Bacterial Biofilm in Acute Lesions of Hidradenitis Suppurativa

This study investigated the presence of bacterial biofilms in acute lesions of hidradenitis suppurativa (HS), a chronic inflammatory disorder of hair follicles. Despite the favorable conditions for biofilm formation in HS lesions, biofilms were found in only 2 out of 10 acute HS lesions sampled, and none in uninvolved skin. The study involved 10 participants, predominantly women, with varying stages of HS. The absence of biofilms in acute lesions was unexpected and may suggest a high density of Staphylococcus epidermidis, which can inhibit biofilm formation. The study highlighted the need for further research on the role of biofilms in chronic HS lesions, as understanding this could lead to more effective treatment strategies. The study was limited by its small sample size and the potential impact of chlorhexidine used during sample preparation.