epidemiology

Last edited 11/2022 and last reviewed 11/2022

  • prevalence is estimated at between 1:100 and 1:600 (1,2)
    • a UK Population based clinical practice research of diagnosed and undiagnosed cases suggests a prevalence of 0.77% (3)
  • UK survey data suggest that the reported average age at disease onset is 21.8 years, but patients first enter hospital settings at the age of 38y (3)
  • is most common in women of childbearing age, with a female to male ratio of 3:1 (3)

Reference:

  • (1) Harrison BJ et al. The prevalence of hidradenitis suppuritiva in South Wales. In: Marks R, Plewig G (eds). Acne and related disorders. London: Martin Dunitz, 1991, 365-6.
  • (2) Jemec GBE et al . The prevalence of hidradenitis suppuritiva and its potential precursor lesions. J Am Acad Dermatol 1996,35, 191-4.
  • (3) Hasan S B, Harris C, Collier F. Hidradenitis suppurativa BMJ 2022; 379 :e068383 doi:10.1136/bmj-2021-068383