Pediatric Hidradenitis Suppurativa: An Overview

Abstract

Hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) is a chronic, recurring inflammatory skin disease that significantly impacts the quality of life of patients.[1] HS is more common in adults and adolescents, although true incidence rates may be underestimated due to a lack of earlier recognition of HS in children.[2] Pediatric HS is a challenging clinical entity to diagnose and manage. Although considered uncommon, treatment of pediatric HS can drastically improve psychosocial well-being and should be considered in children presenting with recurring painful skin nodules, abscesses, scarring and sinus tracts. Multiple comorbidities are associated with pediatric HS, including depression, anxiety, inflammatory bowel disease, metabolic syndrome, and obesity.[3] Medical management of pediatric HS poses a unique challenge given the paucity of literature surrounding efficacy and long-term treatment outcomes in pediatric patients. The purpose of this article is to discuss the epidemiology, pathogenesis, comorbidities, and management of pediatric HS.

Keywords: childhood hidradenitis; early onset hidradenitis suppurativa; hidradenitis suppurativa in children; inflammatory disorders; pediatric dermatology.