Current understanding and management of hidradenitis suppurativa

PURPOSE: To review the diagnosis and treatment of hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) in primary care. DATA SOURCES: Review of current literature from journals and textbooks as well as clinical experience. CONCLUSIONS: HS, a chronic disease causing scarring and pus formation to the skin bearing apocrine glands, requires continual management by the primary care manager and often deems referral to a dermatologist or surgeon. IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE: If misdiagnosed or poorly managed, HS has detrimental effects on patients' quality of life and self-esteem.