"Is That Skin Trouble Okay to Just Wait and See?" Pekopa and a Dermatologist Promote Understanding of Hidradenitis Suppurativa (HS) and the "Importance of Early Consultation"

UCB Pharma, Ltd. (Headquarters: Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo; President: Kanako Kikuchi) held a live streaming talk session on June 6 (Sat) via the official UCB Pharma YouTube channel, titled "Is That Skin Trouble Okay to Just Wait and See? Could it Actually Be Hidradenitis Suppurativa? If in Doubt, See a Dermatologist!" to promote understanding of Hidradenitis Suppurativa (HS: Hidradenitis suppurativa), coinciding with "HS Disease Awareness Week" in the first week of June.

▶Archive Video URL: https://youtu.be/7TYxhmu5ePg

The event featured Dr. Toshifumi Nomura, Professor of Dermatology at the University of Tsukuba, Dr. Sayaka Yamaguchi, Lecturer of Dermatology at the Graduate School of Medicine, University of the Ryukyus, and comedy duo Pekopa's Shupei and Taiyu Matsuinji, who shared information on HS symptoms, treatment methods, and the importance of consulting a dermatologist.

(From left) Momoko Michioka (Event MC), Dr. Sayaka Yamaguchi, Dr. Toshifumi Nomura, Shupei, Taiyu Matsuinji

HS is a chronic skin disease that occurs in areas such as the armpits, buttocks, groin, and intertriginous areas, accompanied by skin pain, swelling, and inflammation. In advanced stages, it can cause severe pain and interfere with daily life. While early consultation and appropriate treatment are considered important for this disease, it has low public awareness, with reports indicating that it takes an average of 7 years to reach a definitive diagnosis.

During the event, HS symptoms, treatment methods, and the importance of consulting a dermatologist were explained in an easy-to-understand manner, incorporating quizzes on dermatologist visits and an HS self-check sheet.

The message that "if you have concerning symptoms, it is important not to wait and see but to consult a dermatologist early" was conveyed through explanations by doctors and discussions with Pekopa.

The event is archived and available for viewing on the official UCB Pharma YouTube channel.

[Event Report]

Dr. Toshifumi Nomura: "Early treatment is important"

Dr. Toshifumi Nomura explained that HS is a chronic skin disease characterized by recurrent symptoms of pain and pus in areas such as the armpits, groin, and buttocks. He also discussed factors that worsen symptoms and the impact of severe cases on daily life.

He further explained that HS is known to progress gradually rather than suddenly becoming severe. Using actual case photos, he emphasized the importance of starting treatment early before the condition becomes severe. He concluded by urging, "If you have symptoms that you suspect might be HS, please consult a dermatologist near you."

Dr. Sayaka Yamaguchi: "I want you to come to the dermatologist before it worsens"

Dr. Sayaka Yamaguchi introduced the treatment methods for HS. She explained that treatment is tailored to the patient's symptoms and severity, combining drug therapy to reduce inflammation, surgical treatments such as drainage and excision, supportive treatments including pain relief and psychological care, lifestyle guidance such as diet and exercise recommendations, and smoking cessation.

She urged, "I want you to consult a dermatologist before it worsens," noting that starting treatment in the early stages can help suppress the progression of symptoms. She also mentioned that HS is an area of active global research and development of new treatments, sending a message of encouragement: "Don't give up, please consult us."

Pekopa: "Don't suffer alone, consult a dermatologist"

At the beginning of the event, Pekopa commented that they were "unaware" of HS. They admitted that in the past, when experiencing skin symptoms, they would often wait and see, thinking "it will probably get better on its own," or try over-the-counter medications, and hesitated to consult a dermatologist.

Through discussions with Dr. Nomura and Dr. Yamaguchi, they deepened their understanding of HS. Learning about symptom search and hospital search services, they commented, "I thought it would lead to earlier detection" and "I thought it would lower the hurdle to going to the hospital."

Shupei added, "As more people become aware of the disease, it will be easier for patients to consult," while Matsuinji stated, "If you have concerning symptoms, don't hesitate to go to the hospital," conveying the importance of understanding from those around them and early consultation.

[Comment from Patient Group HS Voices Connect Japan]

Takeshi Kawakami, representative of HS Voices Connect Japan, a patient group working to form a community and disseminate information for HS patients, provided a comment following the event.

HS is a disease that not only causes pain but also leads to anxiety and loneliness that are difficult to discuss with others. Through this event, we hope that more people will learn about HS and that even one person will feel "I am not alone."

Our patient group will continue to connect individual voices, gather necessary information, and work to create an environment where people can feel at ease. We will also strive to realize a society where anyone can easily consult about HS, with the spread of early consultation and understanding.

▲Image character for the patient website (created by Takeshi Kawakami, representative of the patient group and freelance designer)

[About Hidradenitis Suppurativa (HS)]

Hidradenitis Suppurativa (HS) is a chronic skin disease characterized by recurrent painful lumps and pus2. Primarily, it occurs in areas where skin rubs together, such as the armpits, groin, buttocks, around the anus, and under the breasts2,3. Initially, it appears as lumps or pus pockets, but as symptoms recur, tunnel-like passages (fistulas) may form under the skin, leaving scars and keloids2,3. Severe pain and discomfort from pus can significantly impact daily life, work, and studies2,3.

HS mainly develops after puberty. While it is reported to affect about 1% of the population in Europe, the exact number of patients in Japan is unknown2,3. In Western countries, about one in three patients have a family history, but in Japan, it is reported to be around 2-3%4. Furthermore, symptoms such as pain, pus discharge, and scarring from HS can cause not only physical burden but also psychological distress due to concerns about appearance. As a result, it can affect various aspects of life, including interpersonal relationships, studies, and work, leading to avoidance of social interaction or loss of self-confidence2,4,5.

As it is a chronic and potentially progressive disease, it is important to consult a dermatologist early to discuss treatment options.

For more details on HS, please visit "Let's Talk HS (Hidradenitis Suppurativa) at the Dermatologist": https://ucbcares.jp/patients/hs/ja

[About UCB]

UCB (www.ucb.com) is a global biopharmaceutical company headquartered in Brussels, Belgium, dedicated to improving the lives of people living with severe diseases in neurology and immunology/inflammation through the research and development of innovative medicines and solutions. With operations in approximately 40 countries and over 10,000 employees, its revenue in 2025 was 7.7 billion euros. UCB is listed on the Euronext Brussels stock exchange.

UCB Pharma, Ltd. is the Japanese subsidiary of UCB, established in 1988, and has been engaged in the pharmaceutical business, focusing on anti-epileptic drugs, treatments for rheumatoid arthritis, and treatments for psoriasis. In 2023, it began selling treatments in the rare disease area. As a biopharmaceutical company creating value for patients, it aims to provide new treatment options for patients who have not achieved sufficient improvement with conventional therapies.

For more information about UCB Pharma, Ltd., please visit https://www.ucbjapan.com or follow us on LinkedIn and YouTube.

1. Saunte DM, et al.: Br J Dermatol. 173(6):1546-1549, 2015

2. Jemec GBE. Clinical practice. Hidradenitis suppurativa. N Engl J Med. 2012;366(2):158-164.

3. Sabat R, Jemec GBE, Matusiak L. et al. Hidradenitis suppurativa. Nat Rev Dis Primers. 2020;6:18.

4. Hidradenitis Suppurativa Clinical Practice Guidelines Development Committee, Hayama Korehiro, Inoue Rica, Otsuki Mamitaro et al., "Hidradenitis Suppurativa Clinical Practice Guidelines 2020" "Journal of the Japanese Dermatological Association" 2021 Vol. 131, No. 1, pp. 1-28

5. Koumaki D, Ourania E, Bozi E, et al. Perspectives On Perceived Stigma And Self-Stigma In Patients With Hidradenitis Suppurativa. Clin Cosmet Investig Dermatol. 2019;12:785–790.