Hidradenitis suppurativa for the dermatologic hospitalist.

ABSTRACT

Patients with hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) often experience disease flares, which can culminate in a visit to the emergency department (ED) and inpatient admission. Appropriate management of HS patients in the acute setting is integral to controlling disease activity, limiting further sequelae, and preventing readmission. The pathophysiology of HS is poorly understood but likely involves a host of hormonal, microbial, and immunological factors. Laboratory abnormalities, including leukocytosis, thrombophilia, an elevated erythrocyte sedimentation rate, as well as an elevated C-reactive protein level, are common in HS patients and generally represent a chronic inflammatory state rather than overt infection. The Hurley staging system is an appropriate way to triage patient severity and guide treatment, as reviewed in this article. In all cases, expedited outpatient follow-up with dermatology and primary care is imperative to limiting disease morbidity.