential insufficient management by dermatologists.
