Is HS an Autoimmune Disease?

Hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) is a chronic inflammatory skin disease that affects about 1% of the population worldwide. It typically develops in the areas of the body with plenty of hair follicles apocrine glands such as the armpits groin buttocks. While the exact cause of HS is unknown one theory suggests that it may be an autoimmune disease.

What is an Autoimmune Disease?

An autoimmune disease occurs when the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks healthy cells tissues believing them to be foreign invaders. This can cause a range of symptoms complications depending on which part of the body is affected.

How Does Autoimmunity Relate to HS?

Although the exact cause of HS remains a mystery studies have shown that it shares some characteristics with autoimmune diseases. For example in HS patients there are elevated levels of certain cytokines (cellular messengers) that are also found in other autoimmune disorders like rheumatoid arthritis lupus.

Moreover several studies have suggested that genetic factors play a role in the development of HS many of the genes implicated in HS are also involved in autoimmune diseases. For instance a mutation in the PSENEN gene has been linked to HS as well as psoriasis autoimmune thyroid diseases.

In addition HS patients often have comorbidities (co-existing conditions) that are common in autoimmune diseases such as inflammatory bowel disease diabetes.

What Does This Mean for Treatment?

If HS is indeed an autoimmune disease this may have implications for the treatment of the condition. Currently there is no cure for HS treatment options are often limited to managing symptoms such as with antibiotics or surgery.

However if HS is shown to be an autoimmune disease there may be new treatments available that target the immune system. For example drugs that suppress certain cytokines or immune cells may be effective in controlling HS symptoms.

Conclusion:

In conclusion while the exact cause of HS remains unclear there is evidence to suggest that it may be an autoimmune disease. Further research is needed to confirm this to develop new effective treatments for this debilitating condition.