Management of hidradenitis suppurativa

Abstract

Hidradenitis suppurativa is a recurring chronic inflammatory debilitating skin disease of the hair follicle that usually presents with painful, deep-seated and inflamed lesions in the apocrine gland-bearing areas of the body. The lesions often progress to become chronic with purulent discharge, sinus formation and scarring. Hidradenitis suppurativa is associated with systemic comorbidities, including metabolic syndrome and inflammatory bowel disease.(1) Long-term treatment is often necessary and requires coordination between primary care, dermatologists and surgeons. However, there is a lack of good quality evidence and a paucity of authoritative guidance on treatment strategies. In this article, we review the diagnosis and management of hidradenitis suppurativa and discuss some new developments, including the use of cytokine modulators.