Hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) is a debilitating, painful chronic inflammatory disease for which the inherent unpredictability with respect to the course of disease and response to treatment poses significant challenges for patients. With sparse epidemiologic data for HS, disease burden has not yet been established. The prevalence of HS has been estimated using claims analyses, examinations, medical record reviews, or patient-administered questionnaires. Most prevalence studies have involved selected samples and/or small cohorts, which limit generalizability. Because of the different data acquisition methods, study settings, and geographic samples in these analyses, prevalence estimates have, not surprisingly, varied significantly across the world. Overall prevalence estimates for HS in Europe and in the United States have ranged from 0.00033% to as high as 4.1%.^1-10 Few adjusted population analyses on which HS prevalence may be accurately estimated have been performed. The true overall prevalence of HS is therefore unknown. The purpose of our study was to establish standardized prevalence estimates for HS in the overall US population and in specific demographic subgroups.

Hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) is associated with comorbidities that contribute to poor health, impaired life quality, and mortality risk. To provide evidence-based screening recommendations for comorbidities linked to HS. Systematic reviews were performed to summarize evidence on the prevalence and incidence of 30 comorbidities in patients with HS relative to the general population. The screening recommendation for each comorbidity was informed by the consistency and quality of existing studies, disease prevalence, and magnitude of association, as well as benefits, harms, and feasibility of screening. The level of evidence and strength of corresponding screening recommendation were graded by using the Strength of Recommendation Taxonomy (SORT) criteria. Screening is recommended for the following comorbidities: acne, dissecting cellulitis of the scalp, pilonidal disease, pyoderma gangrenosum, depression, generalized anxiety disorder, suicide, smoking, substance use disorder, polycystic ovary syndrome, obesity, dyslipidemia, diabetes mellitus, metabolic syndrome, hypertension, cardiovascular disease, inflammatory bowel disease, spondyloarthritis, and sexual dysfunction. It is also recommended to screen patients with Down syndrome for HS. The decision to screen for specific comorbidities may vary with patient risk factors. The role of the dermatologist in screening varies according to comorbidity. Screening recommendations represent one component of a comprehensive care strategy. Dermatologists should support screening efforts to identify comorbid conditions in HS.

Background There is no consensus on core outcome domains for hidradenitis suppurativa (HS). Heterogeneous outcome measure instruments in clinical trials likely leads to outcome‐reporting bias and limits the ability to synthesize evidence. Objectives To achieve global multistakeholder consensus on a core outcome set (COS) of domains regarding what to measure in clinical trials for HS. Methods Six stakeholder groups participated in a Delphi process that included five anonymous e‐Delphi rounds and four face‐to‐face consensus meetings to reach consensus on the final COS. The aim was for a 1 : 1 ratio of patients to healthcare professionals (HCPs). Results A total of 41 patients and 52 HCPs from 19 countries in four continents participated in the consensus process, which yielded a final COS that included five domains: pain, physical signs, HS‐specific quality of life, global assessment and progression of course. A sixth domain, symptoms, was highly supported by patients and not by HCPs but is recommended for the core domain set. Conclusions Routine adoption of the COS in future HS trials should ensure that core outcomes of importance to both patients and HCPs are collected.