Beyond the skin: endocrine, psychological and nutritional aspects in women with hidradenitis suppurativa.

Publisher: BioMed Central Country of Publication: England NLM ID: 101190741 Publication Model: Electronic Cited Medium: Internet ISSN: 1479-5876 (Electronic) Linking ISSN: 14795876 NLM ISO Abbreviation: J Transl Med Subsets: MEDLINE

Original Publication: [London] : BioMed Central, 2003-

Hidradenitis Suppurativa*/psychology ; Hidradenitis Suppurativa*/physiopathology ; Hidradenitis Suppurativa*/complications ; Endocrine System*/pathology ; Skin*/pathology ; Nutritional Status*; Humans ; Female ; Quality of Life

Competing Interests: Declarations. Ethics approval and consent to participate: Not applicable. Consent for publication: Not applicable. Competing interests: The authors declare no competing interests.
Hidradenitis suppurativa (HS), also known as acne inversa, is a chronic inflammatory skin disorder that primarily affects body folds and the genital area, with a higher prevalence in women across Europe. The pathogenesis of HS involves a complex interplay of intrinsic and extrinsic factors, including genetics, immunity, hormones, and environmental influences. HS is frequently associated with a variety of comorbidities, such as metabolic, endocrine, and gastrointestinal conditions, as well as mental health disorders. Although the symptoms of HS are generally similar in both men and women, female patients may experience exacerbations of HS due to hormonal fluctuations during menstruation, pregnancy, breastfeeding, and menopause. These hormonal changes require special consideration by clinicians when managing HS in women. Due to its chronic nature and frequent flare-ups, HS significantly impacts patients' quality of life, affecting social interactions, emotional well-being, and psychological health. Women with HS may also experience sexual dysfunction, which is further exacerbated by emotional burdens such as shame, loss of femininity, and diminished intimacy. This review highlights key aspects of HS, extending beyond its skin manifestations to address endocrine, psychological, and nutritional aspects in the female population. It also underscores the importance of multidisciplinary collaboration in providing comprehensive care for women with this debilitating condition. Given the limited and largely off-label treatment options, a holistic approach is essential to ensure an appropriate management.
(© 2025. The Author(s).)

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PNRR-MAD-2022-12375740 M6C2 NextGenerationEU

Keywords: HS; Metabolism; Nutrition and therapies; Psycho-dermatology; Women

Date Created: 20250210 Date Completed: 20250507 Latest Revision: 20250507

20250507

PMC11809040

10.1186/s12967-025-06175-1

39930474