Hidradenitis suppurativa

Abstract

Hidradenitis suppurativa is a disorder involving apocrine gland bearing skin. It commonly affects the perianal and perineal areas. Medical therapy, including prolonged courses of systemic and/or topical antibiotics, may be adequate for the management of limited disease, but the treatment of chronic, severe hidradenitis suppurativa is primarily surgical. There is extensive debate in the literature regarding the extent of excision of perianal hidradenitis suppurativa and options for closure of these often massive wounds. Frequent coexistence of inflammatory bowel disease and hidradenitis suppurativa can make diagnosis and treatment challenging. Physicians need to be aware of the risk of malignancy associated with long-standing hidradenitis suppurativa.