Histopathology of the Pilosebaceous Unit and Interstitium of Hidradenitis Suppurativa

The purpose of this chapter is to examine the histological findings that underpin the clinical presentation of hidradenitis suppurativa (HS). The chapter first describes the cutaneous structure, cells, and the pilosebaceous unit in healthy skin, comparing White and African American skin as this is a disease that is overrepresented in patients with skin of color. Next the histological changes found in HS are presented. Expression of keratin, intra- and intercellular structures, immune cells, receptors, cytokines, and peptides in HS is also described where relevant.