Rolle der Allgemeinmedizin in der Versorgung der Acne inversa

Acne inversa (Ai, also known as hidradenitis suppurativa) is a chronic recurrent skin disease of the terminal hair follicles. It occurs after puberty and predominantly in apocrine-gland-rich intertriginous skin areas. It repeatedly causes inflammatory nodules and abscesses located deeply in the skin, which in severe cases can lead to irreversible tunnels and scar formation.

To demonstrate the high relevance of general practitioners in the diagnosis and treatment of Ai patients, who are often young and under great distress.

Review of the evidence on the current care situation and presentation of the authors’ experiences from participation in the largest German healthcare research study on Ai (EsmAiL project).

The average time to diagnosis for Ai is currently 9 years. Due to disease progression during this time, patients often experience irreversible physical and psychological harm. As the primary point of contact, general practitioners have a significant influence on early diagnosis and the individual course of the chronic disease. The results of the healthcare research project EsmAiL show that by specializing in Ai, a central point of contact can be created that effectively cares for patients accounting for their degree of disease severity.

With our holistic expertise as general practitioners, we are not only in a position to provide diagnostics, but can also help as a specialized center to ensure that Ai no longer has to be a stigmatizing disease.