OCULAR MANIFESTATIONS IN A PATIENT WITH HIDRADENITIS SUPPURATIVA: A CASE STUDY

Patients with chronic inflammatory skin disease called hidradenitis suppurativa (HS), which can also produce systemic comorbidities, show ocular symptoms. Although HS has dermatological roots, if left untreated it can cause major ocular issues like dry eye syndrome and corneal neovascularization, therefore affecting eyesight.

Our patient, a 19-year-old man with corneal neovascularization, scarring, bilateral dry eye disease, uncontrolled HS, and other medical disorders, after a year of therapy with adalimumab failed to sufficiently control the illness, secukinumab (300 mg monthly) and concomitant oral doxycycline (100 mg twice daily) were prescribed to reduce inflammation and prevent subsequent infections. As shown by ophthalmologic findings, bilateral corneal neovascularization, stromal infiltrates, and chronic inflammation helped to explain ocular discomfort and reduced quality of life. Both eyes maintained visual acuity at 6/6 even though corneal scarring could cause future damage. Management and treatment: A multidisciplinary team under management of the patient comprised ophthalmology and dermatology doctors. Using continuous systemic treatment, management of HS flares and ocular inflammation is the ocular treatment included Tobradex, Lumify, artificial tears; more modern treatments like anti-VEGF therapy were under consideration for cases of progressive neovascularization.

As this case shows, a multidisciplinary approach is absolutely essential when tackling HS including the eyes. Early diagnosis and tailored treatment plans allow one to improve patient outcomes, maintain visual function, and minimize repercussions. More study is needed to better grasp the pathophysiology of HS-related ocular problems and create more sensible treatment plans.