Laser and light-based treatments of hidradenitis suppurativa

Abstract

Hidradenitis suppurativa is a chronic condition characterized by recurrent inflammation affecting the skin flexures. Effective treatments are limited and recurrences often occur. Laser and light-based therapies are increasingly being utilized to treat hidradenitis suppurativa. These treatments have the advantage of being localized without significant systemic side effects. Although reports on the use of laser and light-based therapies show promising results, larger, prospective, randomized controlled trials with standardized, objective outcome measures are lacking. © 2012 Expert Reviews Ltd.