Prepuberal acne inversa of the inguinal region.

Abstract

Acne inversa or suppurative hydrosadenitis (IS) is a chronic inflammatory process that seems due to the occlusion of the hair follicles in which the secretion of the apocrine glands in the axillary, inguinal and perianal region is poured. IS begins after puberty, but there are in literature a dozen cases started before puberty with a clear predilection of the female sex and located in the inguinal region (1). Among the pathogenic factors of these prepubertal forms in some cases a positive family history, obesity and endocrine disorders have been reported (2). However, in most cases these factors were lacking. The prognosis of IS seems less severe in prepuberal patients. The therapy begins with the elimination of the predisposing factors and with the administration of topical disinfectants and oral antibiotics; in some cases isotretinoin per os showed to be effective. In refractory cases it is necessary to resort to surgical treatments.