Journal of Clinical & Experimental Dermatology Research
Open Access

Abstract

Digital solutions to support self-care of Hidradenitis suppurativa patients

Annie Boucher, Martin Peters, Graham Jones

Hidradenitis Suppurativa (HS) is a painful inflammatory dermal condition which involves scarring of tissue and abscess formation with concomitant drainage of pus. There is a notable lack of awareness surrounding the condition and the need for appropriate approaches to wound management and this contributes to delays in patients receiving formal diagnosis from medical professionals. These delays in care may contribute to elevated levels of anxiety and depression often experienced by patients, and the paucity of expert dermatologists in some geographic regions can contribute to a sense of isolation experienced by many. Herein we outline how digital technologies may provide solutions to the care needs of HS patients through combination of peer-peer communication, medical information flow, diagnostic tools, and symptom monitoring. A key enabler of such technologies in sustained patient self-care is motivational framing and we examine the potential for behavioral modeling to optimize engagement.

Published Date: 2025-02-28; Received Date: 2024-12-10