Comorbidities of hidradenitis suppurativa

Abstract

Hidradenitis suppurativa (HS, acne inversa) is a chronic, inflammatory skin disease characterized by painful, inflamed lesions with a tendency to sinus formation and scarring, most commonly in the axillae, inguinal folds and anogenital area. It usually begins after puberty, more often in women, obese people and smokers. HS leads to a significant deterioration in the quality of life, its treatment is long-lasting and often does not bring the satisfactory results. Numerous studies indicate that HS may be associated with a variety of concomitant diseases. It has been shown that patients with hidradenitis suppurativa have an increased risk of developing obesity, diabetes, metabolic syndrome as well as inflammatory diseases (inflammatory bowel disease, autoinflammatory syndromes). An association of HS with depression, anxiety, spondyloarthropathies, including SAPHO syndrome, have also been observed. There are reports of the coexistance of HS with SCC and some reports have suggested an association between HS and congenital keratinization disorders, Down syndrome and Behcet’s disease. It is important to pay attention to the symptoms of these diseases in patients with HS, to enable their early detection and implementation of appropriate treatment.