title: Hidradenitis suppurativa in the pediatric population.
abstract: Hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) generally appears after puberty, is infrequently seen in younger children, and early onset, which is associated with more widespread disease, is more common in children with a positive family history of HS. When compared with adults with HS, children with HS are more likely to have hormonal imbalances, making hormonal investigations integral to disease management in pediatric patients. HS affects intertriginous areas, presenting with double-ended comedones, tender subcutaneous nodules, purulent discharge, and the formation of sinus tracts, hypertrophic fibrotic scars, and dermal contractures. Treatment of HS in children has not been well studied. The goals of therapy in the pediatric setting are to alleviate pain, minimize inflammation and scarring, prevent disease progression, and postpone the need for surgery. Mild cases can be treated with topical antibiotics, while topical and oral antibiotics are the primary therapies for moderate forms of HS. Modalities like biologic agents, laser therapy, or surgery have been reserved for severe pediatric cases of HS. Early recognition and treatment are critical to minimize the effects of the disease on the life course. Given the significant impact of the condition on quality of life and self-esteem, there is a clear role for psychological support.
authors.affiliation: Section of Dermatology, Division of Paediatric Medicine, The Hospital for Sick Children, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
authors.forename: Carmen
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Liy-Wong
authors.affiliation: Section of Dermatology, Division of Paediatric Medicine, The Hospital for Sick Children, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
authors.forename: Elena
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Pope
authors.affiliation: Section of Dermatology, Division of Paediatric Medicine, The Hospital for Sick Children, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada. Electronic address: irene.lara-corrales@sickkids.ca.
authors.forename: Irene
authors.initials: I
authors.lastname: Lara-Corrales
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D017677:Age Distribution; D017668:Age of Onset; D000890:Anti-Infective Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D000893:Anti-Inflammatory Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D002648:Child; D018450:Disease Progression; D005260:Female; D017497:Hidradenitis Suppurativa / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000453:epidemiology*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D010147:Pain Measurement; D010372:Pediatrics; D011379:Prognosis; D018570:Risk Assessment; D012720:Severity of Illness Index; D017678:Sex Distribution; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D055815:Young Adult
chemical_list: D000890:Anti-Infective Agents; D000893:Anti-Inflammatory Agents
keywords: childhood hidradenitis; early onset hidradenitis suppurativa; hidradenitis in children; hidradenitis suppurativa in pediatric population