Hidradenitis Suppurativa: A Review of Cause and Treatment
December 2010
in “
Current opinion in infectious diseases/Current opinion in infectious diseases, with evaluated MEDLINE
”
hidradenitis suppurativa chronic inflammatory skin condition abscesses sinus tracts scarring apocrine glands follicular occlusion hyperkeratosis bacterial infection hair follicle immunity topical therapies systemic therapies surgical methods laser methods microorganisms inflammation infundibular hyperkeratosis immunomodulatory effects HS skin abscesses skin scarring hair follicle blockage skin infection immune system of hair follicles topical treatments systemic treatments surgery laser treatment bacteria immune-modulating effects
TLDR Hidradenitis suppurativa is a skin condition possibly caused by hair follicle issues, with treatments focusing on infection and inflammation.
Hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) was reviewed as a chronic inflammatory skin disorder characterized by recurrent abscesses, fistulating sinuses, and scarring in areas with apocrine glands. The pathogenesis was linked to hyperkeratosis and follicular occlusion, with bacterial infections being secondary. Risk factors included smoking and obesity. Recent findings suggested HS might be an inflammatory disease due to a defect in hair follicle immunity. Treatment strategies were based on disease severity and included topical, systemic, and surgical options, often targeting microorganisms, inflammation, or hyperkeratosis. Improved understanding of HS pathogenesis was expected to enhance therapeutic approaches.