TY - JOUR T1 - Self-reported pain alleviating methods in patients with hidradenitis suppurativa JO - Actas Dermo-Sifiliográficas T2 - AU - Ravn Jørgensen,A.H. AU - Yao,Y. AU - Thomsen,S.F. AU - Ring,H.C. SN - 15782190 M3 - 10.1016/j.adengl.2020.08.016 DO - 10.1016/j.adengl.2020.08.016 UR - https://www.actasdermo.org/en-self-reported-pain-alleviating-methods-in-articulo-S1578219020303899 AB - BackgroundPain 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. MethodsConsecutive 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. ResultsA 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 < 0.003), and a higher boil-associated pain score in the past month (6.56 [SD 3.07] vs. 4.39 [SD 3.88], p = 0.007). ConclusionThis 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. ER -