Socioeconomic Disparities Linked to New Cases of Hidradenitis Suppurativa

Recent research highlights a significant connection between neighborhood-level socioeconomic status (nSES) and the likelihood of being diagnosed with hidradenitis suppurativa (HS), a chronic skin condition. The study, published online on May 14, 2025, in JAMA Dermatology, analyzed data from patients across the University of California San Francisco health system between August 2019 and May 2024. Researchers categorized patients based on the nSES of their residential areas, with quintiles ranging from the lowest to the highest socioeconomic neighborhoods.

The study included 65,766 dermatology patients, of whom 0.7% received a new HS diagnosis. Adjusting for variables such as age, sex, and race, the findings revealed that individuals living in lower socioeconomic neighborhoods had significantly higher odds of developing HS. Specifically, residents of the lowest nSES areas (quintile 1) had over three times the odds of a new HS diagnosis compared to those in the highest SES areas (quintile 5), with odds ratios decreasing progressively through the higher quintiles.

Further analysis showed that these disparities persisted across different racial groups, although not all differences reached statistical significance. The researchers suggest that neighborhood factors—such as access to healthcare, environmental influences, or lifestyle variables—may play a role in the development of HS.

This study underscores the importance of considering social determinants of health in understanding and addressing dermatological conditions. By recognizing how socioeconomic environments impact disease incidence, healthcare providers can work towards more equitable approaches to prevent and manage HS.

For more detailed information, refer to the publication in JAMA Dermatology (2025) or visit source.