Oral health-related quality of life in subjects with hidradenitis suppurativa suffering from periodontitis

Abstract

Introduction: Hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) is a chronic inflammatory disorder affecting the pilosebaceous unit in intertriginous body areas, and recent research suggests an association with periodontitis.

Aim: To assess oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL) in patients with HS diagnosed additionally with periodontitis and to compare it to patients with periodontitis alone.

Material and methods: The study involved 55 HS patients, with 25 in the HS + P group (both HS and periodontitis) and matched controls in the periodontitis-only group (P group). Outcomes were assessed using the Oral Health Impact Profile (OHIP-14) questionnaire.

Results: No significant difference was observed in the mean OHIP-14 total score between the HS + P group and the P group. Patients with HS + P were less likely to undergo the dental evaluation and floss their teeth less frequently compared to the P group.

Conclusions: The findings reveal that the coexistence of HS in patients with periodontitis does not significantly influence OHRQoL. Lower dental evaluation frequency and less frequent flossing in HS+P patients suggest reduced attention to oral health practices.

Keywords: hidradenitis suppurativa; oral health-related quality of life; periodontitis.