The Role of Mechanical Stress in Hidradenitis Suppurativa

Dermatol Clin. 2016 Jan;34(1):37-43. doi: 10.1016/j.det.2015.08.011.

Abstract

Mechanical stress can act as a possible trigger in the development of hidradenitis suppurativa (HS). The mechanical stress has been supported by (1) the special biomechanical conditions in the typically topographic areas of HS; (2) the indirect proof of similar findings in associated follicular occlusion diseases such as acne mechanica and pilonidal sinus disease, and in limb amputees after expression of mechanical forces; (3) pathohistologic, ultrasonography, and immunologic findings; and (4) overweight patients seem to be most susceptible to the effects of mechanical stress.

Keywords: Acne inversa; Acne mechanica; Follicular disease; Friction; Hidradenitis suppurativa; Limb amputees; Mechanical stress; Pilonidal sinus.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Amputation Stumps / pathology
  • Hair Diseases / etiology
  • Hair Diseases / pathology
  • Hair Follicle
  • Hidradenitis Suppurativa / etiology*
  • Hidradenitis Suppurativa / pathology
  • Humans
  • Overweight / complications
  • Stress, Mechanical*