In Their Own Voices; Living with Hidradenitis Suppurativa: A Qualitative Study

Abstract

ABSTRACT OBJECTIVE: To provide a deeper assessment of the lived experience of patients with hidradenitis suppurativa, a chronic inflammatory disorder characterized by recurrent abscess, sinuses, and scars. METHODS This study used a phenomenologic approach. Researchers recruited 10 participants via purposive sampling. Data were collected via semistructured, in-depth, face-to-face interviews, and interpretative phenomenologic analysis was performed. RESULTS Data analysis uncovered two primary themes among participants’ interview responses: “unending symptoms” and “life becoming hard.” CONCLUSIONS The symptoms of hidradenitis suppurativa negatively affect individuals’ family, professional, and daily lives, and patients may benefit from psychiatric intervention.