Hidradenitis Suppurativa (HS) in Women: Unique Considerations

The talk focuses on Hidradenitis Suppurativa (HS) in women, highlighting how this chronic inflammatory condition is more prevalent in women, especially those of childbearing age, and its correlation with hormonal fluctuations. The speaker emphasizes unique challenges faced by women, such as disease flares during menstruation, pregnancy, and menopause, and the impact on sexual function and mental health. Treatment options include targeted hormone therapy and lifestyle adjustments to alleviate menstrual flare-ups. The discussion on pregnancy reveals mixed outcomes: some women experience improvement while others face worsening of their condition, particularly postpartum. The potential risks of medications and the need for careful management during pregnancy are underscored, including discussions about safe options and alternative treatments like biologics. The speaker also elaborates on surgical interventions for HS, shifting from a traditional salvage approach to a more integrated surgical model, emphasizing procedures like deroofing to address specific lesions while minimizing discomfort. The importance of multidisciplinary care, especially during pregnancy, is stressed to optimize outcomes for affected women. Overall, the talk advocates for more awareness and tailored management strategies for women contending with HS.