HS has some widely publicised areas of occurrence but quite literally it can occur anywhere. In this article we list some of the lesser publicised areas that can be affected.

To those that have read the journals on HS it becomes increasingly apparent that the site of outbursts knows no bounds.

More publicised areas of occurrence include axilla (armpits), groin, peri-anal (outside the anus) and perineal regions (1). In women it is also common on the breasts (2).

Whilst neither of the aforementioned areas are ones you would desire HS can quite literally appear anywhere with, or in close juxtaposition to skin. These areas include

• The vagina, including the labium. (3, 4)
• The face (5)
• Urethra (6)
• Penis and Scrotum (7, 8, 9)
• Legs (10, 11)
• Forearms (11)
• Eye Lid (11)

This list is by no mean exhaustive and it can occur in any area but it is hoped by providing a more comprehensive list the reader can better understand the extend and scope of the areas that can be affected.

References

1. Revuz, J., (2004) Hidradenitis Suppurativa, Orphanet Encyclopaedia, March 2004, Available from http://www.orpha.net/data/patho/GB/uk-hidradenitis-suppurativa.pdf [Accessed 25-March-07]
2. HSF Inc (2005), About Hidradenitis Suppurativa / Acne Inversa HSF Inc Available from http://www.hs-foundation.org/pdf/HSF_Info_Kit.pdf [Accessed 25-March-2007]
3. Goldbery, Buchler, Dibbell (1996), Advanced Hidradenitis Suppurativa Presenting with Bilateral Vulvar Masses, Gynecologic Oncology 60, 494-497, Article No 0081
4. Manolitsas T., Biankin, S., Jaworski, R., Wain G., (1999) Vuval Squamous Cell Carcinoma Arising in Chronic Hidradenitis Suppurativa Gynecologic Oncology 75, 285-288, Article ID gyno.1999.5547
5. Meyers, W., S., Bercovitch, L., Polley, K., Taira J., DeCamp, N., Mahalingam, M., Gillone, G., Grande D., (2003) Massive exophytic abscesses and fibrotic masses of the chine: A variant of the follicular occlusion triad J AM ACAD Dermatol MAY 2003
6. Gronau, E., Pannek, J., (2002) Urethral fistula caused by acne inversa (hidradenitis suppurativa): A Case report Internation Urology and Nephrology 34: 377-378, 2002
7. Porter, W., Dinneen, M., Bunker, C., (2001) Chronic Penile Lymphedema: A report of 6 Cases Arch Dematol / Vol 137 Aug 2001
8. Vickers, A., M., (1975) Operative Management of Chronic Hidradenitis Suppurativa of the Scrotum and Perineum The Journal of Urology Vol 114 September
9. Chaikin, D., C., Volz, R., L., Broderick, G., (1994) An Unusual Presentation of Hidradenitis Suppurativa: Case Report and review of the Literature Urology Volume 44, Number 4, October 1994
10. Chakrabarty, A., Philips, T., (2003) Leg Ulcers of Unusual Causes Lower Extremity Wounds 2(4);2003 pp. 207-216 DOI:10.1177/1524734603260250
11. Gharami, R., C., Mandal, M., K., Patra, A., C., (2003) Hidradenitis Supurativa in unusual sites Indian Journal of Dermatology, Venereology and Leprology Volume 69 Issue 7 Pages 7-8

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