Via practica 2/2023

Hidradenitis suppurativa. Treatment options and our experience

Hidradenitis suppurativa (HS, diagnosis L73.2) is a chronic, relapsing, inflammatory skin condition that typically occurs after puberty. The diagnosis is made clinically based on typical lesions (nodules, abscesses, sinus tracts), locations (skin folds), and nature of elapses and chronicity. The treatment of HS depends on the severity of the disease and on its activity. The development of the disease and the number of affected areas is individual in patients. Occasionally, for many years, only one area has come, and another area will come to a halt after many years, sometimes at all. In some patients, years are formed by “only” ignited nodes, some occurring within a few months with fistulas, and the disease is surprisingly fast advancing. The symptoms themselves, the formation of sore nodes and permanently flowing fistulas, determine what the patient is most concerned about – chronic pain and enormous psychosocial stigma. Patients with moderate to severe HS suffer, as well as those with severe psoriasis, from depression and less valuable.

Keywords: hidradenitis suppurativa, degree of severity, treatment