Aarts P, Aitken JJ, van Straalen KR, et al. - In patients with hidradenitis suppurativa (HS), increased odds for central sensitization (CS; alteration and amplification of pain perception) were found. Active screening for CS and depressive symptoms should be performed in patients with a discrepant pain experience.

• This is a cross-sectional, case-control study with 100 patients with HS and 100 controls in the Netherlands, investigating the prevalence of CS in HS vs controls.

• A Central Sensitization Inventory (CSI) score of 40 or higher, indicative of CS, was found in 36% of HS patients and 12% of controls; demonstrating a significant difference.

• HS patients were found to have 4.46 times the odds of having a positive CSI than controls.

• There was a significant link of CS with previously diagnosed depression (odds ratio, 6.16).

• CSI score was not associated with disease severity.