Hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) is a chronic inflammatory skin disorder mainly affecting intertriginous sites such as the axillary, inguinal, anogenital and infra-mammary areas. It is characterised by recurrent abscesses and painful nodules that can lead to sinus tract formation and scarring. Previously thought to be a suppurative disorder of the apocrine glands (hence its misnomer), it is now understood to be a chronic follicular occlusive disease involving the follicular portion of the pilosebaceous unit. The management of Hidradenitis Suppurativa is multifactorial, involving both medical and surgical interventions, in addition to pain control, wound care advice, lifestyle modification and psychological support. Hidradenitis Suppurativa can have a significant negative impact on quality of life. 1,2
The estimated prevalence in a recent large European study is 0.7 -1.2 %. Women are more likely to develop HS than men, with a sex ratio of 3.6:1. The average age of affected individuals is 24. The duration of disease is approximately 25 years, with a diagnostic delay of 7 years. 3,4
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