Guidelines for HS Skin Disease Diagnosis Published

The new guidelines provide doctors, nurses and other health practitioners a roadmap for how to identify and treat HS skin disease, which for years has been misdiagnosed or underdiagnosed.

Guidelines for diagnosing and managing hidradenitis suppurativa, a chronic and debilitating skin disease for which there is no cure have been published by an international team of dermatology experts including two from Henry Ford Hospital in Detroit.

While not contagious, HS has a stigmatizing effect on a person’s socioeconomic status, mental health and quality of life. HS affects an estimated 1 percent to 4 percent of the global population.

Hidradenitis Suppurativa
Hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) or Acne Inversa is severe form of chronic acne of the sweat glands which produce a scent or odor and are located in the armpit, groin or ano-genital area. Although till recently there was no cure but some advances is helping science find a cure for it.

TOP INSIGHT

People with hidradenitis suppurativa, or HS, develop blackheads, painful bumps or large abscesses that develop in the armpits, groin and genital areas and under the breasts.

The evidence-based guidelines were recently published in the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology, and provide doctors, nurses and other health practitioners a roadmap for how to identify and treat HS, which for years has been misdiagnosed or underdiagnosed.

But the authors caution that the “guidelines are not meant to set a standard of care. Care of a patient with HS is ultimately guided by the physician and patient, with an emphasis on factors unique to individual patients.”

The guidelines are separated into two parts. Part One covers the epidemiology, diagnosis, surgical treatment and pain management strategies. Part Two covers recommended topical medicines, antibiotics and biologic therapies.

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Researchers at the George Washington University found the protein dermcidin has a significant role in the chronic skin disease hidradenitis suppurativa.

Iltefat Hamzavi, M.D., a Henry Ford dermatologist and an international HS expert, and Angela Miller, clinical research manager in dermatology at Henry Ford, helped write the guidelines. Dr. Hamzavi is the director of Henry Ford’s HS clinic, which sees one of the largest HS patient populations in North America.

“This is a significant achievement for medicine and the HS community,” says Dr. Hamzavi, who also serves as president of the HS Foundation. “We’re hopeful these guidelines will decrease time to diagnosis and improve management for those with HS. These guidelines are intended to educate health care professionals, families living with HS and payor groups and help improve the lives of patients with HS. At the same time, more research is needed to better understand this disease and identify better treatments.”

Quiz on Skin Infections
Skin infections are caused by bacteria, viruses, fungi or parasites. Factors such as injuries, poor hygiene, humidity, and weak immune system increase risk of skin infection.

Miller founded a support group for HS patients called Hope for HS, which meets regularly at Henry Ford. She also serves as national coordinator of advocacy and support for the HS Foundation. Miller has listened to countless stories of misdiagnosis or underdiagnosis from frustrated patients before they found Henry Ford’s HS clinic or the support group.

“The impact of HS on a person’s quality of life are significant, stigmatizing and challenging,” Miller says. “These guidelines are an important milestone for HS and represent a collective effort of many people. While the management of HS continues to evolve, there is hope for the future.”

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Key highlights of the guidelines:

HS severity is classified by a method called Hurley staging. It has three stages, stage III being the most severe.

Numerous comorbidities are associated with HS including metabolic syndrome, a hormonal disorder called polycystic ovary syndrome and inflammatory bowel disease. Mental health treatment is encouraged for patients.

Various surgical options include lasering, excision and deroofing, a tissue-saving technique.

Certain biologic medications and antibiotics are effective treatment options.

A laser hair removal treatment developed at Henry Ford has shown to be effective for treating Hurley stages II and III.

A multidisciplinary team approach is recommended to address all aspects of HS.

Source-Newswise