Hidradenitis Suppurativa Australia at a Glance
Hidradenitis suppurativa (HS), is a chronic condition that affects anywhere on the body that has hair follicles but is most commonly seen in the armpits, buttock, groin, and under the breasts. It is characterised by persistent or recurrent boil-like nodules and abscesses that culminate in a purulent discharge, sinuses, and scarring.
Many complications can occur with HS and delay of diagnosis leads to greater issues for patients. Treatments include antibiotics and immunotherapy and surgery. The average delay from onset of symptoms to diagnosis can be as long as 15 years.
Hidradenitis Suppurativa Australia was established in 2022 by a HS warrior who waited 25 years for her diagnosis, with the aim of increasing awareness and education of HS. Hidradenitis Suppurativa Australia works hard to to break barriers and stigma so that diagnosis and treatment can begin earlier. The support group is a monthly online meeting with others living with HS so register online for them
Hidradenitis Suppurativa Australia is working together with medical professionals, patients, researchers and the general public to improve the lives of those living with HS.
HS Australia is a registered charity with the Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission.
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Supporters
Thank you to Fresh Promotions for their support of Hidradenitis Suppurativa Australia.
https://www.freshpromotions.com.au/
With over 10,000 custom branded promotional items available Fresh Promotions has Australia's largest online promotional products range. They have supplied us with amazing promotional material
Ways We Help
Hidradenitis Suppurativa Australia is the first and only not for profit organisation focused on HS. We will work to raise awareness, improve diagnosis rates and support those living with HS through various initiatives.
Awareness
The exact cause is not yet known or understood which contributes to the low rates of diagnosis and delays in diagnosis and misdiagnosis. HS impacts 1-4% of men and women around the globe but due to misdiagnosis and delays in this process, that number is believed to be much higher. Because not much is known about what causes it, HS is often misdiagnosed as other skin complaints.
There are lots of myths out there that we will help bust and increase correct information so that people can understand the condition. Hidradenitis Suppurativa is considered a progressive disease meaning it can worsen over time so getting in contact with a dermatologist is important. Hidradenitis Suppurativa Australia aims to simplify that process and help more people get their diagnosis sooner.
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Support HS Australia
Hidradenitis Suppurativa Australia depends on your support in order to promote real change on the ground and in local communities.
If you require a receipt please make sure you use the contact tab below to send an email.
Thank you for your support
Events
HS Awareness Week
June 2-8 2025
HS awareness week runs from the first Monday in June each year. This year we are hosting walks in WA, QLD and VIC!
Locations across the country will also light up purple for HS Awareness week. Keep an eye on socials for those details.
The celebration might be small but the message is a big one. Illuminate for HS and bring it out of the darkness.
Illuminate for HS 2025
To celebrate HS Awareness Week 2025 the following landmarks across the country will light up purple.
Stay tuned to our social media for updated locations!
Story Bridge, Queensland
Matagarup Bridge, Western Australia
Bolte Bridge Victoria
Queensland Parliament, Brisbane
Sir Leo Hielscher Bridges, Queensland
Sky Ribbon, Western Australia
Suncorp Stadium, Queensland
Logan Water Towers, Queensland
Mount Street Bridge, Western Australia
and MORE!!
If you would like to head over and take some pictures we would love to see them. Post to your social media and tag @hidradenitissuppurativaaus
Don’t forget the hashtags! #Illuminate4HS
#HSA
#HSAustralia
HS Support Meeting
Our monthly support meeting is during HS Awareness week 2025. Friday June 6, 5pm QLD time join us on zoom!
Hidradenitis Suppurativa Support Network is a FREE support group for people with HS.
If you are waiting for a diagnosis, starting treatment or a long time HS warrior, you are welcome to join
Check out social media for our special in-person meeting on Saturday June 7 in Redlands. Numbers are limited so RSVP!
HS Awareness Week
6-12 June 2022
HS awareness week runs from the first Monday in June each year. This is the first year of celebration in Australia from the 6th-12th June!
Suncorp Stadium will be illuminated purple on June 9!
Queensland Parliament House will be illuminated purple on June 12 to mark the end of HS Awareness week 2022.
Whangarei Victoria Canopy Bridge New Zealand will glow purple on June 12.
The celebration might be small but the message is a big one. Illuminate for HS and bring it out of the darkness.
If you have ideas for our bigger celebration planned for 2023 please get in touch.
Illuminate for HS 2022
HS awareness week is the chance to increase awareness on a larger scale, correct myths and promote education and support. It is a time to reflect on the impact this condition has on the everyday lives of people living with and help them go from surviving to thriving.
To celebrate HS Awareness Week 2022 the Cleveland Lighthouse will be illuminated purple from June 6th- 12th.
If you would like to head over and take some pictures we would love to see them. Post to your social media and tag @hidradenitissuppurativaaus
Don’t forget the hashtags! #Illuminate4HS
#HSA
#HSAustralia
Hidradenitis Suppurativa Support Network
HSSN is the name of the support group established by Hidradenitis Suppurativa Australia that meets virtually to allow those living with HS a place to safely connect with other warriors
Hidradenitis Suppurativa Support Network is a FREE support group for people with HS.
If you are waiting for a diagnosis, starting treatment or a long time HS warrior, please join us on the first Friday of every month at 5pm AEST.
Contact the Instagram page or website for link to join and connect with other warriors
HS Week 2023
The Focus of Our Efforts
Illuminate4HS
Bringing HS out of the dark and into the purple light around the country
Australian Landmarks lighting up purple for people to notice them and help start the conversation of what HS is, how it impacts people and how they can help spread the word to get change happening.
From WA to QLD, Illuminate4HS!
Advocacy
Making Change Possible
Meeting with policy makers and politicians to advocate for change and make them aware of the impact HS has on people who live with it is at the heart of our advocacy work.
Education
Starting From the Bottom
Hidradenitis Suppurativa Australia is dedicated to putting our community first. We are doing that by working with educational facilities to really help upcoming students and medical professionals to understand the challenges of living with HS. This approach is aimed at stopping the medical barriers from the start.
HS Awareness Week 2024
Pretty in Purple
Landmarks across Australia once again lighting up purple for HS Awareness Week 2024.
We are connecting with more people than ever before and the goal for 2024 is to go remote!
See a landmark that is purple? Snap a pic and share it with our social media sites to win! See Instagram and Facebook for more details.
Going Global!
We are going global with some amazing organisations that are dedicated to promoting patient-centric care. We are now a member of GlobalSkin and this is just another
The International Alliance of Dermatology Patient Organizations (also known as GlobalSkin) is a unique global alliance, committed to improving the lives of patients worldwide. We nurture relationships with members, partners and all involved in healthcare - building dialogue with decision-makers around the globe to promote patient-centric healthcare. GlobalSkin's work is founded on three pillars: research, advocacy and support.
Connect with us
HS in the News
https://www.abc.net.au/news/2024-05-02/hidradenitis-suppurativa-skin-condition-diagnosis-awareness/103790620?
ABC news did an interview about some people living with HS. Please click the link to read and share with your community.
Hidradenitis Suppurativa
Who can diagnose HS?
Dermatologists are the doctors who specialize in the diagnosis and treatment of this condition.
A GP can be the first point of contact if you believe you have HS. They will need to write a referral to a dermatologist for definitive diagnosis.
What is HS?
Hidradenitis Suppurativa (HS) is a debilitating, chronic, complex inflammatory illness; the reason HS occurs is still being studied so we do not know for certain what causes it.
HS presents with extremely painful recurring boil-like abscesses that may start out as pustules (small, pus filled bumps/sores) that can develop anywhere hair follicles are found. It is possible to experience abscesses or lesions anywhere on our body. HS has a huge impact on the quality of life physically, mentally, socially, emotionally and financially. HS can impact anyone of any age at any point in their life
HS is not contagious. There is no cure for HS and treatments aim to control disease severity and help reduce symptoms.
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