Barriers to Health Care Access for People with Hidradenitis Suppurativa

People with hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) face structural, provider-related, and patient-related barriers in accessing health care and treatments for HS. This article highlights how these barriers result in delayed diagnosis, inadequate treatment, and poorer health outcomes for people with HS. It also discusses the disparities faced by minoritized and underserved communities in accessing dermatologic care, as well as the need for more efficacious treatments for HS given the current limited therapeutic options. Efforts are underway to increase HS awareness and education, improve and expand access to treatment, and build trust between people with HS and the health care community.