LAUSR

ABSTRACT Introduction: Hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) is a chronic, inflammatory, debilitating disease of a relapsing nature involving nodules, abscesses and suppurating lesions of intertriginous areas of the skin. Within recent years there has been a progress in terms of the treatment of hidradenitis suppurativa, nevertheless its therapy still remains limited with very few effective options. Areas covered: This article provides a review of current systemic treatment strategies used in patients with hidradenitis suppurativa – from well-established, traditional methods to new therapeutic alternatives with special focus on biological agents. Expert opinion: The etiology of hidradenitis suppurativa is still not clearly explained, but several factors seem to play a role such as genetics, smoking and obesity. Recent findings have specified that HS is a disease of the hair follicles with bacterial infection and apocrine glands involvement as secondary events. In HS treatment all known pathomechanisms underlying and responsible for development of skin lesions should be taken into account, including hyperkeratinization and occlusion of pilosebaceous unit, bacterial superinfection and extensive, chronic inflammatory response. Thus, retinoids, systemic antibiotics and biologics should be agents of special interest. Summarizing, pharmacological therapies are promising option for HS sufferers, especially in non-advanced cases.