Epidemiology and clinical presentation of patients with suppurative hidradenitis

Abstract:

 Hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) is often an unrecognized disease, making it difficult to determine its true prevalence. Various studies report incidences ranging from 0.00033% to 4.1%. It is a clinical disease, and its diagnosis is confirmed by the presence of typical lesions, typical topography and anamnesis of the disease. Typical lesions are deeply located painful nodules, abscesses, draining sinuses, scars, and open comedones with double openings located in the armpits, groin, perineum, perianal area, thighs, and the space between and below the breasts. In ectopic HS the lesions may be found in elsewhere, but the presence of lesions at a typical site is necessary to confirm the diagnosis. Beginning in adolescence or younger age, a history of recurrence, the chronic course of the disease and positive family history all support the diagnosis of suppurative hidradenitis. 

Key words:
clinical presentation; epidemiology; hidradenitis suppurativa