Every June, organizations worldwide work to spread awareness of hidradenitis suppurativa.

A purple ribbon, worn in support of hidradenitis suppurativa awareness.Share on Pinterest
Illustration by Wenzdai Figueroa

Hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) is a condition that affects your skin. It causes lumps that can be painful in areas where your body creases or folds, such as your upper thighs, groin, breasts, or armpits.

HS is a long-term condition. There is currently no cure, but treatment can manage symptoms.

Multiple advocacy groups work to raise awareness for this condition. HS Awareness Week is a great time to join that effort and support people with HS and HS research.

HS Awareness Week is the first week in June each year. In 2023, it runs from June 5–June 11.

During HS Awareness Week, support groups, charities, foundations, and other organizations provide resources, such as educational materials, seminars, meetups, and more. They aim to connect people around the country who live with HS, share information about HS, advocate for HS research, and increase public awareness of HS.

What color ribbon is worn for hidradenitis suppurativa awareness?

HS awareness ribbons are purple.

You can make your own HS ribbons at home or find awareness ribbons for sale online. Some online makers donate some of their sales to HS research or support.

You can support HS awareness during the first week of June and throughout the year in multiple ways. For some ideas, check out the tips below.

  • Start conversations about HS: It’s not uncommon for people to be unfamiliar with HS. Often, one of the biggest ways to raise awareness is by simply talking about the condition, and HS Awareness Week is a perfect time to do just that. The week gives you a great opportunity to bring up HS in conversations and spread awareness.
  • Increase your own HS education: The more you know about HS, the more you can support awareness. You can learn more from an HS organization, such as the HS Foundation. They often offer educational webinars during HS Awareness Week.
  • Wear an HS ribbon: Wearing a purple HS support ribbon during HS Awareness Week can start conversations and spread awareness.
  • Display flyers or other materials if you can: It’s not an option at all offices and workplaces, but if you’re able, putting up a flyer for HS Awareness Week can generate conversation.
  • Pick HS as a cause during a community event: Events such as marathons often allow teams or participants to choose a cause or charity to support. You can select HS to get the word out.

You can get involved in HS research as well as raising awareness. Keeping an eye on ClincalTrials.gov and asking a doctor can help keep you informed of trials happening in your area.

You can also participate in this online research study from the International Alliance of Dermatology Patient Organizations. The study’s aim is to help better understand the full impact of skin conditions.

For more research opportunities, you can frequently check major HS organization websites. These include:

  • International Association of Hidradenitis Suppurativa Network (IAHSN): IASHN can also help you find online support groups, patient resources, educational information, and more.
  • Hope for HS: Hope for HS offers resources in English and Spanish as well as local support chapters in South Carolina and Georgia.
  • HS Foundation: The HS Foundation can connect you with resources such as specialists, support groups, and tips for living well with HS.
  • HS Connect: HS Connect aims to be a place for the HS community to connect and share stories, tips, support, and more.

HS is a skin condition that causes deep and painful bumps on the skin, often in areas where the skin creases, such as the armpits or upper thighs.

It’s common for people to be unfamiliar with HS. That’s why events such as HS Awareness Week, held the first week of June each year, are so important.

During HS Awareness week, HS organizations increase their outreach to the HS community and the wider public. They work to spread information, connect people with HS, advocate for research, and increase awareness of HS.

You can help by starting your own conversations about HS. Actions like wearing an HS ribbon or displaying an HS information flyer can be a great place to start. You can also take steps to get involved in research, such as signing up for clinical trials in your area.

During HS Awareness Week and all year long, checking out HS organizations is a great week to spread awareness and support people with HS.