Hidradenitis Suppurativa: Disease Burden and Etiology in Skin of Color

Abstract

Hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) is a chronic, debilitating skin disease. Although most studies on HS are conducted in largely Caucasian populations, evidence demonstrates a higher prevalence in patients with skin of color, including African and Hispanic populations. These racial subgroups are likely at risk for greater disease burden due to a higher prevalence of components of the metabolic syndrome, comorbid depression, and low socioeconomic status; however, there is a paucity of research in these populations. Additionally, studies examining the genetic and anatomical basis for HS, as well as the response to HS therapies, are lacking for patients with skin of color. Complicating this issue is the limited access to effective medical care, including dermatologists, for African and Hispanic populations as well as other minority groups. In this review, we identify gaps in the knowledge base, highlight the association between HS and patients with skin of color, and provide direction for much needed research into this condition.

Investigating race and gender in age at onset of hidradenitis suppurativa

“…To the Editor Hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) has been reported to disproportionately affect black patients [1][2][3] and female patients. 2,4 We examined the natural history of HS by race and gender to determine their effect on self-reported age at onset of HS symptoms.…”

“…Lesions typically involve the trunk, but they may spread to the neck, upper extremities and face. 1 The reported dermoscopic features of EDP are highly variable and include small dots of varying colours, including grey, brown, grey-brown and grey-blue. 1-3 However, no specific dermoscopic features of EDP have been reported.…”

Prevalence and cutaneous comorbidities of hidradenitis suppurativa in the German working population

“…The same working group identified in their survey-based study an unemployment rate of 25.1% in the HS population versus 5.9% in the general population [23]. Overall, persons with HS show a lower socioeconomic status [1,5,11]. This means that a healthy worker effect could have occurred and with this an underestimation of prevalence of HS.…”

Blistering eruptions following isotretinoin therapy for hidradenitis suppurativa: a case report

“…3,4 The true prevalence of HS is not known but prevalence is said to be 0.06 and 0.67% in some populations and HS is more common in people of African descent. 4,[7][8][9] Treatment modalities of HS include combinations of antibiotics, Isotretinoin as used in our patient, biologic agents and lasers. 3,4,[10][11][12][13] Isotretinoin is used for various dermatologic conditions; Acne, hidradenitis suppurativa, Gali, Darier's disease, palmo-plantar keratoderma, pityriasis rubra pilaris to name a few.…”