SEBUM EXCRETION IN HIDRADENITIS SUPPURATIVA

Background: Clinical and histological similarities between hidradeniti s suppurativa and acne have been pointed out. The possible role of seb aceous glands in hidradenitis has not previously been investigated. Ac ne treatment, in particular isotretinoin, is however not effective in hidradenitis. No previous information was found on regional sebum excr etion in hidradenitis. Objective: Investigate the sebum excretion (SE) and markers of cutaneous virilization in hidradenitis patients. Metho ds: Sebutapes(R) and scores of acne, hirsutes and alopecia in 16 women with hidradenitis suppurativa were compared with 16 healthy controls. Results: The SE and the number of active glands followed a similar pa ttern in both groups (face > axillae/genitofemoral fold, p < 0.0001) b ut no significant differences were seen between the two groups, NO dif ferences were seen in the median Body Mass Index, number of obese pers ons in either group or any of the clinical markers of virilization stu died. Conclusion: No significant axillary, genitofemoral or facial seb orrhea was found in hidradenitis. It is suggested that SE is not an im portant factor in the development of hidradenitis, and this may help e xplain the generally unsatisfactory therapeutic effect of retinoids in this disease. The results further suggest that general cutaneous viri lization is not a feature of hidradenitis.