The Genetics of Hidradenitis Suppurativa

A family history of hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) is reported by about one-third of patients, and the pattern of inheritance suggests a single gene disorder inherited as an autosomal dominant trait. Several g-secretase gene mutations were identified in 6 Han Chinese families with multiple affected family members. Some of the Han Chinese patients had a severe disease phenotype, with involvement of nonflexural skin locations such as the back and chest. These findings have been replicated in European populations, but g-secretase mutations have been found only in a minority of patients with HS.