A Patient’s Guide to Living with
Hidradenitis Suppurativa in Australia
Learn more about hidradenitis suppurativa (HS), take charge of your care and discover support and hope along the way with our FREE, downloadable guide.
Learning about hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) doesn’t have to be confusing or involve hours of research.
A Patient’s Guide to Living with Hidradenitis Suppurativa in Australia is a practical handbook to support you on your journey with HS. Inside, you’ll find practical tips and patient-friendly resources to help you understand your symptoms, explore treatment options, create your support systems and manage the impacts of HS on your daily life.
You’ll also hear from other HS patients who share their experiences and offer real-life advice on advocating for yourself with your doctors. With a focus on shared decision-making, this guide encourages you to work with your healthcare team to ensure your voice is heard and that you receive the care you need and deserve.
Our guide allows you to navigate quickly and easily between chapters. You can:
- Choose exactly what you want to learn about.
- Add your own notes to reflect on what you’ve learned.
- Plan your next steps to take better control of your HS.
By downloading now, you and your loved ones will be ready to:
- Read real patient stories and learn about HS symptoms, diagnosis and risk factors.
- Explore treatment options, including medications, surgery and lifestyle changes.
- Build your support system by connecting with others and accessing helpful resources.
- Learn tips for managing HS impacts on mental health, relationships, daily living and more.
- Navigate challenges in accessing care and discover health and financial supports.
- Share your story, fight stigma and learn from inspiring HS advocates.
This information should never replace the information and advice from your treating doctors.
It is intended to inform the discussions you have with healthcare professionals and others who play a role in your care and wellbeing.
Global Healthy Living Foundation Australia (GHLF Australia) is part of the US-based Global Healthy Living Foundation (GHLF), a non-profit organisation whose mission is to improve the quality of life for people with chronic conditions (such as psoriasis, thyroid eye disease and hidradenitis suppurativa). GHLF Australia is the parent organisation of CreakyJoints Australia, a division dedicated to supporting people with various forms of arthritis and related conditions.
For many people, living with chronic conditions can affect independence, work, relationships and overall quality of life. We provide engagement opportunities and condition-specific information education via our online platforms, support advances in research and advocate for improved access to medicines and healthcare.
This guide was created with help from patients and experts who know HS firsthand.
Steph Friend
Hidradenitis Suppurativa Australia
Founder and Director
Steph founded Hidradenitis Suppurativa Australia in 2022, a charity and support group established to improve HS care, reduce barriers to diagnosis and treatment and ensure people living with HS feel supported and heard.
Steph is passionate about sharing lived experience, amplifying the voices of others and reinforcing the message that no one must suffer alone. Steph’s vision is for every HS warrior to be supported in whatever they need to live the life they aspire to.
A/Prof John W Frew
Dermatologist
Hidradenitis Suppurativa Researcher
Associate Professor Frew currently holds a staff specialist position at Liverpool Hospital, is director of research at The Skin Hospital, and is a conjoint associate professor at the University of New South Wales.
Associate Professor Frew has over 150 peer-reviewed publications and has contributed to numerous international dermatology and immunology textbooks. He is the current Co-Editor-in-Chief of the Australasian Journal of Dermatology.
A Patient’s Guide to Living with Hidradenitis Suppurativa in Australia is part of our Patient Guidelines series created specifically for people living with chronic illness. These guides provide detailed, easy-to-understand explanations about symptoms, treatment options, co-occurring conditions and practical strategies for managing your condition in daily life.
Important Note: These patient guides are not a replacement for medical advice. Always speak with your doctor about your condition and treatment options. Think of this patient guide as a starting point to help you prepare for conversations with your doctor and loved ones.
A Patient’s Guide to Living with Hidradenitis Suppurativa in Australia was made possible thanks to the support of UCB Australia Pty Ltd.
