Hidradenitis suppurativa: a review of current treatment options

Int J Dermatol. 2022 Sep;61(9):1152-1164. doi: 10.1111/ijd.16115. Epub 2022 Feb 6.

Abstract

Hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) is a chronic, progressive, debilitating, recurrent inflammatory skin disease characterized by the occurrence of very severe, persistent, painful nodules, abscesses, and fistulas, most commonly found in the skin folds of the axilla, groin, gluteal, and perianal areas. The pathogenesis of HS is still not completely understood; currently, it is considered to be an immune-mediated inflammatory illness (IMID). Due to the significant decrease in the patients' quality of life and a delayed beginning of a treatment, the selection of the appropriate therapy is extremely important in these patients. Regardless of the fact that there are multiple treatment options for HS, no uniformly effective therapy has been found. All the guidelines underline the need for a multidisciplinary approach to the disease, which enables providers to create the right management of HS. This article aims to provide updates on the current treatment options of acne inversa to raise awareness and improve the management of the disease.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Abscess / complications
  • Dermatitis* / complications
  • Hidradenitis Suppurativa* / diagnosis
  • Hidradenitis Suppurativa* / drug therapy
  • Humans
  • Perineum
  • Quality of Life