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The 10 patients in this quiz are complaining of an irritating skin problem affecting the axilla(e).
For each of the ten cases, study the image(s) and then answer the questions. You can click on the image to view a larger version if required.
Each case should take approximately 2 minutes to complete. There is a list of suggested further reading material at the end of the quiz.
When you finish the quiz, you can download a certificate.
What is this skin problem?
Hidradenitis suppurativa
What is this skin problem?
In contrast to furunculosis, hidradenitis suppurativa is a chronic skin disorder that affects one or more apocrine gland areas, particularly the axillae and anogenital areas. The follicular infundibula become occluded and then rupture, resulting in painful inflammatory nodules, sterile abscesses, draining sinus tracts and scarring.
Treatment is very difficult. Topical antiseptics, antibiotics, systemic steroids, systemic retinoids, antiandrogens and wide surgical excision may be useful in individual cases.