Hidradenitis Suppurativa (HS) is a chronic inflammatory recurrent skin disease of the hair follicle that presents as painful deep seated, inflamed lumps and bumps at skin flexures especially at the underarms, groin, buttocks and under the breasts. They are painful, and occasionally rupture, leaking blood-stained pus onto clothing. When they heal, scars and tunnel-like tracts form under the skin. Because of recurrent nature, the scars become thickened. The thickened scars restrict the movement of arms and legs. Due to its disabling nature of the disease, it greatly impacts patient’s quality of life.

There is currently no cure for HS, however, there are specific treatments that can bring the disease into temporary remission if treated early. It can also become inactive eventually.

The support group was formed in March 2016 by the Persatuan Dermatology Malaysia. It is a platform for all HS patient and their carers in Malaysia to share their experiences, gain knowledge on HS and also to support each other emotionally. Our aim is to raise HS awareness and educate the general public and medical professions about HS. Our hope is that more HS patients will emerge and have their disease diagnosed early. This is to prevent the development of permanent and disfiguring scars and also to avoid having to undergo painful and extensive surgery. It is also our hope to establish the support group as a registered patients association in near future.