Hidradenitis Suppurativa and Associated Factors: Still Unsolved Problems

The document reports on a study involving 54 Polish patients with hidradenitis suppurativa (HS), aged 16 to 65, which aimed to identify factors associated with the disease. The study found that 72.2% of the patients were smokers, a rate three times higher than the general population, but smoking did not significantly affect the clinical severity or onset of HS. A positive family history was linked to an earlier onset of HS, but no significant associations were found between HS and hormonal disturbances, diabetes, or obesity. The study concluded that while smoking and being overweight are common in HS patients, the causal relationship and pathomechanism are unclear, and further research with larger patient groups is necessary to understand these associations. The only confirmed etiological factor for HS in the study was cigarette smoking, and the document emphasizes the need for more research to protect patients and improve knowledge of HS.