Hidradenitis Suppurativa: “A surgical Update with Review of Literature”

Abstract

Hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) is a chronic skin disease primarily affecting the sweat glands apocrine zone of the body and what starts initially as an abscess progresses to nodules, sinus tracts, with cicatrisation fistula formation and ulcers. It is common to see all the stages of clinical spectrum viz multiple solitary abscess to nodules with sinus, fistulas with ulceration and cicatrisation in chronic patients. This chronic illness takes a toll on the psyche of these individuals as the need to avoid foul smell and the constant need for dressing dictate their social life. The patients are notoriously know for follow up for years. A low self-esteem and depression are companions of hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) individuals. Early involvement of the surgeon can substantially improve the progress and evolution of this chronic skin condition and could obviate the development of SCC the end stage of all Chronic neglected Hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) cases especially in the hi risk older age group of individuals.