Reproductive Potential and Outcomes in Patients with Hidradenitis Suppurativa: Clinical Profile and Therapeutic Implications

There are scarce data available regarding the impact of hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) on fertility, course and outcome of pregnancy and risk associated with treatments. The aims of this study are (1) to describe the clinical profile of HS women of childbearing age with and without accomplished reproductive desires and (2) to describe the prescribed treatments based on the fulfillment of reproductive intentions. We conducted a prospective observational study that included 104 HS women of childbearing age, 50.96% (53/104) with unfulfilled reproductive desires. These women were younger (29.08 vs. 42.06 years, p < 0.001), less frequently married and higher educated than women with fulfilled reproductive desires. Their age of disease onset was lower, but disease duration was shorter, in concordance with a lower International Hidradenitis Suppurativa Severity Score System (IHS4) and lower number of draining tunnels. Combined oral contraceptives were more frequently prescribed in women with unfulfilled reproductive desires (30.19% vs. 9.80%, p = 0.013) while biologics were less used in this group (3.77% vs. 13.73%, p = 0.08). In conclusion, a higher educational level and an earlier disease onset, with potential implications in finding a partner, may make the fulfillment of reproductive desires difficult for patients with HS. This study could help clinicians to achieve a better understanding of the specific characteristics of HS during childbearing age and consider reproductive desires when making treatment decisions.

Impact of Gloves and Mask Use on Epidermal Barrier Function in Health Care Workers

BACKGROUND

Coronavirus disease 2019 has rapidly spread all over the world. Personal protective equipment (PPE) including masks and gloves is needed to avoid transmission. Adverse skin reactions associated with PPE have been described, but there is no information regarding objective measures to assess skin impairment related to PPE.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of the study was to evaluate the impact of using facial mask and nitrile gloves on epidermal barrier function and skin homeostasis.

METHODS

A cross-sectional study was designed. Thirty-four health care workers wearing nitrile gloves and a mask for 2 hours were included. Transepidermal water loss, stratum corneum hydration, erythema, and temperature were measured.

RESULTS

Transepidermal water loss (31.11 vs 14.24 g·m-2·h-1), temperature (33.29°C vs 32.57°C), and erythema were significantly greater at the area covered by gloves compared with the noncovered area. Transepidermal water loss (22.82 vs 13.69 g·m-2·h-1), temperature, and erythema (411.43 vs 335.52 arbitrary units) were significantly increased at the area covered by mask, whereas stratum corneum hydration was lower. Transepidermal water loss was greater at the area covered by a surgical mask than at a filtering respirator mask coded filtering facepiece 2 (27.09 vs 18.02 g·m-2·h-1, P = 0.034).

CONCLUSIONS

Skin homeostasis and epidermal barrier function may be impaired by gloves and mask use. High-quality PPE should be provided, and adequate skin prevention measures should be implemented to reduce epidermal barrier damage.