This is the first and most comprehensive book perts to give their opinion and interpretation of dedicated to the understanding and treatment the disease, and left our own point of view to the of hidradenitis suppurativa. The most recent chapters summarizing pathogenesis and the- monograph on this disease was Dr Benedek's py. At points you may therefore find discussions supplement to Acta Dermatovenerologica in of e. g. apocrine glands with which the editors 1957 (1)! The long interval has not been justified may disagree, but rather than suppress infor- by a benign nature or quiet disposition of the tion we have sought to stimulate and inspire an disease. This is a common and debilitating dis- an open dialogue. The book is intended for both ease that significantly reduces the quality of life concrete factual information, as well as inspi- for patients. In spite of this it has not achieved a tion for further studies of aetiology, pathog- deserved level notoriety and scientific interest, esis and therapy. but remains an obscure an ill-understood men- We would like to thank our colleagues for ace to the patients. generously sharing their insight and knowledge. There may be several reasons for this neglect.

Introduction

History
Clinical Presentation
Pathology
Associated Diseases: Causality or Complications
Association with Crohn s Disease
Epidemiology
Nosology and Classification
Genetics
Bacteriology
Endocrinology
Immunology
Synthesis of Mechanisms
Psychological Aspects
Antibiotics
Antiandrogens
Retinoids
Dapson and Immunosupressants
Zinc and Other Experimental Drugs
Biologicals for Hidradenitis
Topical Treatment
Surgery
Radiation Therapy
Experimental Physical Therapies
Synthesis of Therapy
Unresolved Questions
Patients Frequently Asked Questions
Patients Perspective.