Acne and hidradenitis suppurativa

Area of Science:

• Dermatology
• Immunology

Background:

• Acne and hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) are distinct hair follicle-centered diseases.
• While sharing some risk factors, their genetic and etiological underpinnings show limited overlap.
• Both conditions involve inflammatory processes, with HS characterized by intertriginous localization and chronicity.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore the shared and distinct pathological mechanisms of acne and HS.
• To identify potential common therapeutic targets for both acne and HS.

Main Methods:

• Comparative analysis of genetic factors, bacterial involvement, environmental influences, and inflammatory pathways in acne and HS.
• Review of existing literature on risk factors and disease pathogenesis.

Main Results:

• Acne and HS exhibit distinct genetic profiles and bacterial roles.
• Obesity and smoking are significant risk factors for HS but not directly for acne.
• Innate inflammation, particularly involving the interleukin-1 family, is a central common factor in both diseases.

Conclusions:

• Despite differences, innate inflammation, especially interleukin-1 signaling, presents a promising therapeutic target for both acne and HS.
• Targeting the interleukin-1 family could offer novel treatment avenues for these related dermatological conditions.