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Relationship Disturbances in Hidradenitis Suppurativa: A Patient Perspective
Alyssa M Thompson1, Jonathan W Rick2, Devea R De3
1College of Medicine, University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona, USA.
Introduction:
Hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) can significantly impact patients' relationships.
Methods:
Using an anonymous electronic survey, we aimed to determine what aspects of sexual relationships are affected by HS discomfort and patients' reluctance to discuss HS with their partner.
Results:
Among the 873 participants, 60.9% reported that some aspect of their relationship was affected by HS discomfort, with the greatest being their sexual encounters with spouse (49.1%). Furthermore, 43.0% (320) of participants reported feeling reluctant to discuss HS with their spouse/significant other, with the more common reason being fear of partner seeing boils and scars (84.7%). Multiple aspects of relationships can be affected by HS such as sexual encounters, overall relationship, and finding a relationship. Additionally, several communication barriers are present, such as fear of partner seeing boils and scars, partner thinking they had an infection such as a sexually transmitted disease, and fear of bloody or malodorous drainage, among others. The presence of anogenital pain, Hurley stage, gender, and age significantly affect these findings.
Conclusion:
Addressing HS-related relationship disturbances should be included in HS management.
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