Biologics for hidradenitis suppurativa (Verneuil's disease in the era of biologics)

Abstract

Verneuil's disease, better known as hidradenitis suppurativa (HS), is a chronic inflammatory disease that is clinically hallmarked by multiple abscesses and sinus tracts distributed in areas densely populated with apocrine glands. Stage I HS is characterized by the presence of abscesses without scarring or sinus tracts. With progression to Stage II, scarring and sinus tract formation are seen. By definition, patients with Stage III disease have multiple interconnected sinus tracts and scarring, typically involving multiple regions [1]. The significant morbidity of this disease is important, and is emphasized further by the limited effectiveness of the currently available "standard" medical therapies, including antibiotics (Chap. 15), antiandrogens (Chap. 16), retinoids (Chap. 17), immunosuppressants (Chap. 18), and/or complementary and alternative medicines (Chap. 19) [2].