BJGP Open. 2021 Jul 29:BJGPO.2021.0051. doi: 10.3399/BJGPO.2021.0051. Online ahead of print.
ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: Hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) is a chronic inflammatory skin disease which causes painful discharging nodules and skin tunnels. HS has associations with several systemic diseases, including cardiovascular (CV) disease and anxiety-depression. High levels of chronic morbidity suggest an important role for Primary Care. However, little evidence exists regarding current management of HS and its co-morbidities in UK General Practice.
AIM: To describe current practice amongst UK GPs in treating and referring people with HS DESIGN & SETTING: Web-based survey circulated to UK Primary Care Dermatology Society members and GPs in Forth Valley, Scotland.
METHOD: Survey responses were analysed with descriptive statistics.
RESULTS: 134 UK GPs completed the survey. 71% (n=94) saw at least one patient with HS in the previous month. 94% (n=125) reported confidence in diagnosis, and 87% (n=120) in initial treatment of HS. Most GPs initiated topical treatments and extended courses of oral antibiotic for HS, and many advised regarding adverse lifestyle factors. A minority provided analgesia, or screening for CV disease risk factors and anxiety-depression. Most GPs referred to Dermatology if Secondary Care input was required, with few referrals to specialised multi-disciplinary services.
CONCLUSION: GPs regularly diagnose and manage uncomplicated HS, but screening for important co-morbidities associated with HS is not common practice.
PMID:34326099 | DOI:10.3399/BJGPO.2021.0051
