Throughout Hidradenitis Suppurativa Awareness Week (June 1-7) and the month of June, physicians from the Department of Dermatology, Johns Hopkins Medicine are available to discuss the condition, treatments and recent research.

Hidradenitis suppurativa (HS), also known as acne inversa, is a chronic condition that occurs when hair follicles at areas of friction, such as the thighs, become inflamed. People with HS experience skin inflammation, tissue damage and scars due to the condition; HS carries one of the highest quality-of-life burdens of any dermatologic condition, with patients reporting considerable pain, depression and social impairment as a result.

In the United States, the condition affects 1%-4% of the population and is known to disproportionately impact people from racial and ethnic minority groups.

While a cure for hidradenitis suppurativa does not exist, treatments can relieve pain, reduce inflammation and prevent the condition from progressing further. Available treatments include anti-inflammatory medications, resorcinol cream, hormone therapy and biologics. Surgical procedures and laser therapy can also help address reoccurring symptoms by removing chronically inflamed skin.

Currently, Johns Hopkins Medicine dermatologists are exploring how chemicals found in plastics may influence hidradenitis suppurativa onset.

To arrange an interview, please contact communications specialist, Rebekah Mikeasky, at [email protected].

The following Johns Hopkins Medicine dermatologists are available for comment:

Hidradenitis Suppurativa Experts

• Luis A. Garza, M.D., Ph.D.

  Professor of Dermatology
  Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine

• Annie Grossberg, M.D
  Director of Pediatric Dermatology
  Co-Director of the Pediatric Lupus Multidisciplinary Clinic
  Assistant Professor of Dermatology
  Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine
• Autumn L. Saizan, M.D.
  Dermatology Physician
  Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine
• Kevin Sharghi, M.D.
  Assistant Professor of Dermatology
  Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine

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Hormone-Disrupting Chemicals from Plastics Shown to Promote a Chronic Inflammatory Skin Condition