Hidradenitis suppurativa, Dowling Degos disease and perianal squamous cell carcinoma.

A patient with hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) is described in association with Dowling Degos disease and perianal squamous cell carcinomas. As the initial treatment for HS failed to give any satisfactory relief he sought no further medical help for the subsequent 40 years. This patient illustrates the management difficulties in HS and the need for regular surveillance to exclude the development of anogenital squamous cell carcinoma. Previous reports of hidradenitis suppurativa in association with Dowling Degos disease are reviewed and the aetiology is discussed.