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 γ-secretase gene mutations were identified in 6 Han Chinese families with multiple affected family members. Several 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 repeated in other populations, but γ-secretase mutations have been found only in a minority of patients with HS.