Topical and novel device-based therapies for mild hidradenitis suppurativa

Abstract

Hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) is achronic inflammatory disease of the skin folds, which requires more outpatient treatment alternatives. Although the disease was previously treated using surgery, new treatment modalities now allow the effective treatment of mild and moderate cases in an ambulatory care setting. Local and instrument-based therapies are presented and their efficacy and safety profiles are highlighted. Clinical evidence for each therapeutic modality are presented and current treatment developments are analyzed based on the future treatment of HS patients in Germany. Effective treatments for outpatient care of HS patients include topical clindamycin, resorcinol, and intralesional corticosteroids. New devices such as LAight therapy (combining intense pulsed light [IPL] with radiofrequency) are available, which can be used as monotherapy or adjunct therapy in combination with systemic treatment and/or surgery for the management of HS. Evidence-based use of local treatments can provide more efficient outpatient and self-administered strategies, which improves the quality of life of HS patients, especially for patients with recurrent mild and moderate disease.