A new meta-analysis published in JAMA Dermatology reveals hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) affects a surprisingly large global population – roughly 1% or 1 in 100 people. This finding, stemming from the groundbreaking work of the Global Hidradenitis Suppurativa Atlas (GHiSA), isn’t merely a statistical update; it’s a critical recalibration of how we understand and address this chronic inflammatory disease. For years, HS has been significantly under-recognized in global health policy, largely due to a lack of robust epidemiological data. This study decisively changes that, positioning HS alongside more widely acknowledged conditions like rheumatoid arthritis in terms of prevalence.
- Prevalence Shock: HS affects 1% of the global population, significantly higher than previous estimates of 0.1-0.4%.
- Female Predominance: Female sex is the only factor demonstrably linked to higher HS prevalence in this large, standardized study.
- Care Gap Highlighted: The study underscores the urgent need for increased awareness, specialized clinics, and improved access to therapies, particularly in underserved regions.
Background
Historically, estimating the global burden of HS has been hampered by inconsistent diagnostic criteria and regional biases in research. GHiSA’s project, funded by the International League of Dermatological Societies (ILDS) and UCB, directly addresses these limitations. The initiative is part of a broader ILDS effort to create comprehensive atlases for several skin conditions – psoriasis, atopic dermatitis, and vitiligo are also underway – recognizing the substantial, often overlooked, impact of skin diseases worldwide. The standardized methodology employed by GHiSA, involving population-based sampling, validated questionnaires, and mandatory clinical confirmation, represents a major methodological leap forward.
As ILDS president Henry W. Lim, MD, noted, this research is “a turning point” for a disease that causes significant distress for patients. The study’s findings validate the experiences of countless individuals who have struggled to receive timely diagnoses and appropriate care.
Methods & Results
The meta-analysis meticulously analyzed data from 25 studies across 23 countries and six continents, encompassing over 22,000 screened participants and 247 confirmed HS cases. The median age of patients was 34.5 years. While previous research suggested links between HS and factors like high BMI, smoking, and socioeconomic disadvantage, this standardized global dataset did *not* confirm these associations. This suggests that the interplay of genetics, environmental factors, and healthcare access plays a more complex role than previously understood. The lack of correlation with socioeconomic indicators (GDP or HDI) is particularly noteworthy, hinting at potential disparities in awareness, diagnostic capabilities, or even genetic predispositions across different populations.
Professional Insight
Dorra Bouazzi, MD, PhD, General Secretary of GHiSA, emphasized the study’s implications for resource allocation and healthcare planning. “For the first time, we have a global, standardized estimate of how common HS really is,” she stated. Gregor Jemec, MD, DMSci, Chair of GHiSA, highlighted the collaborative nature of the project, calling it “a powerful example of a mutually committed global academic collaboration.” Their combined message is clear: this data provides the evidence base needed to advocate for expanded HS care, especially in regions where it is currently lacking.
The Forward Look
The publication of this prevalence study is not the end, but rather a crucial stepping stone. GHiSA’s next phase focuses on establishing globally agreed-upon diagnostic criteria, leveraging the high-quality population data already collected. This is vital for ensuring consistent diagnosis and treatment across different healthcare systems. Furthermore, the research team will delve deeper into phenotype-genotype relationships, comorbidities, and environmental factors to unravel the complex pathogenesis of HS.
However, the most immediate impact will likely be on advocacy efforts. Armed with this compelling data, patient advocacy groups and medical professionals can now make a stronger case for increased funding for HS research, improved access to specialized care, and greater awareness of the disease among both healthcare providers and the general public. Expect to see increased pressure on pharmaceutical companies to prioritize HS drug development, and potentially, the establishment of national HS registries to track disease progression and treatment outcomes. The true measure of this study’s success will be whether it translates into tangible improvements in the lives of those living with this often-debilitating condition.
References
1. Bouazzi D, Nielsen SM, Hagan PG, et al. Prevalence of Hidradenitis Suppurativa: A Meta-Analysis of Global Hidradenitis Suppurativa Atlas Studies. JAMA Dermatol. Published online August 27, 2025. doi:10.1001/jamadermatol.2025.2373
2. First Global Prevalence Study into Hidradenitis Suppurativa reveals need for urgent action from policy makers GHiSA study confirms prevalence higher than previously thought. News release. International League of Dermatological Societies. Published December 3, 2025. Accessed December 11, 2025. https://www.ilds.org/news-events/news/First-HS-GHiSA-Study/
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