Beyond the skin: endocrine, psychological and nutritional aspects in women with hidradenitis suppurativa
Abstract 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,...
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BMC
2025-02-01
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| Series: | Journal of Translational Medicine |
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| Online Access: | https://doi.org/10.1186/s12967-025-06175-1 |
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| author | Anna Dattolo Monica Torres Evelyn Frias-Toral Alessia Paganelli Mariana Zhang Stefania Madonna Laura Mercurio Gabriela Cucalón Federico Garbarino Cristina Albanesi Emanuele Scala |
| author_facet | Anna Dattolo Monica Torres Evelyn Frias-Toral Alessia Paganelli Mariana Zhang Stefania Madonna Laura Mercurio Gabriela Cucalón Federico Garbarino Cristina Albanesi Emanuele Scala |
| author_sort | Anna Dattolo |
| collection | DOAJ |
| description | Abstract 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. |
| format | Article |
| id | doaj-art-c59cfce4970f4be2b8c8189901b48901 |
| institution | DOAJ |
| issn | 1479-5876 |
| language | English |
| publishDate | 2025-02-01 |
| publisher | BMC |
| record_format | Article |
| series | Journal of Translational Medicine |
| spelling | doaj-art-c59cfce4970f4be2b8c8189901b489012025-08-20T02:48:22ZengBMCJournal of Translational Medicine1479-58762025-02-0123111510.1186/s12967-025-06175-1Beyond the skin: endocrine, psychological and nutritional aspects in women with hidradenitis suppurativaAnna Dattolo0Monica Torres1Evelyn Frias-Toral2Alessia Paganelli3Mariana Zhang4Stefania Madonna5Laura Mercurio6Gabriela Cucalón7Federico Garbarino8Cristina Albanesi9Emanuele Scala10Laboratory of Experimental Immunology, Fondazione Luigi Maria Monti, Istituto Dermopatico dell’Immacolata-Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IDI-IRCCS)Dermatology and Venerology Division, Department of Medicine (Solna), Karolinska InstitutetUniversidad Espíritu Santo, Escuela de MedicinaClinical Dermatology Unit, IDI-IRCCSDepartment of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Gävle HospitalLaboratory of Experimental Immunology, Fondazione Luigi Maria Monti, Istituto Dermopatico dell’Immacolata-Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IDI-IRCCS)Laboratory of Experimental Immunology, Fondazione Luigi Maria Monti, Istituto Dermopatico dell’Immacolata-Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IDI-IRCCS)Escuela Superior Politécnica del Litoral, ESPOL, Lifescience Faculty, ESPOL Polytechnic UniversitySkin Cancer Unit, IDI- IRCCSLaboratory of Experimental Immunology, Fondazione Luigi Maria Monti, Istituto Dermopatico dell’Immacolata-Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IDI-IRCCS)Laboratory of Experimental Immunology, Fondazione Luigi Maria Monti, Istituto Dermopatico dell’Immacolata-Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IDI-IRCCS)Abstract 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.https://doi.org/10.1186/s12967-025-06175-1HSWomenPsycho-dermatologyMetabolismNutrition and therapies |
| spellingShingle | Anna Dattolo Monica Torres Evelyn Frias-Toral Alessia Paganelli Mariana Zhang Stefania Madonna Laura Mercurio Gabriela Cucalón Federico Garbarino Cristina Albanesi Emanuele Scala Beyond the skin: endocrine, psychological and nutritional aspects in women with hidradenitis suppurativa Journal of Translational Medicine HS Women Psycho-dermatology Metabolism Nutrition and therapies |
| title | Beyond the skin: endocrine, psychological and nutritional aspects in women with hidradenitis suppurativa |
| title_full | Beyond the skin: endocrine, psychological and nutritional aspects in women with hidradenitis suppurativa |
| title_fullStr | Beyond the skin: endocrine, psychological and nutritional aspects in women with hidradenitis suppurativa |
| title_full_unstemmed | Beyond the skin: endocrine, psychological and nutritional aspects in women with hidradenitis suppurativa |
| title_short | Beyond the skin: endocrine, psychological and nutritional aspects in women with hidradenitis suppurativa |
| title_sort | beyond the skin endocrine psychological and nutritional aspects in women with hidradenitis suppurativa |
| topic | HS Women Psycho-dermatology Metabolism Nutrition and therapies |
| url | https://doi.org/10.1186/s12967-025-06175-1 |
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