Hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) is a chronic and debilitating suppurative disease primarily affecting the axillae, perineum, and inframammary regions, where apocrine sweat glands are present. However, HS can occur in atypical locations. We present an interesting case of a 40-year-old man who developed chronic painful subcutaneous nodules, deep sinus tracts, and abscesses involving the jawline and the anterior aspect of the neck as the only parts of the body affected and who responded satisfactorily to adalimumab and laser hair removal treatment. This case is relevant because it helps clinicians to remember that HS may be isolated to atypical locations, such as the anterior aspect of the neck and chin. It also supports another possible HS pathogenesis which consists of the occlusion of terminal hair follicles rather than being essentially a disorder of the apocrine glands.

Keywords:
Hidradenitis suppurativa, Atypical presentation, Severe cystic acne, Acne conglobata
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© 2017 S. Karger AG, Basel
2017
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