Current and future treatments of hidradenitis suppurativa

Abstract

Hidradenitis suppurativa is a chronic disease characterized by chronic or recurrent abscesses, sinus tracts and scarring of apocrine gland-bearing skin. Key areas of different treatment options for hidradenitis suppurativa have been addressed and outlined in this review. Management should be individualized according to the extent of the disease, frequency of exacerbation and risk status. The treatment consists of medical (local or systemic), surgical and laser therapy. New treatments, such as TNF-α inhibitors, have provided clinicians with more options against this difficult disease. © 2010 Expert Reviews Ltd.