Hidradenitis suppurativa - characteristics and consequences

Abstract

The general characteristics of patients with hidradenitis suppurativa have not been previously described in detail. Although rare complications of the disease have been described, little is known of the average impact of hidradenitis suppurativa. We have now aimed to describe the general characteristics of the disease and its impact on patients with an established diagnosis of hidradenitis (n = 68) and compare these with those of an unselected general population sample (n = 523). Pierced earlobes were more common in patients than in the controls (P < 0.02). Female patients were younger (P = 0.0002) and better educated (P < 0.0001), and fewer had been pregnant (P = 0.0006). The median number of treatments prior to referral was two, and an average of 2.7 work days/patient per year were lost due to hidradenitis. The self-reported health of patients was significantly inferior to that of the general population (P < 0.001), mainly because of soreness and restriction of movement. Low-grade hidradenitis suppurativa therefore has a considerable impact on the health of patients. Previously implied associations with the disease such as the use of cosmetics or oral contraceptives, menstrual cycle and body mass index (BMI) were not confirmed in our study, although they may influence the course pre-existing disease.

Bacteraemia in Patients with Hidradenitis Suppurativa Undergoing Carbon Dioxide Laser Surgery: Detection and Quantification of Bacteria by Lysis-Filtration

“…In our Department, patients classified as Hurley III are referred to plastic surgeons for wide excision and reconstructive surgery. However, Hurley stage II is the commonest type of HS [5]. We have no data on bacteraemia in milder (Hurely stage I) or more severe cases (Hurley stage III).…”

“…This condition may remain relatively mild, but distressing [3], ranging from a few but recalcitrant suppurating lesions to an advanced, widespread and disabling disease lasting for years or decades. The aetiology of HS is not clear, but genetic predisposition, bacterial infections and hormonal factors have been discussed [4, 5]. The earliest inflammatory event in HS is rupture of the follicular epithelium, followed by spilling of foreign body-like material, such as keratin, bacteria, sebum products and hair into the dermis.…”

Combination Therapy with Clindamycin and Rifampicin for Hidradenitis Suppurativa: A Series of 116 Consecutive Patients

“…The disease has a psychological impact, especially upon quality of life and mental health [3, 17, 18]. The skin-disease-specific quality of life questionnaire was significantly improved after the treatment.…”

Nucleic acid‐based non‐invasive prenatal diagnosis of genetic skin diseases: are we ready?

“…The complications may include squamous cell carcinoma, lymphatic obstruction and lymphoedema, fistulae formation and chronic malaise/depression (51). Several studies showed that HS has dramatic impairment of quality of life in the ways of self-perception, mobility, physical discomfort and social activity (54)(55)(56). Familial HS (OMIM 142690) is usually inherited in an autosomal dominant pattern, and various mutations have been identified in 3 c-secretase genes (NCSTN, PSENEN and PSEN1) in different families with HS (57).…”