[Gynecological aspects of hidradenitis suppurativa]

Hidradenitis suppurativa is a chronic inflammatory disease of the hair follicles, usually presenting after puberty on the apocrine gland-bearing areas of the body. It usually flares up periodically and can lead to a severe condition affecting the 20-40-year-old childbearing age group. HS occurs more commonly in women. The main clinical features consist of painful, cicatrizing nodules and abscesses which develop mostly in the axillary, inguinal, genital and perianal regions and also on the breasts. HS is often accompanied by severe pain and malodorous discharge, both of which cause significant psychological stress and social stigma. Our main aim with this review paper is to highlight the gynecological aspects of this disease, as many times - due to the typical localization of the disease - patients seek gynecological care first when they experience the first symptoms of this disease. The most important classification of HS is the Hurley scale, which is based on the severity of the clinical symptoms. In recent years, numerous clinical trials have been conducted to seek optimized care of HS patients. Several drugs are used for the treatment of HS, but in most cases, the treatment has to be switched many times. It is of great importance to carefully follow comorbidities and possible pregnancies as in these cases, careful selection of treatment is required. Thus, HS is not only a dermatological, but also a gynecological disease. With an appropriate treatment and follow-up, the disease can be effectively handled. Orv Hetil. 2019; 160(8): 291-299.