Remission of hidradenitis suppurativa after bariatric surgery

BMI: body mass index HS: hidradenitis suppurativa HOMA-IR: homeostasis model of insulin resistance IR: insulin resistance BACKGROUND Hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) is a debilitating chronic inflammatory skin condition characterized by recurrent, painful abscesses, nodules, and draining sinus tracts. The primary sites of involvement are the intertriginous skin areas of the axilla, groin, perianal, perineal, and inframammary regions. The prevalence of HS is estimated to be 1% to 4%, and HS patients are more likely to be obese. A study conducted by Revuz et al found an increase of the risk of HS by 1.12 for each unit increase in body mass index (BMI). The treatment of HS is notoriously challenging. Options available include medical treatments in the form of topical and systemic medications and surgery and lifestyle modification such as weight loss and smoking cessation. We report on 2 patients who experienced remission of HS after bariatric surgery.