HS sufferers find support from AbbVie

Abbie announced the launch this week of the "What's Your Sore Spot?" campaign, a hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) education program designed to support those suffering from the skin disease.

The campaign includes the website www.WhatsYourSoreSpot.com, which contains tools and resources to help patients obtain an accurate diagnosis of the condition. The chronic condition is characterized by recurring painful abscesses and nodules on the skin. It affects HS patients' daily lives, work and physical activities.

"Before putting a name to my condition, I felt frustrated and alone and in pain. I often struggled to express the impact HS had on my life, both physically and emotionally," The Hidradenitis Suppurativa Trust founder Tara Burton said. "If you think you may have HS, it's important for you to know that you are not alone. I encourage you to visit WhatsYourSoreSpot.com, look at the educational materials and seek advice from your health care provider. It's time to get answers."

HS can take years to diagnose. The abscesses may be mistaken for boils. While difficult to diagnose, early diagnosis and disease management can slow the progression of the disease.

"Despite being a serious and painful chronic condition, HS is a relatively unknown and not well understood disease, which contributes to delays in patients receiving an accurate diagnosis," AbbVie VP of Golbal Medical Affairs Dominik Hochli said. "The What's Your Sore Spot? campaign demonstrates AbbVie's commitment to work with patients, advocates and health care professionals to increase awareness about this debilitating disease and facilitate open dialogue during all phases of the patient journey."