Introduction
Hidradenitis suppurativa is a chronic inflammatory skin condition of the hair follicle, associated with follicular blockage, deep inflammation and progressive scarring.
Symptoms
- Deep, painful nodules
- Recurrent abscesses
- Discharge of pus
- Tunnels under the skin (sinus tracts)
- Fibrous scars
- Major impact on quality of life
Causes
- Genetic predisposition
- Follicular blockage
- Excessive inflammatory reaction
- Smoking
- Excess weight
- Hormonal factors
Diagnosis
- Specialist clinical examination
- Assessment of the typical distribution
- Assessment of the stage of severity
- Ruling out other skin infections
Treatments
- Prolonged antibiotic treatment
- Anti-inflammatory treatments
- Biologic therapies for severe forms
- Targeted surgical treatments
- Medical laser hair removal (to reduce recurrences)
- CO2 laser for chronic lesions
- Anti-inflammatory medical LED therapy
- Combined medical and surgical protocols
Management
Early diagnosis
Personalised treatment according to severity
Multidisciplinary approach
Long-term follow-up