Pruritus and Malodour in Patients with Hidradenitis Suppurativa: Impact on Quality of Life and Clinical Features Associated with Symptom Severity

Abstract

Background: Patients with hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) suffer from symptoms such as pruritus and malodour which can significantly impair their quality of life. Objectives: (1) To analyse the impact of pruritus and malodour on the quality of life of patients with HS and (2) to explore the potential association between clinical features and the severity of these symptoms. Patients and Methods: This is a cross-sectional study. The Numeric Rating Scale (NRS) was used to assess pruritus and malodour. Quality of life was assessed by means of the Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI). Results: Two hundred and thirty-three patients were included in the study. Both pruritus and malodour positively correlated with worse quality of life (p < 0.05). Pruritus intensity was associated with the number of regions affected by HS, female sex, the intensity of suppuration, and the presence of comorbid Crohn’s disease. Statin use was associated with lower levels of pruritus. Malodour intensity was associated with higher body mass index, disease duration, the number of regions affected, Hurley stage, and intensity of suppuration. Conclusions: The results of our study show that pruritus and malodour are key symptoms in patients with HS which have a great impact on their quality of life. We have identified clinical features potentially associated with the intensity of these symptoms which could be useful to identify higher-risk patients and may influence treatment decisions.