TY - JOUR
AU - H. E. Wainman
AU - S. Gallard
AU - M. J. Ridd
AU - J. R. Ingram
A1 - 
AB - BACKGROUND: Hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) is a painful, chronic, inflammatory skin condition affecting the skin folds. It is frequently misdiagnosed, leading to delays in care and the progression of the disease to permanent scarring. AIM: To understand the level of knowledge and confidence of healthcare professionals (HCPs) in primary care managing patients with HS. To establish their ability to recognise the early signs of HS, awareness of associated comorbidities, and recognition of treatment options available in primary care. DESIGN & SETTING: A survey was distributed to HCPs working in primary care in the UK. METHOD: The survey was disseminated via weekly GP bulletins distributed by local integrated care boards, the Primary Care Dermatology Society (PCDS) mailing lists, and at professional events. RESULTS: Of 183 responders, most (93%) did not have a specialist role in dermatology or a postgraduate qualification in dermatology (69%), 36 (20%) were not doctors, and there was a good geographical spread over the UK. Of the responders, 74% felt confident diagnosing HS, but only 39% were confident in managing the pain associated with the disease. Perceived confidence did not correlate with understanding the importance of early referral to secondary care where multiple skin sites were affected. CONCLUSION: Further education in diagnosing and managing HS in primary care is needed. Future research could focus on developing a tool to support the diagnosis of HS in primary care and a clear, primary care-focused management guideline for identified patients.
AD - Bristol Dermatology Centre, Bristol Royal Infirmary, University Hospitals Bristol and Weston NHS Foundation Trust, Bristol, UK hannah.wainman@bristol.ac.uk.; Centre for Applied Excellence in Skin & Allergy Research, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK.; Royal Liverpool University Hospital, Liverpool University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Liverpool, UK.; Division of Infection & Immunity, Cardiff University, Cardiff, UK.
AN - 40550630
BT - BJGP Open
C5 - Medically Unexplained Symptoms
CP - 4
DA - Dec
DO - 10.3399/bjgpo.2025.0060
DP - NLM
ET - 20251219
IS - 4
JF - BJGP Open
LA - eng
N2 - BACKGROUND: Hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) is a painful, chronic, inflammatory skin condition affecting the skin folds. It is frequently misdiagnosed, leading to delays in care and the progression of the disease to permanent scarring. AIM: To understand the level of knowledge and confidence of healthcare professionals (HCPs) in primary care managing patients with HS. To establish their ability to recognise the early signs of HS, awareness of associated comorbidities, and recognition of treatment options available in primary care. DESIGN & SETTING: A survey was distributed to HCPs working in primary care in the UK. METHOD: The survey was disseminated via weekly GP bulletins distributed by local integrated care boards, the Primary Care Dermatology Society (PCDS) mailing lists, and at professional events. RESULTS: Of 183 responders, most (93%) did not have a specialist role in dermatology or a postgraduate qualification in dermatology (69%), 36 (20%) were not doctors, and there was a good geographical spread over the UK. Of the responders, 74% felt confident diagnosing HS, but only 39% were confident in managing the pain associated with the disease. Perceived confidence did not correlate with understanding the importance of early referral to secondary care where multiple skin sites were affected. CONCLUSION: Further education in diagnosing and managing HS in primary care is needed. Future research could focus on developing a tool to support the diagnosis of HS in primary care and a clear, primary care-focused management guideline for identified patients.
PY - 2025
SN - 2398-3795
ST - Management of hidradenitis suppurativa in UK primary care: a cross-sectional survey
T1 - Management of hidradenitis suppurativa in UK primary care: a cross-sectional survey
T2 - BJGP Open
TI - Management of hidradenitis suppurativa in UK primary care: a cross-sectional survey
U1 - Medically Unexplained Symptoms
U3 - 10.3399/bjgpo.2025.0060
VL - 9
VO - 2398-3795
Y1 - 2025
ER -