Keywords
medical-surgical management
quality of life
Niamey
Niger
How to Cite
Abstract
Introduction :
Hidradenitis suppurativa (HS), also known as Verneuil's disease, is a chronic, suppurative inflammatory skin condition affecting the pilosebaceous follicles in the major skin folds. It significantly impacts patients' quality of life. Epidemiological data on this condition are limited in Africa. To date, no studies are available in Niger. The objective of this study is to describe the epidemiological, diagnostic and therapeutic aspects of Verneuil’s disease (hidradenitis suppurativa) in the Dermatology-Venereology Department of the National Hospital and the Dermatology and Leprosy Center of Niamey.
Materials and methods :
This was a retrospective, descriptive study conducted in two dermatological referral centers in Niamey: the Dermatology-Venereology Department of the National Hospital (May 17, 2003 to August 8, 2020) and the Boukoki Dermato-Leprosy Center (January 8, 2016 to August 15, 2020).
Results :
Out of a total of 38,720 consultations, 23 cases of hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) were diagnosed, representing a frequency of 0.056%. The majority of patients were under 30 years of age (39.1%). The mean age was 36.35 years, with a range of 20 to 63 years. Women represented 60.9% (n = 14), and the female-to-male ratio was 1.55. The age of onset was 25 years in 43.5% of cases. The average number of attacks per year was 2.3. Patients under 30 years of age constituted 39.1%. A family history was noted in 4.3%; risk/aggravating factors as well as comorbidities were also identified Abscessed and suppurating nodular lesions were the predominant presentation (82.60%). The locations were primarily axillary (69.10%) and inguino-femoral (26.10%). Treatment consisted of lifestyle and dietary modifications combined with local and systemic therapy (erythromycin combined with metronidazole). Remission lasting several months (6 to 12) was achieved after 12 weeks; however, a relapse was noted in 3 patients (13.04%) after a 12-week remission, necessitating surgical intervention.
Conclusion :
Hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) is a debilitating suppurative disease. In our experience, the combination of erythromycin and metronidazole resulted in prolonged remission in over 80% of patients after 12 weeks. This combination thus led to a significant improvement in quality of life.
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Copyright (c) 2025 L Salissou, S Laouali Idi Mamane, I Hassane, M Ouédraogo, A Issa, S Ousmane, G Moussa, R Halidou Sidibé, A Abdou Nouhou, A Abdourahamane, A Inouss Issa, M Harouna, A Ango, M Abdoulaye