Hidradenitis Suppurativa (HS):

A progressive and debilitating skin disease largely driven by chronic inflammation

Causes of HS

What is HS?

HS is a chronic, progressive, inflammatory skin disease characterized by painful recurrent lesions, often with malodorous purulent discharge. This immune-mediated disease is believed to be caused by systemic inflammation, not an infection—although secondary infection can often occur.1-5

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Procedural treatments Content

Hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) lesions underarm

Photo courtesy of Dr. Marc Bourcier.

Hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) lesion
Hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) lesions on a patient's leg

Photo courtesy of Dr. Marc Bourcier.

Where HS typically occurs

HS lesions typically occur in areas of the body where skin rubs together—most commonly the axillary, groin, perianal, perineal, and inframammary areas. As the disease progresses, symptoms can become debilitating, as extensive sinus tract formation and scarring occur.3-5

Early diagnosis and appropriate treatment are believed to improve prognosis and limit lasting and disabling damage.3

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HS Treatment Options

There are important considerations when developing a multi-modal management plan.6

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Co-managing HS With a Specialist

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REFERENCES

1. Jemec GBE. Hidradenitis suppurativa. N Engl J Med. 2012;366(2):158-164. 2. Kurzen H, Kurokawa I, Jemec GBE, et al. What causes hidradenitis suppurativa? Exp Dermatol. 2008;17(5):455-472. 3. Micheletti RG. Natural history, presentation, and diagnosis of hidradenitis suppurativa. Semin Cutan Med Surg. 2014;33(suppl 3):S51-S53. 4. Kerdel FA, Menter A, Micheletti RG. Introduction. Semin Cutan Med Surg. 2014;33(suppl 3):S47. 5. Alikhan A, Lynch PJ, Eisen DB. Hidradenitis suppurativa: a comprehensive review. J Am Acad Dermatol. 2009;60(4):539-561. 6. Lockwood SJ, Prens LM, Porter ML, Kimball AB. Treatment of hidradenitis suppurativa. In: Kimball AB, Jemec GBE, eds. Hidradenitis Suppurativa: A Disease Primer. Switzerland: Springer International Publishing AG; 2017:39-51.