How many stages are there?

There are three stages (III) using the Hurley Staging System.

The Hurley staging system is the first staging tool developed for hidradenitis suppurativa by Dr. Harry James Hurley Jr., an American dermatologist, in 1989. And it continues to be a highly utilized tool for assessing HS severity. Across the world.
This tool is used to classify patients with HS into three disease severity groups.

*You can have different stages in different areas of your body and you can also be between stages.

^{The images used as references are real patient images, and some may find them graphic.}

You can see various stage examples in the reference photos below:

Reference photo 1 - HERE

Reference photo 2 - HERE

Reference photo 1 - HERE

It’s important to note that hidradenitis may appear differently on skin of color. Depending on the person’s skin tone, it can be flesh-colored, pink, purple, brown, gray, or blackish.

See reference photos below:

Reference photo 1 - HERE

Reference Photo 2 - HERE

Reference Photo 3 - HERE

Reference Photo 4 - HERE

_{Special Note: Researched, compiled, and written by Denise Fixsen. This information is backed by my 46 years of living with Hidradenitis Suppurativa, 10 years of dealing with multiple chronic illnesses, 36 years of advocacy, and continuous education. And to ensure accuracy, reliability, and trustworthiness, I incorporate peer-reviewed studies and other high-quality sources into my articles and material. I also wanted to inform you that I’ve chosen to end my collaboration with editors on my articles. Although there may be grammar errors due to brain illnesses (mostly), with this said, my content remains reliable, factual, and solid.}

_{Medical Disclaimer: This content is solely for information, education, and support. The purpose is not to serve as a replacement for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatments.}

_{Sources: doi:10.5114/reum.2018.80709, DOI: 10.2340/00015555-2513, doi.org/10.33235/wpr.30.1.40-49, PMCID: PMC10149852, PMC10861310}

_{Imagine Credits: Research Gate, Journal of Cutaneous Medicine and Surgery Publication, American Journal of Clinical DermatologyVolume 41, Issue 5, The Authors (of doi:10.1111/bjd.17588). British Journal of Dermatology published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of British Association of Dermatologists.}

_{FAQ posted on 08-27-2024}