Evaluation of the patient’s journey with hidradenitis suppurativa at a dermatology service in Southern Brazil

Objectives: The objective of the study was to evaluate the epidemiological profile of patients with hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) referred to a tertiary dermatology center in southern Brazil, focusing on disease severity, diagnostic delay, and the number of physicians consulted before achieving a definitive diagnosis. Methods: A cross-sectional observational study was conducted through the analysis of medical records from patients diagnosed with HS who were referred to a dermatology outpatient clinic at a tertiary hospital in southern Brazil. Collected data included patients’ clinical characteristics, disease severity, impact on quality of life (QoL), and the time elapsed and number of physicians consulted before diagnosis. Results: Nighty-six patients met the eligibility criteria for the study. Women predominated, with a mean age of 38.4 years. Disease severity scores indicated that most patients had moderate disease, with a significant impact on QoL. On average, patients consulted 5.1 physicians, and the mean time to establish a definitive diagnosis was 10.6 years. Conclusion: Increasing awareness of HS among healthcare professionals and patients is crucial in reducing diagnostic delays. Early recognition and effective screening, particularly in primary care, may enable timely treatment, reduce disease severity, and improve patient outcomes.