Hidradenitis Suppurativa Epidemiology Forecast 2025-2034

A systematic review and meta-regression analysis published in JAMA Dermatology in 2021 estimated that hidradenitis suppurativa affects less than 1% to 4% of the population. The disease commonly begins between puberty and the age of 40, with the peak occurrence noted in individuals aged 21 to 29.

Hidradenitis Suppurativa Epidemiology Forecast Report Coverage

The Hidradenitis Suppurativa Epidemiology Forecast Report 2025-2034 delivers a comprehensive analysis of the condition’s prevalence and associated demographic factors. It projects future incidence and prevalence trends across diverse population groups, considering key variables such as age, gender, and hidradenitis suppurativa type. The report highlights change in prevalence over time and offers data-driven forecasts based on influencing factors. Additionally, it provides an in-depth overview of the disease, along with historical and projected epidemiological data for eight key markets:

The United States, United Kingdom, France, Italy, Spain, Germany, Japan, and India.

Hidradenitis Suppurativa:

Disease Overview

Hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) is a chronic skin condition that causes painful, inflamed lumps, abscesses, and tunnels under the skin, primarily in areas where skin rubs together, such as the armpits, groin, and buttocks. It often begins after puberty and may worsen with age. The condition is associated with follicular occlusion, inflammation, and infection. Risk factors include genetics, obesity, and smoking. While there is no cure, treatment aims to manage symptoms through antibiotics, anti-inflammatory medications, and surgical procedures. Early diagnosis and management can improve quality of life and prevent disease progression.

Epidemiology Overview

The epidemiological overview of hidradenitis suppurativa includes insights into the historical and current patient population, along with forecasts for future trends across the eight leading markets. The Research evaluates a wide array of studies to present both existing and anticipated patterns for hidradenitis suppurativa. The analysis also highlights diagnosed patient trends, segmented by age group and patient category.

• A 2021 meta-analysis published in JAMA Dermatology estimates the disease prevalence at under 1% to 4%, though actual figures may be higher due to frequent underdiagnosis. Research shows patients face double the cardiovascular mortality risk versus non-affected individuals, and a 1.5 times higher risk than those with psoriasis.
• About 33% to 40% of patients report a first-degree relative with hidradenitis suppurativa, indicating a possible autosomal dominant inheritance, as noted in Clinics in Dermatology (2023).
• According to a 2021 article in the British Journal of Dermatology, women in North America and Europe are more frequently affected (female-to-male ratio of 3:1), whereas in South Korea, the condition appears more often in males, with a male-to-female ratio of 2:1.

Hidradenitis Suppurativa:

Treatment Overview

Hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) is a chronic skin condition characterised by inflamed lumps, abscesses, and tunnels beneath the skin, typically in areas where skin rubs together. While there is no cure, treatments aim to reduce symptoms, prevent flare-ups, and improve quality of life. Treatment varies depending on the severity and includes both medical and surgical options.

1. Topical Treatments:

For mild cases, topical antibiotics like clindamycin are often prescribed to reduce inflammation and bacteria. This can help manage the condition by preventing new abscesses and reducing pain, though it may take weeks to see noticeable improvements.

2. Oral Antibiotics:

In more moderate cases, oral antibiotics such as tetracyclines (e.g., doxycycline) are often used to reduce inflammation and bacterial presence. These can help manage flare-ups and prevent the progression of the disease, but prolonged use might lead to antibiotic resistance.

3. Biologic Therapy:

For severe cases, biologics like adalimumab (Humira) have shown efficacy. These target specific immune system pathways involved in inflammation and can significantly reduce the frequency of flare-ups and pain. Biologics are often used for those who do not respond to conventional treatments.

4. Steroid Injections:

Intralesional steroid injections may be used to reduce inflammation and pain during flare-ups. Corticosteroids like triamcinolone can be injected directly into the affected areas, helping to shrink abscesses and lessen symptoms, but may not prevent future outbreaks.

5. Surgical Treatment:

In advanced stages, surgical intervention may be necessary. Options include drainage of abscesses, removal of affected tissue, or laser therapy. Surgical treatments are aimed at removing the skin tunnels (sinus tracts) and preventing further scarring and damage, though recurrence of the disease is possible.

Hidradenitis Suppurativa:

Burden Analysis

Hidradenitis suppurativa significantly impacts the quality of life of affected individuals, leading to chronic pain, scarring, and skin deformities. The condition often causes emotional distress, social isolation, and anxiety, as flare-ups can occur unpredictably and lead to visible lesions. People with severe hidradenitis suppurativa may experience difficulties with mobility due to abscesses in areas like the armpits, groin, and buttocks. The persistent nature of the disease can disrupt daily activities, work, and social interactions, causing a major psychological and physical burden. Early treatment and management are essential to reduce its long-term impact on quality of life.

Key Epidemiology Trends

Epidemiological trends provide crucial insights into the patterns and factors influencing the occurrence, spread, and control of diseases globally. Monitoring these trends allows for better understanding and intervention strategies. The following are five key epidemiological trends observed in recent years:

1. Increasing Prevalence of Chronic Diseases:

Chronic conditions such as heart disease, diabetes, and chronic respiratory diseases have seen a notable rise globally. This increase is mainly attributed to lifestyle factors like poor diet, lack of physical activity, and rising obesity rates. Additionally, the aging population has contributed to the higher prevalence of chronic diseases, particularly in high-income countries. These conditions are not only impacting individual health but also placing substantial strain on healthcare systems, particularly in terms of long-term care requirements.

2. The Rise of Antimicrobial Resistance:

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) continues to be a growing concern, as the misuse and overuse of antibiotics lead to the development of drug-resistant pathogens. Bacterial infections, once treatable with common antibiotics, are becoming more difficult to manage, resulting in longer hospital stays, more complicated treatments, and higher mortality rates. This trend is particularly alarming as it reduces the effectiveness of many common antibiotics, which in turn, increases the risk of infections spreading within communities and healthcare settings.

3. Mental Health Issues on the Rise:

Mental health disorders, particularly anxiety, depression, and stress-related conditions, have been on the rise globally. The COVID-19 pandemic significantly worsened these trends, as lockdowns, social isolation, and economic uncertainties contributed to increased cases of mental health issues. Young people and women have been particularly vulnerable, showing higher rates of mental health challenges compared to other demographics. These conditions are increasingly seen as public health priorities, with a focus on improving access to mental health services and reducing the stigma associated with mental illnesses.

4. Infectious Disease Resurgence:

There has been a resurgence of certain infectious diseases, which had been largely controlled or eliminated in the past. The re-emergence of diseases like tuberculosis, measles, and diphtheria in some regions can be attributed to factors such as vaccine hesitancy, lack of access to healthcare, and the rise of global travel. Furthermore, the COVID-19 pandemic underscored how quickly infectious diseases can spread globally. The pandemic has also highlighted vulnerabilities in public health systems, as many countries were caught unprepared for the rapid spread of the virus.

5. Environmental and Climate Change Health Impacts:

The health impacts of environmental and climate changes are becoming more evident, with an increase in heat-related illnesses, vector-borne diseases, and respiratory problems linked to pollution. Changing weather patterns have led to the spread of diseases like malaria and dengue fever to new regions, where they were previously uncommon. Additionally, the frequency of extreme weather events such as floods, wildfires, and hurricanes has increased, leading to both immediate health risks and long-term environmental degradation, which in turn affects public health.

Analysis By Region

The epidemiology of hidradenitis suppurativa varies across countries and regions due to differences in healthcare infrastructure, socioeconomic factors, cultural attitudes towards pain, and access to pain management therapies. Understanding these variations is essential for developing targeted interventions and improving patient outcomes.

Key regions include:

• The United States
• Germany
• France
• Italy
• Spain
• The United Kingdom
• Japan
• India

These regions exhibit distinct epidemiological trends, reflecting the unique challenges and opportunities within their healthcare systems.

The epidemiological patterns of hidradenitis suppurativa differ notably across countries, influenced by a range of factors including genetics, healthcare availability, lifestyle habits, environmental conditions, diagnostic approaches, and cultural attitudes towards the disease. A 2020 study featured in the Archives of Dermatological Research assessed 20,112 individuals from 343 German companies between 2014 and 2017, reporting a point prevalence rate of 0.3% for hidradenitis suppurativa.

Key Questions Answered

• How do socioeconomic factors influence the distribution and prevalence of infectious diseases across different populations?
• What role do environmental factors, such as climate change and pollution, play in the emergence and spread of vector-borne diseases?
• How can improvements in diagnostic technologies impact the accuracy of disease surveillance and early detection in global health systems?
• What are the most significant barriers to effective vaccination campaigns in low-income countries, and how can these be overcome?
• How does the interaction between genetic predisposition and environmental exposure contribute to the rising prevalence of chronic diseases like heart disease and diabetes?
• How can global health systems improve data sharing and collaboration to effectively track and manage pandemics in real-time?
• What are the long-term epidemiological effects of mental health conditions, such as depression and anxiety, on public health outcomes and healthcare systems?
• How does antimicrobial resistance impact the ability to treat common infections, and what strategies can be implemented to curb this growing issue?
• What epidemiological strategies are most effective in addressing the health impacts of lifestyle factors such as diet and physical activity?
• How do healthcare access and equity affect the epidemiology of non-communicable diseases in underserved populations?

Scope of the Report

• The report covers a detailed analysis of signs and symptoms, causes, risk factors, pathophysiology, diagnosis, treatment options, and classification/types of hidradenitis suppurativa based on several factors.
• The hidradenitis suppurativa epidemiology forecast report covers data for the eight major markets (the US, France, Germany, Italy, Spain, the UK, Japan, and India)
• The report helps to identify the patient population, the unmet needs of hidradenitis suppurativa are highlighted along with an assessment of the disease's risk and burden.