Hidradenitis Suppurativa Debilitating and challenging to treat
Hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) is a debilitating chronic skin disease characterised by inflammatory nodules, abscesses, sinus tracts, comedones
and fibrotic scarring. HS lesions are most common in the axillae but can occur in any intertriginous area. The cause of HS is not completely understood and
is likely to be multifactorial; contributing factors may include obesity, smoking, hormonal fluctuation, inflammation and genetics.
The main clinical features supporting an HS diagnosis are a history of recurrent, painful or suppurating lesions (typically deep-seated inflammatory
nodules) in intertriginous areas, with a chronic or relapsing course. There is no single efficacious therapy for HS and a combination of lifestyle modifications,
medical and laser or surgical interventions are often required. Referral to a dermatologist is recommended for patients with moderate to severe HS.
Modern Medicine – August 2017
