A groundbreaking treatment combining biological therapy with advanced surgical interventions has successfully treated over 150 cases.
Doha, Qatar: 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.
This treatment protocol has been developed in collaboration with the Dermatology and Venereology Department at HMC, led by Professor 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.
Clockwise from left: Professor Martin Steinhoff, Dr. Fahad Al Athba, Dr. Salim Nour Eddin Al Lahham and Dr. Attalla Hamada Hammouda
Dr. Attalla Hamada 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 emphasized 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. Salim Nour Eddin Al Lahham stated that the applied protocol is the result of intensive collaborative research between the Plastic Surgery and Dermatology and Venereology Departments at HMC. This protocol provides effective treatment solutions by combining biological therapy with innovative and advanced surgical interventions to achieve optimal medical and plastic surgery outcomes while eliminating side effects that impact patients' lives.
“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.
“Two to three cases are treated weekly using this comprehensive protocol, demonstrating HMC’s commitment to supporting patients and providing the highest standards of healthcare,” he added.
Professor Martin 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 analyze proteins and genes.
The Department of Dermatology and Venereology closely cooperates with the Plastic Surgery department to build interdisciplinary center for Hidradenitis suppurativa diagnosis, treatment and research.
This research is conducted in collaboration with international medical organizations to better understand the mechanisms behind this chronic disease and to identify genetic factors that influence the development of more effective treatment methodologies aimed at improving patients’ lives.
Dr. Fahad Al Athba, Dermatology Specialist at HMC, addressed the mental and social effects of the disease, stating: “Chronic inflammatory sweat glands impact patients' quality of life due to persistent pain, scarring, and unpleasant odors 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.”
Dr. Fahad emphasized that HMC’s treatment protocol highlights the importance of multidisciplinary collaboration. He stated that integrating biological and surgical treatments enhances patients’ quality of life and enables them to regain a normal lifestyle.
