Hidradenitis Suppurativa: An Update on Epidemiology, Diagnosis, Pathogenesis, and Quality of Life

Dear Colleagues,

Hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) is a chronic, relapsing inflammatory skin disease that mainly affects the pilosebaceous unit. It is clinically characterized by deep nodules, abscesses, fistulas, sinus tracts, and scars that mainly affect the intertriginous areas of the body. The prevalence of HS is not yet fully established, but it is estimated that it could range between 5:10,000 and 4:100. In this regard, population-based studies using routinely collected healthcare data in the US estimate a prevalence of 0.1%, suggesting that HS is relatively uncommon. However, European studies include undiagnosed patients and typically estimate a prevalence of 1% or more, suggesting that it is a common condition. These extremely large variations could be explained by a combination of factors, including different screening procedures and different diagnostic criteria.

The etiopathogenesis of HS remains largely unknown, although it is believed to be multifactorial, with a complex interaction between genetic and environmental factors, and a dysregulation of the immune system. In this sense, recent investigations have provided new insights into the role of inflammatory cytokines in the pathogenesis of HS.

Quality of life (QoL) is severely affected by HS. In this regard, the uncomfortable signs and symptoms associated with HS, such as pain, itching, bad odor, and discharge, have physical and psychological impacts, which lead to poor QoL. Thus, HS is considered the dermatological disease with the greatest impact on QoL.

This special issue focused on updated data on the epidemiology, diagnosis, pathogenesis, and QoL in HS.

Prof. Dr. Marcos A. González-López
Guest Editor

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• hidradenitis suppurativa
• diagnostics
• epidemiology
• pathogenesis
• quality of life