Clinical Associations of Itch in Hidradenitis Suppurativa: A Retrospective Cohort Study

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Claire S. Chung, BS
Keck School of Medicine of USC, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
https://orcid.org/0009-0002-5024-3871
Kenan Kherallah, BS
Keck School of Medicine of USC, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA

Chelsea Moon, BS
Keck School of Medicine of USC, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA

Raveena Ghanshani, MS
Keck School of Medicine of USC, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA

Vivian Y. Shi, MD
Department of Dermatology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA

Jennifer L. Hsiao, MD
Department of Dermatology, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA

Katrina H. Lee, MD
Department of Dermatology, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA

Keywords

Hidradenitis suppurativa, itch, quality of life

Abstract

Itch in hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) is a symptom that has commonly been overlooked in the literature, and emerging evidence suggests that it imposes a significant burden on patients’ quality of life (QoL). A retrospective cohort study was conducted of 164 patients seen at a single-center HS specialty clinic and found that nearly two-thirds of patients reported experiencing HS-related itch. Furthermore, higher numerical rating scale (NRS) itch scores were associated with increased pain, drainage, greater disease severity, and worse QoL. Current research on itch in HS has demonstrated that itch can impact sleep and overall life quality, and some patients report experiencing itch as a prodromal symptom for HS flares. Itch is a symptom experienced by many patients living with HS. Evaluating for HS-related pruritus and implementing management strategies to alleviate itch may help improve QoL. 

References

1. Matusiak Ł, Bieniek A, Szepietowski JC. Hidradenitis suppurativa markedly decreases quality of life and professional activity. J Am Acad Dermatol. 2010;62(4):706-708.e1. doi:10.1016/j.jaad.2009.09.021

2. Agarwal P, Lunge SB, Shetty NS, et al. Itch in Hidradenitis Suppurativa/Acne Inversa: A Systematic Review. J Clin Med. 2022;11(13):3813. doi:10.3390/jcm11133813

3. Li Y, Speck P, Viera E, Siira M, Orenstein LAV. The Influence of Pain on Reduced Quality of Life in Patients with Hidradenitis Suppurativa: A Single-Center Retrospective Study. Dermatology. 2023;239(6):1007-1012. doi:10.1159/000533740

4. Ring HC, Theut Riis P, Zarchi K, Miller IM, Saunte DM, Jemec GB. Prodromal symptoms in hidradenitis suppurativa. Clin Exp Dermatol. 2017;42(3):261-265. doi:10.1111/ced.13025

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Published
2026-05-11
DOI: https://doi.org/10.25251/7bs37134

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How to Cite
1.
Clinical Associations of Itch in Hidradenitis Suppurativa: A Retrospective Cohort Study. J of Skin. 2026;10(3):3119-3123. doi:10.25251/7bs37134
Issue
Vol. 10 No. 3 (2026): May 2026 Issue
Section
Research Letters
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