Hidradenitis Suppurativa: A Review of Cause and Treatment
TLDR Hidradenitis suppurativa is a skin condition possibly caused by hair follicle issues, with treatments focusing on infection and inflammation.
The document from April 1, 2011, reviews the causes and treatment of hidradenitis suppurativa (HS), a chronic inflammatory skin condition characterized by recurrent abscesses, sinus tracts, and scarring in areas with apocrine glands. It highlights that the pathogenesis of HS may involve follicular occlusion due to hyperkeratosis, with bacterial infection being a secondary factor. Risk factors such as smoking and obesity are associated with a more severe disease course. Recent studies suggest that HS might be an inflammatory disease caused by a defect in hair follicle immunity. Treatment options vary based on disease severity and range from topical and systemic therapies to surgical and laser methods. These treatments target microorganisms, inflammation, or infundibular hyperkeratosis, and often have immunomodulatory effects. The recent insights into the pathogenesis of HS are expected to lead to improved treatment strategies.
