PubMed · 9550837
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I C Schretlen. 1997-11-29. [Suppurative hidradenitis].. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/9550837/
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Hidradenitis suppurativa is a chronic, recurrent inflammatory disease affecting the cutaneous apocrine glands and resulting in their obstruction. This enigmatic disease causes recurrent episodes of infection, edema, scarring, and fibrosis of surrounding tissues. We present the case of a 55-year-old man with two decades of inguinal hidradenitis suppurativa that resulted in extensive penile subcutaneous lymphedema and enlargement secondary to scarring and obstructive lymphadenopathy. Reconstructive phalloplasty to restore normal penile function was required. Minimal recurrent induration, normal cutaneous sensation, and normal voiding and erectile function were noted at 3 years of follow-up.
Hidradenitis suppurativa is a recurrent disease involving apocrine-bearing skin with a predilection for intertriginous areas, including genital skin. It has a highly variable clinical course. Mild cases may present as recurrent isolated nodules, while severe instances of the disease with chronic inflammation may lead to scarring, functional impairment, and rarely, squamous cell carcinoma. While genetic factors, patient characteristics, hormones and infection play a role in disease expression, a comprehensive understanding of the pathogenesis remains to be elicited. Additionally, effective treatment is largely unknown. While the mainstay of therapy had been surgery, and topical or systemic antimicrobial agents, other therapeutic modalities such as retinoids, hormonal therapy and immunosuppresive medications may also hold some promise.
BACKGROUND: Hidradenitis suppurativa is a clinically defined disease that causes considerable morbidity for patients. The results of recent studies, which have increased the understanding of this disease, are reviewed. OBJECTIVE: The epidemiology, risk factors, pathogenesis, and treatment of this disease are summarized to help clinicians with practical patient management. CONCLUSION: Hidradenitis suppurativa remains a clinical challenge to patients and physicians alike. Physicians should be familiar with the impact this disease has on the patient and with the range of treatments available. Use of simple incisions as treatment is strongly discouraged. Additional pathogenic as well as therapeutic studies are necessary.