Psoriasis and hidradenitis suppurativa are chronic inflammatory skin conditions that co-occur in some individuals. These conditions share risk factors such as smoking, obesity, and genetic susceptibility.
Living with a dual diagnosis of hidradenitis suppurativa and psoriasis can be challenging, as they may require separate treatment approaches and can significantly affect a person’s quality of life.
This article explores the potential link between hidradenitis suppurativa and psoriasis, including common symptoms, shared risk factors, and possible treatment options.
Emerging evidence suggests a possible link between hidradenitis suppurativa and psoriasis, although the nature of this association remains unclear.
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A 2022 systematic review found that people with hidradenitis suppurativa were more likely to have psoriasis with a 2.67-fold risk than those without hidradenitis suppurativa. This analysis involved over 560,000 participants from seven studies.
Further research is necessary to understand a potential link between these two conditions.
A large-scale population study involving 68,836 people with psoriasis and 68,836 controls estimates that people with psoriasis have an
Research in a
Estimates vary for each condition, with hidradenitis suppurativa affecting 0.00033–4.1% of people globally. Of that percentage, 0.7–1.2% of cases are among the U.S. and European populations.
Psoriasis affects approximately
The symptoms of hidradenitis suppurativa and psoriasis can vary, but both conditions involve skin inflammation.
| Hidradenitis suppurativa | Psoriasis |
|---|---|
| pimple-like bumps, sores, or boils | inflamed lesions that may be scaly |
| scar formation | thick, ridged, or pitted nails |
| pain and tenderness in affected areas | dry, cracked skin |
| itchiness in affected areas | itching or bleeding |
| blood or pus from abscesses |
The exact appearance of psoriasis may depend on the type of psoriasis a person has.
Hidradenitis suppurativa typically affects areas where skin touches skin or hair grows, such as the armpits, groin, or inner thighs. Psoriasis
Both conditions may also increase the risk of mental health conditions such as anxiety and depression.
The cause of hidradenitis suppurativa
Psoriasis is an autoimmune condition that gets triggered by stress, skin injury, or certain medications,
Hidradenitis suppurativa and psoriasis share the following risk factors:
- family history
- smoking
- obesity
There is currently no cure for hidradenitis suppurativa or psoriasis. However, a few home remedies and over-the-counter (OTC) medications can help alleviate symptoms of both conditions when combined with medical treatment.
Hidradenitis suppurativa treatment
Possible treatment options for hidradenitis suppurativa include:
- antibacterial washes
- topical or oral antibiotics
- acitretin (Neotigason)
- corticosteroid injections
- laser hair removal
- surgical interventions such as drainage of abscesses or excision of lesions
- hot compresses
- OTC pain relief medications
- hormonal medication, such as birth control pills, spironolactone (Aldactone), or finasteride (Proscar)
- metformin (Glucophage) — a diabetes drug that can reduce inflammation
- a biologic or biosimilar, such as adalimumab (Humira), that works on the immune system to stop pus and inflammation
Psoriasis treatment
Possible treatment options for psoriasis include:
- coal tar
- topical corticosteroids
- systemic therapies such as methotrexate and cyclosporine (Gengraf, Neoral)
- biologics
- phototherapy
- regular moisturizing
- topical or oral JAK inhibitors
- calcineurin inhibitors, such as tacrolimus (Prograf)
People with these conditions should speak with a healthcare professional to determine the most appropriate treatment options for their specific situation.
People may choose to contact a doctor if they experience any early signs of hidradenitis suppurativa or psoriasis, including:
- lumps or frequent pimples in the armpit, groin, or elsewhere
- lesions on the skin
- cracked or bleeding skin that does not improve with home remedies
People with hidradenitis suppurativa or psoriasis should speak with a doctor if they experience worsening, new, or unusual symptoms or if their current treatment is not effectively managing them.
Psoriasis resources
Visit our dedicated hub for more research-backed information and in-depth resources on psoriasis.
Hidradenitis suppurativa and psoriasis are long-term skin conditions that can cause pain, inflammation, and swelling.
People with psoriasis may have a higher risk of developing hidradenitis suppurativa, although the exact link between the two conditions is not fully understood.
Shared risk factors between the two conditions include a positive family history, smoking, and obesity. People should contact a doctor if they show symptoms of these conditions for prompt diagnosis and treatment.