Patient perspectives of wound care management in hidradenitis suppurativa

Wound care management and costs in hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) are unmet needs. This study explored patient perspectives of at-home management of acute flares of HS and chronic daily wounds, their satisfaction with current wound care methods, and the financial burden of wound care supplies. An anonymous, multiple choice, cross-sectional questionnaire was distributed among online HS-related forums between August and October 2022. Participants 18 years or older with a diagnosis of HS who live in the United States were included. In total, 302 participants completed the questionnaire: 168 White (55.6%), 76 Black (25.2%), 33 Hispanic (10.9%), 7 Asian (2.3%), 12 multiracial (4.0%), and 6 other (2.0%). Dressings commonly reported included gauze, panty liners or menstrual pads, tissues or toilet paper, antiseptic dressing, abdominal pads, and adhesive bandages. Commonly reported topical remedies for acute flares of HS included warm compresses, Epsom salt baths, Vicks VapoRub, tea tree oil, witch hazel, and bleach baths. One-third of participants (n = 102) reported dissatisfaction with current wound care methods, and 48.8% (n = 103) believed that their dermatologist does not meet their wound care needs. Nearly half (n = 135) reported being unable to afford the type and quantity of dressings and wound care supplies they would ideally want. Black participants were more likely than White participants to report being unable to afford their dressings and find the cost as very burdensome. Overall, dermatologists must improve patient education of wound care methods in HS and address the financial burden of wound care supplies by exploring insurance-funded options.