Epidemiological study of Hidradenitis Suppurativa (HS) to determine the prevalence and severity of the disease in the Australian population.

This a two stage cross-sectional, observational survey study to determine the prevalence and severity of HS in the Australian population. No intervention will be administered and the population will not be exposed to an exposure factor. Stage one: Screening of the Australian population for those who potentially have HS The ‘Single Source Establishment Survey’ is a household survey conducted by an Australian market research company, with purpose to obtain demographic data from individuals aged 18 years and over. The ‘Single Source Survey’ covers all Australian States and Territories. Questions that indicate a potential diagnosis of HS, will be added to the ‘Single Source Survey’ administered in all Australian States and Territories, except the Northern Territory*. Prior the specific HS questions being asked, the interviewee will be asked if he or she verbally consents to being asked these questions. If the interviewee qualifies for a potential HS diagnosis, he or she will then be asked to participate in stage two. *The Northern Territory has been excluded from this study due to lack of a local dermatology clinic to confirm diagnosis in stage two. Stage two: Dermatology consult, diagnosis confirmation and severity assessment If the subject provides written consent to participating in the study, a researcher will then contact them and invite them to participate in a dermatology consult at a participating local dermatology clinic. If the subject agrees, upon their arrival to the clinic, they will provide written consent to participating in the research study, undergoing a physical examination and having clinical photographs taken by a dermatologist, as well as the storage and future use of the information collected. The clinician will record the diagnosis and clinical notes on severity on a form. All patient data including written information and clinical photographs will be de-identified. Confirmation of HS diagnosis and confirmation of moderate to severe HS diagnosis will be made by the attending dermatologist according to Hurley Stage System, as well as via a central expert review of the clinical notes and photographs. Data collected will be statistically analysed to determine the prevalence and severity of HS in the Australian population. No medication or treatment will be administered.