Support Hidradenitis Suppurativa (HS) Awareness.
Sponsor The HS Awareness Month Resolution

Hidradenitis Suppurativa (HS) is a painful, and chronic inflammatory skin disease characterized by pus-filled lesions, primarily occurring in inverse areas of the skin; such as the armpit and groin. These lesions are deep-seated follicular nodules, papules, pustules and abscesses, which leave deep scars in the connective tissue and surface of the skin; even after they have healed. Hidradenitis Suppurativa can be disfiguring and demoralizing, often resulting in reclusive lifestyles and withdrawal from family and friends. Understandably, it can also result in severe depression and even thoughts of suicide.

As a sufferer of Hidradenitis Suppurativa, I know firsthand how difficult it is to live with the pain and disability of this disease. HS significantly reduces the quality of life for those of us who suffer from it. It is often referred to as the hidden disease since many people hide it and are too embarrassed to discuss it. Since it is a relatively rare disease, Physicians find it very difficult to treat.

I hope that you will agree with me that there is a critical need to increase awareness about this horrendous disease. I ask that you write to your representatives requesting them to sponsor the attached HS Awareness Month Resolution, and encourage your family and friends to do the same.

Below is a suggested letter along with the resolution. You are encouraged to personalize the letter but please leave the actual wording of the resolution the same.

Just copy the suggested letter, follow the links to write to your representatives, and paste the text of the letter into the form. It's that easy!

Thanks for taking action!

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Suggested Letter:

I am writing to you today regarding a devastating disease called Hidradenitis Suppurativa (HS), and the need for increased awareness and a designated national awareness month. I ask that you seriously consider sponsoring the attached resolution. Hidradenitis Suppurativa is a painful, debilitating, and chronic inflammatory skin disease primarily occurring in inverse areas of the skin, e.g. axillae and groin. Hidradenitis Suppurativa causes painful and chronically recurring, deep-seated follicular nodules, papules, pustules and abscesses, leading to suppuration, fibrosis, and scarring of the skin.

As a sufferer of Hidradenitis Suppurativa I know firsthand how frustrating it is to live with the pain and disability of this disease. Hidradenitis Suppurativa is a debilitating disease that significantly reduces the quality of life for patients. It is often referred to as the "hidden disease", since many patients hide their illness and are embarrassed to discuss it. Similarly physicians also find Hidradenitis Suppurativa very difficult to treat.

There is a critical need to increase awareness about this horrendous disease. Therefore I respectfully submit the following resolution:

Expressing the need for enhanced public awareness of Hidradenitis Suppurativa, and for the designation of a National Hidradenitis Suppurativa Awareness Month.

Whereas Hidradenitis Suppurativa is a common skin disease affecting at least 1% of the general population and data suggests that the number of individuals afflicted may be under reported;

Whereas Hidradenitis Suppurativa affects both males and females of every race and nationality, usually beginning in the second or third decade of life and often persisting into old age;

Whereas Hidradenitis Suppurativa is considered as one of the most difficult and chronic diseases of dermatology, causing significant pain, disfigurement, anxiety, depression, temporary or permanent disability, and a severe reduction in quality of life, even for those with mild forms of the disease;

Whereas the time from disease onset to diagnosis is often measured in years or decades, greatly increasing the morbidity and complications of long-standing Hidradenitis Suppurativa;

Whereas there is currently no medical consensus on the definition of Hidradenitis Suppurativa, no standard method of diagnosis, nor any consistently effective treatment;

Whereas there is an urgent need to conduct systematic, large scale research studies to discover the cause(s) of Hidradenitis Suppurativa and develop rational, evidence-based treatments;

Whereas those afflicted with Hidradenitis Suppurativa see many different medical specialists, there is a critical need to educate all medical professionals in all fields about this disease;

Whereas receiving early and appropriate medical intervention may decrease the morbidity of Hidradenitis Suppurativa, there is an essential need to increase awareness of Hidradenitis Suppurativa among the general public;

Whereas Mayor John Street of Philadelphia proclaimed June 2007 as Hidradenitis Suppurativa Awareness Month;

Whereas June would be an appropriate month to establish as National Hidradenitis Suppurativa Awareness Month.

Resources/References:
HS Foundation
http://www.hs-foundation.org

HS-USA Inc.
http://www.hs-usa.org