Beyond Skin: Revealing the hidden connection between skin and gut inflammation

Project summary

Hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) is a chronic skin disease affecting 1% of people, causing painful boils and abscesses in intimate areas. Severe cases lead to disfiguring tunnels (fistulas) leaking foul-smelling pus. HS often coexists with Crohn’s disease (CD), which involves gut inflammation and fistulas. By studying cellular and molecular profiles of patients with either or both conditions, we aim to uncover unique and shared features to understand fistula formation in skin and gut. This research may identify new treatment approaches for both conditions.