Is Prenatal Sex Hormone Balance a Risk Factor for the Development of Hidradenitis Suppurativa

This study investigated the relationship between the 2D:4D finger length ratio, a marker of prenatal androgen exposure, and the presence and severity of hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) in 140 HS patients and 140 matched healthy controls. Results showed that HS patients had significantly lower 2D:4D ratios compared to controls, particularly in women, suggesting increased prenatal androgen exposure. In women, the left-hand ratio was significantly associated with disease severity measures. These findings support the role of hormonal influences in HS pathogenesis, but further prospective studies with direct hormonal measurements are needed to confirm this relationship. The study's cross-sectional and single-center design, along with the lack of biochemical hormone level measurements, limit the generalizability and strength of the conclusions.