A dermatological questionnaire for general practitioners with a focus on hidradenitis suppurativa

BACKGROUND: Hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) is a skin chronic inflammatory disease typically located in several areas such as perianal, inguinal and axillary regions. In 40% to 70% of cases, general practitioners (GPs) are the first health care professionals consulted by patients suffering from HS. The role of GPs in HS management could be more substantial than it has been in the past. AIM: We developed a questionnaire to assess the knowledge of HS by GPs and to evaluate if in their perception the dermatologist is the reference medical doctor for pathology above. METHODS: The data were processed by a univariate descriptive statistical analysis. RESULTS: Our study showed GPs could recognise patients affected by HS. They have proven to know the main features of HS. Nevertheless, the second part of the questionnaire has highlighted the considerable confusion of GPs about who the reference figure is. CONCLUSION: The data registered regarding therapy and follow up too, only show a mild preponderance of dermatologist compared to other professional figures, such as a surgeon, GPs and plastic surgeon.