HMC pioneers innovative protocol for treatment of inflammatory sweat glands

Hamad Medical Corporation (HMC) has successfully implemented an innovative treatment protocol to manage chronic inflammatory sweat glands, a persistent infection affecting friction-prone areas such as the underarms, upper thighs, and other body parts.

This protocol has proven effective in achieving total healing and improving the quality of life for over 150 patients, mostly youth and teenagers who often experience mental and social challenges due to this condition.

The treatment protocol has been developed in collaboration with the Dermatology and Venereology Department at HMC, led by Prof Martin Steinhoff, and the Plastic Surgery Department at HMC, led by Dr Attalla Hamada Hammouda. The protocol was formulated with contributions from Dr Salim Nour Eddin al-Lahham, associate consultant in Plastic Surgery at HMC; Dr Fahad al-Athba, dermatology specialist at HMC; and Dr Wadha al-Shafi, medical resident in HMC’s Dermatology and Venereology Department.

Dr Hammouda, consultant and director of the Plastic Surgery Department at HMC, confirmed that implementing this treatment protocol for chronic inflammatory sweat gland conditions aligns with international standards. He emphasised that the expertise of the medical staff, combined with advanced medical technology at HMC, has significantly contributed to enhancing the quality of healthcare provided to all patients.

Dr al-Lahham stated that the protocol provides effective treatment solutions by combining biological therapy with innovative and advanced surgical interventions to achieve optimal medical and plastic surgery outcomes.

“This protocol is based on case triage according to severity, ranging from mild to severe, following a thorough assessment of each patient. Light and some mild cases respond well to biological treatment, while certain mild to severe cases require precise surgical intervention to completely remove and reconstruct the affected areas. This is done using a surgical technique based on compound flaps, which allows the treated area to regain both function and appearance.

This approach also reduces hospital stay duration and enables faster recovery,” Dr al-Lahham explained.

Prof Steinhoff, chairman of the Dermatology and Venereology Department at HMC, highlighted that research efforts at HMC focus on identifying the causes of the disease using advanced equipment to analyse proteins and genes.

The Department of Dermatology and Venereology closely co-operates with the Plastic Surgery department to build interdisciplinary centre for Hidradenitis suppurativa diagnosis, treatment and research.

Dr al-Athba, Dermatology Specialist at HMC, added: “Chronic inflammatory sweat glands impact patients’ quality of life due to persistent pain, scarring, and unpleasant odours caused by frequent pus formation. Although the exact cause of the condition remains unknown, factors such as obesity and smoking can contribute to its worsening.”