Acne inversa (Hidradenitis suppurativa): A review with a focus on pathogenesis and treatment

Abstract

Acne inversa (AI) is a disabilitating chronic inflammatory disease with major negative impact on quality of life and significant co-morbidities. This is an important link to insights into immune dysfunction, which stimulated therapeutic approaches like tumor necrosis-α inhibitor therapy. This new off-label drug treatment is particularly beneficial when used in combination with wide excision of inflamed skin and subcutaneous tissue. Retinoids have been reported to be helpful in secondary prevention. The standard of therapy in advanced cases is surgery with wide excisions and healing by secondary intention. This treatment results in significant reduction of complaints and achieves satisfactory body contouring.

Keywords

• Acne inversa
• co-morbidities
• drug therapy
• hidradenitis suppurativa
• immune dysfunctions
• radical surgery
• retinoids
• tumor necrosis factor-α