Korean gender differences in hidradenitis suppuratva: nature or nurture?

In a recent population-based study on hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) in Korea, Lee et al. found that the female to male ratio was 1:1.6. They describe "a remarkable predisposition for HS among males" and note that this finding was contrary to what is usually reported in European studies.2,3 Drs. Lee and coworkers argue that the inverse female-to-male ratio suggests "a major racial difference". On the other hand, the female to male ratio of 1:1.6 was consistent with the results obtained in a Japanese study. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.