Clinical and Demographic Characteristics of Hidradenitis Suppurativa Patients Application to the Dermatology Clinic of a University Hospital: A Prospective Study

Abstract

Objective: Hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) or acne inversa is a chronic, inflammatory, recurrent skin disease characterized by painful, deeply located, inflammatory lesions that occur mostly after puberty. It is more common in areas of the body rich in apocrine glands, such as the ax-illa, inguinal and anogenital regions. In our study, we evaluated the clinical and sociodemographic characteristics of patients diagnosed with HS and diagnosed with HS for the first time, who applied to the dermatology policlinic. Material and Methods: Fifty patients diagnosed with HS and diagnosed with HS for the first time, who applied to the dermatology department polyclinic were included in the study. Sociodemographic characteristics and clinical findings of the patients included in the study were recorded. All patients who met the diagnostic criteria for HS were included in the study. Results: The mean age of onset of HS was 22.52 years and it was more advanced in males (p=0.001). The mean delay time in the diagnosis of HS was 73.66 months and it was shorter in men (p=0.003). 68% of the patients were in the overweight, obese and morbidly obese categories. 72% of the patients had a history of smoking. In our study, the patient density was higher in moderate and severe Hurley stages (Hurley stage II 48% and stage III 32%). The axillary region (90%) and inguinal region (70%) and interbreast and submammary region (46%) were most frequently affected. In men, axillary and atypical localization regions were significant, while in women, the location between and below the breasts was significant (p<0.05). The severity of the disease was associated with smoking history, localization in the axilla, inguinal and gulteal region, total number of affected areas, and accompanying follicular occlusion components (p<0.05). Conclusion: Although the number of patients in our study was limited, it will also contribute to the epidemiology of HS in our country. The data we obtained; although it is similar to the data of our country and other countries, it shows some differences. This suggests that genetic and ethnic factors, smoking and dietary habits may play a role in the etiopathogenesis of HS. © 2023 by Türkiye Klinikleri.