Dermatology Association launches nationwide awareness campaign on Hidradenitis Suppurativa
The Kuwait Dermatology Association has launched a month-long national awareness campaign under the slogan “Wasal” to shed light on hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) — a chronic and painful skin condition that profoundly affects patients’ physical and emotional well-being.
Speaking at the campaign’s launch, Dr. Abeer Al-Badhali, Secretary of the Association and Head of the Dermatology Department at Farwaniya Hospital, explained that the campaign is being rolled out in cooperation with hospitals, health centers, and several government entities to engage the public and provide vital education and support for patients, reports Al-Jarida daily.
Dr. Al-Badhali described hidradenitis suppurativa as a chronic inflammatory disease affecting hair follicles, leading to the formation of painful lumps, recurrent abscesses, oozing wounds, and long-lasting skin sores. These symptoms often result in severe discomfort, scarring, and psychological distress, significantly diminishing patients’ quality of life.
The campaign’s main goals include raising community awareness about the symptoms and risk factors of HS; encouraging early diagnosis to prevent complications and highlighting the availability of modern treatment options, including biologic therapies.
The awareness initiative will feature a variety of outreach efforts, such as educational booths inside Ministry of Health hospitals and clinics, informational lectures targeting both patients and healthcare professionals and field visits to government institutions, in collaboration with public agencies.
Dr. Al-Badhali emphasized that “Wasal” reflects the campaign’s message of connecting patients with support, resources, and timely medical intervention, and aims to build a more informed and compassionate society when it comes to chronic dermatological diseases.
The campaign underscores Kuwait’s broader health efforts to improve public health literacy, promote early medical intervention, and enhance the quality of care for individuals living with chronic conditions.
