Topical management and wound care approaches for hidradenitis suppurativa

Hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) is a chronic inflammatory disease that affects the follicular unit in apocrine glandbearing skin, resulting in deep-seated nodules, sinus tracts, abscesses, and ultimately scarring. HS is a highly distressing condition, and has one of the highest impacts on quality of life compared to other dermatologic diseases. Various topical therapies have been described that may be used alone or in conjunction with systemic or physical modalities for HS. Additionally, proper wound care is essential to the successful management of HS, particularly given the suppurative nature of the disease. However, limited evidence exists regarding the optimal regimen for topical therapy and wound care. On the basis of existing literature, we provide a comprehensive review of topical management and wound care.

Anita C, Alavi A, Alikhan A. Topical Management and wound care approaches for hidradenitis suppurativa. Sem Cutan Med Surg. 2017;36(2):58-61. https://doi.org/10.12788/j.sder.2017.020

HS is a highly distressing condition that has one of the highest impacts on quality of life when compared to other dermatologic diseases like psoriasis, chronic urticaria, and atopic dermatitis. Patients with HS live with chronic, recurrent draining wounds that intermittently discharge pus and blood, cause odor and pain, and overall significantly decrease their quality of life.

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