Hidradenitis Suppurativa in Women: Beyond the Skin

Hidradenitissuppurativa (HS) is a chronic, relapsing inflammatory skin disease that disproportionately affects women, particularly in intertriginous and genital areas. While its cutaneous manifestations are well recognized, emerging research emphasizes the need to address its systemic burden, especially in female patients. Hormonal fluctuations during menstruation, pregnancy, lactation, and menopause often exacerbate symptoms, demanding tailored therapeutic strategies. Additionally, HS in women is frequently accompanied by metabolic, endocrine, gastrointestinal, and psychological comorbidities, contributing to significant impairments in quality of life, emotional well-being, and sexual health. The interplay of physical discomfort, psychological distress, and hormonal influences necessitates a multidisciplinary, patient-centered approach. In light of limited approved therapies and frequent off-label use, a holistic, individualized management framework becomes essential for optimizing care in women with HS.

Source: Dattolo, A., Torres, M., Frias-Toral, E., Paganelli, A., Zhang, M., Madonna, S., Mercurio, L., Cucalón, G., Garbarino, F., Albanesi, C., & Scala, E. (2025). Beyond the skin: endocrine, psychological and nutritional aspects in women with hidradenitissuppurativa. Journal of Translational Medicine, 23(1). https://doi.org/10.1186/s12967-025-06175-1