Quality of life and the patient journey in hidradenitis suppurativa.

Hidradenitis suppurativa is a debilitating inflammatory disease with a profound impact on quality of life for affected patients and caregivers. The patient journey in hidradenitis begins with symptom onset and proceeds through diagnosis and treatment. It is fraught with misdiagnosis, lack of awareness, misinformation, and inappropriate treatments that lead to shame, blame, isolation, and medical mistrust. This review highlights the relationship between hidradenitis and quality of life, emphasizing the patient journey and opportunities to improve care along its tortuous course.