Hidradenitis Suppurativa/Acne Inversa: Current Medical and Surgical Management

Conclusions

• Hidradenitis Suppurativa (HS) is a chronic inflammatory skin condition that predominantly affects women and individuals from minoritized groups.
• Early diagnosis of HS is crucial for effective management and can significantly influence patient outcomes.
• Timely and aggressive treatment of HS can reduce symptoms, control new lesion development, and prevent permanent scarring.
• Biologics and small molecule inhibitors have shown efficacy in managing HS, particularly during flare-up episodes.
• Patients with moderate disease should not wait until severe scarring occurs before starting treatment with systemic therapies.
• High doses and frequencies of TNF inhibitors, such as infliximab and adalimumab, are often necessary for effective management of HS.
• New therapies, including IL-17 and JAK inhibitors, have demonstrated promise in ongoing clinical trials and should be monitored for future application.
• Management of HS often requires a combination of therapies to achieve optimal results and may include biological medications combined with systemic antibiotics or hormonal therapies.
• Safety and efficacy profiles of new treatments, including risks of infections and adverse effects, must be considered while assessing therapeutic options.
• QoL impairment in patients with HS is significant, highlighting the importance of comprehensive care that addresses both physical and psychological impacts.