Abstract
Hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) is a chronic auto-inflammatory skin disease with a great impact in quality of life. However, there is little research about the impact of HS on sex life. The aims of this study are to describe the frequency of sexual distress (SD) in patients with HS and to explore potentially associated epidemiological and clinical factors. We conducted a cross-sectional study by means of a crowd-sourced online questionnaire hosted by the Spanish hidradenitis suppurativa patients’ association (ASENDHI). Sexual distress (SD) was evaluated with a Numeric Rating Scale (NRS) for HS impact on sex life. A total of 393 participants answered the questionnaire. The mean NRS for HS impact on sex life was 7.24 (2.77) in women and 6.39 (3.44) in men (p < 0.05). Variables significantly associated (p < 0.05) with SD in the multiple linear regression model were sex, with a higher risk in females, the presence of active lesions in the groin and genitals and NRS for pain and unpleasant odor; being in a stable relationship was an important protector factor. Regarding these results, it seems that SD in HS patients is due, at least in part, to disease symptoms and active lesions in specific locations, emphasizing the importance of disease control with a proper treatment according to management guidelines. Women and single patients are more likely to suffer from sexual distress.
Highlights
Hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) is a chronic auto-inflammatory skin disease characterized by recurrent nodules, abscesses and fistulae and which involves hair follicles, predominantly in intertriginous areas [1]
Variables significantly associated (p < 0.05) with sexual distress (SD) in the multiple linear regression model were sex, with a higher risk in females, the presence of active lesions in the groin and genitals and Numeric Rating Scale (NRS) for pain and unpleasant odor; being in a stable relationship was an important protector factor. It seems that SD in HS patients is due, at least in part, to disease symptoms and active lesions in specific locations, emphasizing the importance of disease control with a proper treatment according to management guidelines
The ratio of women to men was 3.8:1 (306 (79.27%) women and 80 (20.73%) men). Their socio-demographic characteristics and comorbidities are shown in Table 1; current smoking was higher among men, body mass index was 1.5 greater in women, and the prevalence of diabetes mellitus type II and antidepressant consumption was higher among women, but these differences did not reach statistical significance
Summary
Hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) is a chronic auto-inflammatory skin disease characterized by recurrent nodules, abscesses and fistulae and which involves hair follicles, predominantly in intertriginous areas [1]. These lesions cause pain, unpleasant odor, itching and suppuration. Some research indicates that pain or pruritus may negatively affect quality of life [5,6]. Several studies show a direct relationship between sexual function and quality of life [8,9]. Sexual functionality can be impaired by chronic diseases because of factors related to the disease itself, its treatments, or alterations in body image [10]. There is little research about the impact of HS on sex life
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