Hidradenitis suppurativa/acne inversa: An update

Abstract

Hidradenitis suppurativa/acne inversa (HS/AI) is a chronic inflammatory disease characterized by painful nodules, abscesses, fistulas, sinus tracts and scarring, which may lead to severe functional and psychological impairment. Patients often suffer for many years before the right diagnosis is finally made. HS/AI is still a therapeutic challenge. Conservative therapies play a role in mild stages of the disease; however they do not result in healing. Therapy of choice associated with the lowest recurrence rate is a radical wide excision of involved skin.