Hidradenitis suppurativa and Bullous pemphigoid

The "Hidradenitis Suppurativa and Bullous Pemphigoid" course provides a comprehensive framework for understanding and managing these two significant dermatological conditions. Guided by expert presenter Dr. John Carnes, participants will explore disease pathophysiology, diagnostic strategies, and evidence-based treatment plans. The course includes three detailed units, emphasising practical applications through clinical examples and case discussions.

Unit 1: Hidradenitis Suppurativa
- Disease Overview: Explores the pathogenesis of hidradenitis suppurativa (HS), including follicular occlusion and associated disorders like acne conglobata and dissecting cellulitis.
- Clinical Features: Highlights hallmark signs such as recurrent abscesses, sinus tracts, scarring, and associated comorbidities like obesity and smoking.
- Treatment Strategies: Covers the full therapeutic ladder from lifestyle changes to topical antiseptics, systemic antibiotics, biologic therapies (e.g., adalimumab), and surgical interventions. Severity grading using Hurley stages and Sartorius scale is also detailed.
- Psychosocial Impact: Addresses the profound effects on patients' mental health, quality of life, and the importance of holistic care.

Unit 2: Case Studies in Hidradenitis Suppurativa
- Practical Scenarios: Analyses real-world cases across a spectrum of severities, from mild inflammatory papules to severe scarring and secondary complications like pyoderma gangrenosum and squamous cell carcinoma.
- Tailored Treatments: Demonstrates personalised approaches, integrating medical, surgical, and psychosocial management. Highlights the role of combination antibiotic therapy, TNF-alpha inhibitors, and the importance of addressing modifiable risk factors.

Unit 3: Bullous Pemphigoid
- Disease Mechanisms: Explores the immunopathology of bullous pemphigoid, including IgG-mediated disruption at the dermal-epidermal junction and its association with neurological diseases.
- Diagnostic Techniques: Guides participants through biopsy procedures, including histological and immunofluorescence evaluations, as well as advanced diagnostic tests like ELISA for BP 180/230 antibodies.
- Treatment Approaches: Covers a stepwise management plan beginning with topical superpotent steroids, progressing to systemic therapies like doxycycline, nicotinamide, and mycophenolate mofetil for refractory cases. Emphasises balancing treatment efficacy with patient safety to minimise morbidity.
- Case Examples: Illustrates diagnostic and therapeutic decision-making through diverse clinical presentations, from localised disease to severe systemic involvement.

This course equips practitioners with the tools to provide comprehensive, patient-centred care for hidradenitis suppurativa and bullous pemphigoid, ensuring improved outcomes in clinical dermatology.