Hidradenitis Suppurativa: Causes, clinical features, and management

Hidradenitis Suppurativa (HS) is a chronic inflammatory skin disease affecting the apocrine gland causing suppurative lumps in areas of skin folds, such as the axilla and groin. HS tends to appear around puberty and is three times more common in females. The exact cause is unknown; however, some predisposing factors include obesity, smoking, and genetic predisposition to acne.

Severity and progression of HS differs, some patients may only experience mild symptoms and thus do not seek treatment. On the other hand, they may undergo severe progression with chronic pain, draining sinuses, scarring and significant psychological impact. Treatment includes glucocorticoids, antibiotics, and surgery. In addition, isotretinoin could be used in early presentations to prevent follicular plugging.

HS is a chronic skin disease causing recurrent, deep, and painful abscesses. In severe cases it has a substantial psychological effect, thus every effort should be made to improve the patient’s quality of life.

Written by: Khalid Al Dakheel, Medical Student 

Resources:

Fitzpatrick’s Color Atlas and Synopsis of Clinical Dermatology, Seventh Edition

https://www.mayoclinic.org/

www.DermNetNZ.org