Gresham woman helping to raise awareness of skin disease

When a Gresham woman was about 8 years old, she began having symptoms of a skin disease, but it would be almost 30 years later when she would finally have a definitive diagnosis.

In 2002 Ruth Breitrick, 41, found out the name of what was causing the painful and inflammatory condition: Hidradenitis Suppurativa.

Many people have never heard the term before, and have no idea what it means. Called, “HS” for short, it is a skin condition that effects an estimated 1 percent of the population. The prevalence of the disease may be under-reported because it is difficult to diagnose and because it occurs in areas like the underarms, groin, buttocks and breasts.

“Although it doesn't usually develop until after puberty, I started showing signs of HS at around 8,” Gresham resident Ruth Breitrick, 41, explained.

She had seen her doctor at the ThedaCare clinic who referred her to a dermatologist who made the diagnosis.

“Dermatologists are best at diagnosing HS, but there are not too many options for treatment,” Breitrick said.

Living with this debilitating condition for over 30 years, Breitrick is a longtime participant in numerous online HS patient support groups. Members are from around the world, which she said has been very positive. Together they keep each other informed about treatments they have tried and share other information.

Breitrick also has recently joined the of the Hidradenitis Suppurativa Foundation, Inc. Board of Directors. The foundation is a non-profit charity dedicated to improving the quality of life and care for those with HS.

Breitrick has organized two events in the Shawano area to raise awareness about HS and raise money for much needed research to help find both the cause and cure for this condition, which is also called Acne Inversa.

“There is really only a handful of doctors who know about this disease and even they disagree on what causes it,” Breitrick said, adding that the foundation sponsors symposiums for doctors to increase awareness.

The foundation is holding an education day for the public on Friday, June 20, from noon to 4 p.m. at the ThedaCare Clinic in Shawano.

“We'll have information that will be helpful to both health-care professionals and those who suffer with HS. We encourage anyone interested in learning more about the disease to stop by and visit,” Breitrick said.

There will also be information about a resolution in Congress (H Res. 1037), Breitrick said. The resolution notes the need for enhanced public awareness of HS and supports the designation of June as National Hidradenitis Suppurativa Awareness month. Congressman Steve Kagen (D-Wis.) sponsored the resolution, and there are four co-sponsors.

The other event is a benefit concert at Wolf's Roadhouse in Thornton Saturday, June 21. The event will begin with a performance by singer and guitar player Mike Magee at 5 p.m., followed by a live auction around 7:30 conducted by Huntington Sales. Burnt Toast & Jam will perform after the auction. There will be a cover charge and proceeds will benefit HSF.

Breitrick said she knows of at least two other families in the area where members have HS. She encourages anyone who thinks they may have this disease to seek medical help. They can visit hs-foundation.org or e-mail at info@hs-foundation.org for information.

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Gresham woman helping to raise awareness of skin disease

When a Gresham woman was about 8 years old, she began having symptoms of a skin disease, but it would be almost 30 years later when she would finally have a definitive diagnosis.

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