title: The prevalence of inverse recurrent suppuration: a population-based study of possible hidradenitis suppurativa.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) is a chronic inflammatory disease involving inverse recurrent suppuration (IRS). The epidemiology of the disease is not well described, with previous studies reporting prevalence estimates from 0·00033% to 4%.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  To determine the prevalence of IRS in a large population-based survey.
  
  
  METHODS
  Data were obtained from a general cross-sectional population study in Denmark. A validated self-administered questionnaire was used to identify IRS. Persons with the combination of outbreaks of 'boils' during the last 6 months in predefined areas and a minimum of two boils were identified.
  
  
  RESULTS
  A total of 16 404 adults aged 30-89 years provided data and the overall prevalence of IRS was found to be 2·10% [95% confidence interval (CI) 1·88-2·32]; in men it was 1·58% (95% CI 1·29-1·86) and in women 2·56% (95% CI 2·21-2·86). No data for adults aged 20-29 years were included. The prevalence declined with age. The majority of cases (72·9%) had a body mass index of ≥ 25 kg m(-2) and 77·7% were current or ex-smokers. The mean number of inflamed lesions was 6·5 (range 2-67) during the last 6 months. The lesions affected mostly the genitalia (43·4%) and groin (39·8%) for women and 'other places' (not specified) (78·8%) for men.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Data on IRS suggest that HS may be more prevalent than previously suggested, and the prevalence may be comparable to other major dermatoses, e.g. psoriasis. However, as no physician examination was done, the risk of recall and information bias is a major limitation.
authors: Department of Dermatology, Roskilde Hospital, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, DK-4000, Roskilde, Denmark.
authors: G R
authors: GR
authors: Vinding
authors: I M
authors: IM
authors: Miller
authors: K
authors: K
authors: Zarchi
authors: K S
authors: KS
authors: Ibler
authors: C
authors: C
authors: Ellervik
authors: G B E
authors: GB
authors: Jemec
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D017677:Age Distribution; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D003718:Denmark / Q000453:epidemiology; D005260:Female; D017497:Hidradenitis Suppurativa / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000473:pathology; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D015995:Prevalence; D012008:Recurrence; D017678:Sex Distribution; D013492:Suppuration / Q000453:epidemiology