TITLE:
A Review of the Relationship between Environmental Pollutants and Hidradenitis Suppurativa Disease Severity
AUTHORS:
Corinne Rutkowski, Valerie Foy
KEYWORDS:
Hidradenitis Suppurativa, Air Pollution, Environmental Pollution, Oxidative Stress, Skin Microbiome, Inflammation
JOURNAL NAME:
Journal of Biosciences and Medicines,
Vol.14 No.8,
August
11,
2026
ABSTRACT: Hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) is a chronic, inflammatory skin disorder of the folliculopilosebaceous unit that predominantly affects intertriginous areas. While genetic, hormonal, and lifestyle-related risk factors are well-established, the potential role of environmental pollution in HS pathogenesis remains largely unexplored. Emerging evidence suggests that pollutants such as particulate matter (PM2.5) and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) contribute to oxidative stress, microbiome disruption, and activation of pro-inflammatory pathways that may exacerbate HS disease activity. This hypothesis-driven review evaluates the evidence that indirectly links environmental pollutants to the incidence, severity, and progression of HS, drawing comparisons to other inflammatory dermatoses such as psoriasis and atopic dermatitis while emphasizing HS-specific mechanisms. Environmental pollution represents a potentially modifiable risk factor that warrants further investigation. Future research should prioritize prospective cohort studies, pollutant-specific exposure tracking, and biomarker development to clarify the impact of environmental triggers on HS onset and severity. It is important to note that no direct epidemiologic studies linking environmental pollution to HS currently exist. Understanding this link may improve disease management and open avenues for preventative strategies.