HSF - Resources to aid in the further Research of Hidradenitis Suppurativa (HS)

HS: Past, Present & Future
In 1833, Alfred Velpeau (pictured above) first described Hidradenitis Suppurativa (HS). In 1854, Verneuil proposed that HS could be a primary disease of sweat glands and cautioned that further research was needed. In 1952, an alternative to the sweat gland theory was aired - that HS may be a variant of acne which occurs in skin-folds/inverse areas. A more expansive view of HS based on scientific and medical evidence may pave the way for future research and development into the actual molecular and cellular pathogenesis of HS.

This section of our website is provided to help advance research into the disease, to help educate and empower patients, and to assist medical providers in formulating a proper diagnosis and appropriate treatment for their patients with HS.

On the whole, Hidradenitis Suppurativa is a mysterious disease which has puzzled doctors and patients for almost two centuries. Despite being described over 170 years ago, there is no known cause for HS and it is notoriously difficult to treat. While there is clear evidence that the management of HS presents a considerable challenge to both physicians and patients, the development of new knowledge into the cause, treatments and cure for HS has not increased in a corresponding manner to that of other diseases [1].

Long term and large scale funding will be essential in discovering the cause of and potential cures for HS. There is a clear and obvious need to develop a standard definition and globally accepted diagnostic procedures for HS, which in turn should promote the development of more effective and less invasive, evidence-based treatments. Further research will eliminate decades of perpetual confusion, decrease the morbidity of HS and its economic burden to society, and make great strides into improving the quality of life and quality of care for those suffering from this potentially debilitating disease.

Our listing of clinical and basic research trials/studies and presentations regarding HS at worldwide medical meetings demonstrates an active interest in this disease by the medical and scientific profession. The HSF also provides a critical review of existing literature performed by the HSF Medical and Scientific Advisory Board in 2006, in the shape of a categorized database of landmark historical research. The HSF Research Database and Bibliography empowers and facilitates varying degrees of direct patient support by providing information to government, legal, health and social service organizations, as well as patient advocacy/self-help and support groups around the world. The HSF Database is a tribute to all of the people who have suffered from HS, and an acknowledgment and thanks to those who have volunteered to be studied. It is also an honor roll of the caring doctors and researchers who have helped illuminate the mysteries of HS.