Disfiguring Hidradenitis Suppurativa of the Face

Abstract

<b><i>Introduction:</i></b> Hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) is a chronic, disfiguring, and debilitating inflammatory skin condition accompanied by pain, malodorous discharge, scarring, and a scarce quality of life. Skin folds are the most frequently affected areas, while the face is rarely involved. <b><i>Case Presentation:</i></b> We herein report a case of a man in his 40s affected by a severe form of HS for 15 years. Physical examination showed massive, bridged scarring located on the cheeks, temporal area, chin, nuchae, and scalp. <b><i>Discussion:</i></b> Massive face scarring due to HS is an infrequent event and represents a further burden for patients affected by HS and a therapeutic challenge for clinicians due to the lack of codified guidelines. Novel therapies with lasers and combination therapies are emerging and may be beneficial for hypertrophic scarring in HS.