Discrimination, Language Gaps Undermine HS Care for Latine Adults: Analysis

Key Takeaways

• Many Latine adults with hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) manage pain and wound care on their own due to lack of clinical guidance.

• Perceived discrimination during dermatology visits leads some patients to avoid follow-up care.

• Interpreter-mediated care often falls short of delivering truly patient-centered communication.

Latine patients with hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) continue to face barriers to care, according to a qualitative study published in JAMA Dermatology.

Study researchers analyzed transcripts from semistructured interviews with 24 Latine adults diagnosed with HS, nearly half of whom preferred Spanish-language care. Most participants had Hurley stage 2 or 3 disease. Participants most often described management of wound symptoms and wound care on their own due to inadequate provider guidance, leading to emotional and logistical burdens. A key secondary theme was perceived discrimination during dermatology visits, leading some patients to avoid follow-up care altogether. Interpreter-mediated communication was shown to frequently fail in delivering patient-centered interactions.

“Many Latine participants with HS experienced unaddressed wound care and pain management needs, perceived discrimination, and challenges with interpreter-mediated communication during care with a dermatologist,” the authors wrote. “Interventions are needed to prioritize wound care and pain management in multidisciplinary care plans and optimize patient-centered HS care.”

Source: Hernandez Y, et al. JAMA Dermatology. 2025. Doi:10.1001/jamadermatol.2025.5112