Topic 4: Translate Symptoms Into Functional Impact
A systematic review of real-world patient-reported outcomes found that HS negatively affects physical, psychological, sexual, social, and work-related aspects of life. The impact may be substantial even when a visit-day lesion count is low.4
Ask what HS prevents, changes, or makes harder:
- Walking, sitting, reaching, lifting, exercising, or wearing certain clothing
- Sleeping through the night
- Attending work or school and functioning effectively while there
- Caring for children or completing household tasks
- Participating in social activities
- Dating, sexual activity, or intimate relationships
- Feeling comfortable with body image
- Managing dressings, drainage, laundry, or clothing changes
| Clinical pearl: “Have you missed work?” captures absenteeism but not the full effect. Also ask whether the patient works through pain, changes duties, avoids movement, or worries about drainage and odor while at work. |