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Addictions in Hidradenitis Suppurativa: A Cross-Sectional Pilot Study
Alexander Böhner1, Wanja Steinhauser1, Rosi Wang1
1Department of Dermatology and Allergology, School of Medicine and Health, Technical University of Munich, Biedersteiner Str. 29, 80802, Munich, Germany.
Dermatology and Therapy
|April 9, 2026
Summary
Patients with hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) have high rates of addiction, particularly smoking. Early medical intervention for these addictive disorders is crucial for comprehensive patient care.
Area of Science:
- Dermatology
- Psychiatry
- Addiction Medicine
Background:
- Hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) is a chronic inflammatory skin condition significantly impacting patients' quality of life.
- The physical and psychological burden of HS may increase the risk of developing addictive disorders.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the prevalence of common addictions and psychiatric comorbidities in patients diagnosed with HS.
- To investigate potential correlations between patient characteristics and addictive disorders.
Main Methods:
- A pilot study involving 120 HS patients conducted from January to October 2021.
- Data collected via questionnaires included demographics, disease severity, quality of life, and screening for various addictions (smoking, alcohol, drugs, gambling, internet, food) and mental health conditions (depression, anxiety).
Main Results:
- Over 71% of HS patients screened positive for at least one addiction, with smoking being the most common (60%).
- Other prevalent addictions included pathological alcohol consumption (18.3%), food addiction (18.3%), and cannabis addiction (15%).
- Younger patients showed higher susceptibility to internet, cannabis, and food addiction, while higher BMI correlated with food addiction, and drug/prescription addiction was linked to anxiety.
Conclusions:
- A high prevalence of various addictions was observed in HS patients, irrespective of disease severity.
- Physicians should proactively address and manage addictive disorders in HS patients to ensure timely, patient-centered healthcare.
