Uniting with the Community in Recognition of Hidradenitis Suppurativa Awareness Week

This week (June 5-11) is Hidradenitis Suppurativa (HS) Awareness Week, a moment when the HS community unites to raise awareness and show support for those around the world living with this debilitating skin condition. This awareness week is held annually in the first full week of June, and each year gives us an opportunity to connect with our partners to amplify efforts in providing support, resources, and information for people living with HS. We understand that education is the driving force for positive change, and we have found that sharing palatable, direct facts encourages thoughtful conversation. For example, did you know…

• HS affects approximately 1 in 100 people in most studied countries, thereby being more prevalent than most people may think
• HS typically begins in early adulthood after puberty and is characterised by the development of painful, inflamed lesions
• It is common for diagnoses to be delayed, leading to a longer duration without proper treatment, and this delay can have significant consequences in terms of disease progression.
• HS has a significant impact on the quality of life of those living with it

HS is a chronic, recurring, painful inflammatory skin disease. At UCB we understand the significant impact that HS can have on an individual’s life. The main symptoms of HS are nodules, abscesses and pus-discharging fistulas which typically occur in sensitive areas of the body such as the armpits and groin. Additionally, people with HS also experience stigma, which can exacerbate the disease and impact all areas of life including interpersonal relationships, education and work.

This stigma can, in part, be attributed to lack of awareness and understanding about the disease. Improving our understanding of HS is necessary to elevate care and support for people living with the condition. That’s why UCB is proud to unite with the HS community and to support HS Awareness Week. 

At UCB, we are also committed to addressing the unanswered questions in HS. We aim to accelerate progress and research by leveraging our understanding of inflammatory diseases, innovative science and our partnerships with the HS community to improve future diagnostic outcomes and patient quality of life. Through our scientific innovations and partnerships, we are also committed to closing the gaps in knowledge and care surrounding HS, to ultimately improve the lives of people living with the condition.

We invite you to join us in championing HS Awareness Week by spreading the word about HS. Together, we can increase awareness, address misconceptions and support those affected. We can make a real difference. 

Find out more about HS here, and visit our social channels for information and insights from people living with the condition throughout the week.