Hidradenitis Suppurativa

Question 1

What is hidradenitis suppurativa

Answer 1

It is considered to be a disease of follicular occlusion

Abscesses form recurrently and this causes characteristic permanent disfiguring of the skin

Question 2

Who most commonly gets hidradenitis suppurativa

Answer 2

Young women

Question 3

What are the features of hidradenitis suppurativa

Answer 3

Skin is thickened and may be ulcerated

‘Watering can’ sinuses may be seen

May be signs of active infection (tender, hot, red)

Extremely uncomfortable

Question 4

What are some predisposing factors for hidradenitis suppurativa

Answer 4

Diabetes mellitus

Question 5

How would you treat hidradenitis suppurativa

Answer 5

They are problematic to treat satisfactorily

For a well localized abscess:

• Incision and drainage under antibiotic cover

For larger lesions:

• Radical excision
• Full-thickness skin grafting - usually grafted from groins or abdomen