Electronic Nicotine Dispensing Systems Compared to Traditional Cigarettes in Hidradenitis Suppurativa: A Cross-Sectional Survey of Patient and Dermatologist Perceptions

Abstract

<b><i>Background:</i></b> Smoking cigarettes can have deleterious effects on hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) disease severity, but little is known about the relationship between vaping electronic nicotine delivery systems (ENDS) and HS severity. <b><i>Objectives:</i></b> The aim of this study was to determine the rate of ENDS use in those with HS and the perceptions of HS participants and dermatologists on the relationship between vaping and HS. <b><i>Methods:</i></b> Two separate cross-sectional, anonymous, multiple-choice questionnaires were administered. One questionnaire was distributed to those with HS recruited via online HS-related forums. Inclusion criteria were diagnosis of HS, age 18 and over, and residence in USA. The other questionnaire was distributed to currently practicing, board-certified dermatologists recruited via an email listserv. <b><i>Results:</i></b> Overall, 302 participants with HS completed the questionnaire. Fifty-six participants (18.5%) smoke cigarettes and 41 participants (13.6%) vape ENDS. One-third of ENDS users (14/41) switched from cigarettes to ENDS after learning of their HS diagnosis, of which 78.6% (11/14) believed that the switch decreased the severity and/or frequency of their HS flares. Fifty dermatologists completed the questionnaire, of whom over half (54%, 27/50) were unsure about the relationship between vaping and HS severity. <b><i>Conclusions:</i></b> As cigarette smoking and HS are closely linked, the use of ENDS in HS warrants further study.