What are the treatment options for hidradenitis suppurativa?

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Last updated: June 10, 2025View editorial policy

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From the Guidelines

Hidradenitis suppurativa treatment should prioritize a combination of medical and surgical approaches, with a focus on early intervention, consistent therapy, and addressing both acute flares and chronic inflammation, as recommended by the most recent guidelines 1.

Treatment Options

The treatment of hidradenitis suppurativa depends on the severity of the disease. For mild cases,

  • topical treatments like clindamycin 1% solution applied twice daily can help control inflammation and infection.
  • Oral antibiotics are often the first-line systemic therapy, with tetracyclines (doxycycline 100mg twice daily or minocycline 100mg daily) typically used for 3-6 months. For moderate to severe disease,
  • combination therapy with clindamycin 300mg twice daily and rifampin 300mg twice daily for 10-12 weeks has shown effectiveness, as supported by evidence-based guidelines 1.

Biologics and Hormonal Therapy

  • Hormonal therapy such as spironolactone (50-200mg daily) may benefit women with menstrual flares.
  • For severe or refractory cases, biologics like adalimumab (initial dose of 160mg, followed by 80mg two weeks later, then 40mg weekly) are FDA-approved and target the underlying inflammatory process, with significant improvements in both physician-related and patient-reported HS disease severity and impact 1.

Surgical Interventions and Lifestyle Modifications

Surgical interventions range from incision and drainage for acute abscesses to wide excision of affected areas for chronic disease.

  • Lifestyle modifications are also important, including weight loss if overweight, smoking cessation, wearing loose clothing, and avoiding shaving affected areas.
  • Pain management should be addressed with appropriate analgesics, and treatment success depends on early intervention, consistent therapy, and addressing both acute flares and chronic inflammation, as emphasized by recent clinical guidelines 1.

From the FDA Drug Label

HUMIRA is indicated for the treatment of moderate to severe hidradenitis suppurativa in patients 12 years of age and older.

Hidradenitis Suppurativa (2. 6): Adults: ◦ Day 1: 160 mg (given in one day or split over two consecutive days) ◦ Day 15: 80 mg ◦ Day 29 and subsequent doses: 40 mg every week or 80 mg every other week

Adolescents 12 years of age and older: Adolescent Weight Recommended Dosage 30 kg (66 lbs) to less than 60 kg (132 lbs) Day 1: 80 mg Day 8 and subsequent doses: 40 mg every other week 60 kg (132 lbs) and greater Day 1: 160 mg (given in one day or split over two consecutive days) Day 15: 80 mg Day 29 and subsequent doses: 40 mg every week or 80 mg every other week

Tratamiento para hidradenitis suppurativa: La adalimumab (HUMIRA) es indicada para el tratamiento de hidradenitis suppurativa moderada a severa en pacientes de 12 años de edad o mayores.

  • Dosificación para adultos: 160 mg en el día 1,80 mg en el día 15 y 40 mg cada semana o 80 mg cada dos semanas a partir del día 29.
  • Dosificación para adolescentes de 12 años o más:
  • Para pesos entre 30 kg y menos de 60 kg: 80 mg en el día 1 y 40 mg cada dos semanas a partir del día 8.
  • Para pesos de 60 kg o más: 160 mg en el día 1,80 mg en el día 15 y 40 mg cada semana o 80 mg cada dos semanas a partir del día 29. 2

From the Research

Tratamiento de Hidradenitis Supurativa

La hidradenitis supurativa es una enfermedad inflamatoria crónica que requiere un enfoque multimodal para su tratamiento. A continuación, se presentan las opciones de tratamiento:

  • Terapias tópicas: se utilizan para el tratamiento de lesiones localizadas y pueden incluir antibióticos tópicos, retinoides y otros medicamentos 3.
  • Antibióticos sistémicos: se utilizan para el tratamiento de la enfermedad moderada a severa y pueden incluir la combinación de clindamicina y rifampicina 4, 5.
  • Terapias biológicas: se utilizan para el tratamiento de la enfermedad moderada a severa y pueden incluir medicamentos como adalimumab, secukinumab y bimekizumab 6.
  • Cirugía: se utiliza para el tratamiento de lesiones avanzadas y puede incluir la extirpación de tejido afectado 6.
  • Modificaciones del estilo de vida: se recomiendan para ayudar a controlar la enfermedad y pueden incluir la pérdida de peso, una dieta saludable y la cesación del tabaco 7, 4.
  • Manejo del dolor: es importante para mejorar la calidad de vida de los pacientes y puede incluir la uso de analgésicos y otras terapias 3, 6.

Enfoque Multimodal

El tratamiento de la hidradenitis supurativa requiere un enfoque multimodal que incluya una combinación de terapias para controlar la enfermedad y mejorar la calidad de vida de los pacientes. Esto puede incluir:

  • Evaluación y diagnóstico preciso de la enfermedad 3, 6.
  • Selección de terapias adecuadas según la gravedad de la enfermedad y las necesidades individuales del paciente 3, 6.
  • Monitoreo regular de la respuesta al tratamiento y ajustes según sea necesario 3, 6.
  • Educación y apoyo al paciente para ayudar a controlar la enfermedad y mejorar la calidad de vida 3, 6.

Professional Medical Disclaimer

This information is intended for healthcare professionals. Any medical decision-making should rely on clinical judgment and independently verified information. The content provided herein does not replace professional discretion and should be considered supplementary to established clinical guidelines. Healthcare providers should verify all information against primary literature and current practice standards before application in patient care. Dr.Oracle assumes no liability for clinical decisions based on this content.

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