Getting an accurate HS diagnosis can be a long and frustrating road. On average, people wait 7 to 10 years before receiving a correct diagnosis, and many see over a dozen doctors along the way.
Because HS symptoms can look similar to other skin issues, it's often mistaken for things like boils, cysts, or ingrown hairs Show Full Answer
Getting an accurate HS diagnosis can be a long and frustrating road. On average, people wait 7 to 10 years before receiving a correct diagnosis, and many see over a dozen doctors along the way.
Because HS symptoms can look similar to other skin issues, it's often mistaken for things like boils, cysts, or ingrown hairs. This delay means that by the time a diagnosis is made, the condition may have already progressed to a more advanced stage. Many myHSteam members have shared their experiences with delayed diagnosis:
- "I didn't know what I had for almost 30 years! I was misdiagnosed."
- "I saw a general doctor who wasn't educated on HS, and it delayed my diagnosis."
- "My previous GPs misdiagnosed me as having ingrown hairs."
- "Doctors need to be more educated on HS so this stops happening."
You are absolutely not alone in this experience. A delayed diagnosis can have real consequences. Without early treatment, HS can progress from mild to more severe stages, leading to complications like extensive scarring and a greater impact on emotional and social well-being.
If you feel your symptoms aren't being taken seriously, asking for a referral to a dermatologist who specializes in HS can make a big difference. They are best equipped to identify HS and discuss the right treatment options for your stage of the condition.
August 9
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