Auricular and periauricular hidradenitis suppurativa: Increasing awareness of atypical sites

Hidradenitis suppurativa is typically found in intertriginous areas such as the axillae and groin. As incidence rates rise, however, hidradenitis suppurativa is increasingly identified in unexpected locations. As this phenomenon has been underreported, these patients experience diagnostic delays and inappropriate or inadequate treatment. This case involves a man in his 60s who presented with an inflamed earlobe that had waxed and waned without diagnosis or treatment for many years. Recognition of the signs and symptoms of hidradenitis suppurativa led to diagnosis, effective therapy, and improved quality of life; however, due to diagnostic delay related to the atypical location, tunneling and scarring had already developed. This case highlights auricular and periauricular hidradenitis suppurativa to promote earlier recognition and timely intervention to limit progression of this highly morbid disease.