Whereas Hidradenitis Suppurativa (in this resolution referred to as HS) is a chronic, inflammatory skin disease that affects approximately 3,300,000 people in the United States;

Whereas HS causes painful, boil-like nodules and abscesses anywhere on the body, and can progress to form tunnels under the skin and cause extensive scarring;

Whereas individuals with HS frequently suffer from 5 primary domains of physical and emotional suffering, pain, drainage, odor, itching, and profound psychological distress;

Whereas HS is associated with one of the highest completed suicide rates among dermatological diseases, second only to melanoma;

Whereas 75 percent of individuals with HS are misdiagnosed or not diagnosed until after age 25, missing critical windows for early intervention and care;

Whereas delayed diagnosis contributes to worsening disease progression, higher healthcare costs, avoidable emergency room visits, and unnecessary procedures;

Whereas individuals are often diagnosed with HS in the prime of their lives, affecting their ability to work, maintain relationships, and participate fully in society;

Whereas there are currently only 3 biologic therapies approved by the Food and Drug Administration for the treatment of HS;

Whereas additional research is urgently needed to develop new treatments, understand the pathogenesis of the disease, identify biomarkers of HS, and improve outcomes for HS patients;

Whereas Federal policy can play a critical role in improving access to biologic therapies, wound care, and comprehensive care for HS patients; and

Whereas designating the first week of June as Hidradenitis Suppurativa Awareness Week would increase public awareness, foster understanding, and catalyze progress in diagnosing, treating, and ultimately curing HS: Now, therefore, be it