Study links active and passive smoke exposure to higher hidradenitis suppurativa rates in children

A Mayo Clinic study published in Pediatric Dermatology links active and passive smoke exposure to increased hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) risk in youths. Analyzing 174 pediatric HS patients and 522 controls from 2010 to 2023, researchers found combined exposure increased HS odds 4.8 times, while secondhand smoke alone raised odds 1.64 times. Passive exposure comprised 64.6% of all reported smoke exposures, highlighting a key modifiable risk factor.

Pediatric hidradenitis suppurativa risk

• ▪The Mayo Clinic study published in Pediatric Dermatology showed that overall rates of active and passive smoke exposure were significantly higher among pediatric hidradenitis suppurativa patients than matched controls.
• ▪A Mayo Clinic study of 174 pediatric hidradenitis suppurativa patients and 522 matched controls found that children exposed to both active and passive smoke were 4.8 times more likely to have the condition than unexposed peers.

Secondhand smoke exposure effects

• ▪Passive smoking accounted for 64.6% of all reported smoke exposures among pediatric hidradenitis suppurativa patients in the Mayo Clinic study.
• ▪The Mayo Clinic study found that secondhand smoke exposure alone was associated with 1.64 times higher odds of a hidradenitis suppurativa diagnosis among children and adolescents.

Active smoking rates

• ▪Researchers led by Ziebart RL evaluated 174 pediatric hidradenitis suppurativa patients and 522 matched controls who presented to Mayo Clinic between 2010 and 2023.
• ▪Dr. Nessa Aghazadeh Mohandesi stated that while active smoking is strongly linked to adult hidradenitis suppurativa, passive smoke exposure in pediatric patients has received much less attention.

Diagnosis age patterns

• ▪Dr. Nessa Aghazadeh Mohandesi stated that hidradenitis suppurativa causes pain and scarring in children and adolescents, significantly impacting their quality of life and self-esteem.
• ▪The Mayo Clinic study revealed that children and adolescents with hidradenitis suppurativa who were exposed to smoke received their diagnosis at an older age than unexposed patients.