A RECENT study conducted in South Korea has found that quitting smoking can significantly reduce the risk of developing hidradenitis suppurativa (HS).
The study, analysed data from over 6.2 million participants, and aimed to assess the benefits of smoking cessation not only for general health but also for preventing specific conditions like HS and examine the relationship between changes in smoking habits and the onset of HS. The participants were drawn from the Korean National Health Insurance Service database and underwent two consecutive health examinations between 2004 and 2007. Researchers tracked the participants’ smoking status over time and used a Cox proportional hazards model to estimate the risk of HS associated with changes in smoking habits.
The results revealed that individuals who quit smoking had a significantly lower risk of developing HS compared to those who continued smoking. Specifically, participants who quit smoking between the two health checkups had a 32% lower risk of HS, while those who never smoked had an even lower risk. On the other hand, participants who resumed smoking after initially quitting, as well as those who started smoking during the study period, showed similar HS risks to sustained smokers.
The study also found that the risk reduction from smoking cessation became more pronounced three to four years after quitting, with risk levels eventually resembling those of never smokers. This risk reduction persisted over time, highlighting the long-term benefits of maintaining a smoke-free lifestyle.
These finding show the importance of smoking cessation for reducing the risk of HS, as well as the broader health benefits of avoiding or discontinuing smoking. For individuals at risk of HS or those already experiencing symptoms, quitting smoking and maintaining a smoke-free status could be a crucial step in managing the condition. The study’s authors emphasised that healthcare providers should continue to support smoking cessation efforts as part of comprehensive care strategies for preventing HS and other smoking-related conditions.
Aleksandra Zurowska, EMJ
Reference
Kim SR et al. Smoking Cessation and Risk of Hidradenitis Suppurativa Development. JAMA Dermatol. 2024. doi:10.1001/jamadermatol.2024.2613
