Joint AAD & HS Foundation clinical guidelines
Guidelines of Care for the Management of Hidradenitis Suppurativa
Every recommendation with its strength, certainty of evidence, dosing, and monitoring.
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4strong recommendations
2good practice statements, treated as strong
37recommendations in total
40therapies where evidence generation is needed
Showing 37 of 37 recommendations
Chlorhexidine: evaluated, but the guidelines make no recommendation. See research gaps
Benzoyl peroxide: evaluated, but the guidelines make no recommendation. See research gaps
Topical antiseptics: evaluated, but the guidelines make no recommendation. See research gaps
Amoxicillin-clavulanate: evaluated, but the guidelines make no recommendation. See research gaps
Clindamycin monotherapy: evaluated, but the guidelines make no recommendation. See research gaps
Dapsone: evaluated, but the guidelines make no recommendation. See research gaps
Ofloxacin plus clindamycin: evaluated, but the guidelines make no recommendation. See research gaps
Metronidazole, rifampin plus moxifloxacin: evaluated, but the guidelines make no recommendation. See research gaps
Dalbavancin: evaluated, but the guidelines make no recommendation. See research gaps
Linezolid: evaluated, but the guidelines make no recommendation. See research gaps
Combination oral contraceptive pills: evaluated, but the guidelines make no recommendation. See research gaps
Finasteride: evaluated, but the guidelines make no recommendation. See research gaps
Metformin: evaluated, but the guidelines make no recommendation. See research gaps
Anakinra: evaluated, but the guidelines make no recommendation. See research gaps
Ixekizumab: evaluated, but the guidelines make no recommendation. See research gaps
Spesolimab: evaluated, but the guidelines make no recommendation. See research gaps
Ustekinumab: evaluated, but the guidelines make no recommendation. See research gaps
Colchicine: evaluated, but the guidelines make no recommendation. See research gaps
Cyclosporine: evaluated, but the guidelines make no recommendation. See research gaps
Hydroxychloroquine: evaluated, but the guidelines make no recommendation. See research gaps
Apremilast: evaluated, but the guidelines make no recommendation. See research gaps
Brepocitinib: evaluated, but the guidelines make no recommendation. See research gaps
Roflumilast: evaluated, but the guidelines make no recommendation. See research gaps
Cryotherapy: evaluated, but the guidelines make no recommendation. See research gaps
Intense pulsed light: evaluated, but the guidelines make no recommendation. See research gaps
Radiofrequency: evaluated, but the guidelines make no recommendation. See research gaps
Microwave ablation: evaluated, but the guidelines make no recommendation. See research gaps
Photodynamic therapy: evaluated, but the guidelines make no recommendation. See research gaps
Intralesional photodynamic therapy: evaluated, but the guidelines make no recommendation. See research gaps
Sclerotherapy: evaluated, but the guidelines make no recommendation. See research gaps
Radiotherapy in adults: evaluated, but the guidelines make no recommendation. See research gaps
Specific wound care regimens: evaluated, but the guidelines make no recommendation. See research gaps
GLP-1 and GLP-1/GIP receptor agonists: evaluated, but the guidelines make no recommendation. See research gaps
Bariatric surgery: evaluated, but the guidelines make no recommendation. See research gaps
Intermittent fasting: evaluated, but the guidelines make no recommendation. See research gaps
Mediterranean diet: evaluated, but the guidelines make no recommendation. See research gaps
Yeast exclusion diet: evaluated, but the guidelines make no recommendation. See research gaps
Dairy-free diet: evaluated, but the guidelines make no recommendation. See research gaps
Myo-inositol, liposomal magnesium and folic acid supplement: evaluated, but the guidelines make no recommendation. See research gaps
Staphage lysate: evaluated, but the guidelines make no recommendation. See research gaps
Topical therapies
Topical clindamycin 1%
For patients with HS, we conditionally recommend topical clindamycin.
Topical resorcinol 10-15%
For patients with HS, we conditionally recommend topical resorcinol.
Topical ruxolitinib 1.5% cream
For patients with HS, we conditionally recommend topical ruxolitinib.
Systemic antibiotics
Doxycycline
For patients with HS, we conditionally recommend doxycycline.
Tetracycline
For patients with HS, we conditionally recommend tetracycline.
Clindamycin with rifampin
For patients with HS, we conditionally recommend clindamycin in combination with rifampin.
Ertapenem
For patients with moderate to severe HS, we conditionally recommend ertapenem.
Hormone therapy
Spironolactone
For patients with HS, we conditionally recommend spironolactone.
Oral retinoids
Acitretin
For patients with HS, we conditionally recommend against acitretin.
Isotretinoin
For patients with HS, we conditionally recommend against isotretinoin.
Biologics
Adalimumab
For patients with moderate to severe HS, we recommend adalimumab.
Adalimumab continued perioperatively
For patients with moderate to severe HS receiving adalimumab and undergoing surgery, we conditionally recommend continuing adalimumab.
Bimekizumab
For patients with moderate to severe HS, we recommend bimekizumab.
Infliximab
For patients with moderate to severe HS, we recommend infliximab.
Secukinumab
For patients with moderate to severe HS, we recommend secukinumab.
Etanercept
For patients with HS, we conditionally recommend against etanercept.
Guselkumab
For patients with HS, we conditionally recommend against guselkumab.
Risankizumab
For patients with HS, we conditionally recommend against risankizumab.
Vilobelimab
For patients with HS, we conditionally recommend against vilobelimab.
Systemic therapies
Upadacitinib
For patients with moderate to severe HS, we conditionally recommend upadacitinib.
Short-term systemic corticosteroids
For patients with moderate to severe HS, we conditionally recommend short-term systemic corticosteroids.
Methotrexate
For patients with HS, we conditionally recommend against methotrexate as active therapy. Remark: methotrexate may be used to prevent or manage anti-drug antibodies in patients receiving TNF inhibitors.
Azathioprine
For patients with HS, we conditionally recommend against azathioprine as active therapy. Remark: azathioprine may be used to prevent or manage anti-drug antibodies in patients receiving TNF inhibitors.
Avacopan
For patients with HS, we conditionally recommend against avacopan.
Procedural interventions
Deroofing
For patients with HS, we conditionally recommend deroofing to treat recurrent or persistently symptomatic lesions.
Incision and drainage
For patients with HS, we conditionally recommend incision and drainage to treat acutely painful abscesses.
Lesional and regional excision
For patients with HS with persistent or recurrent symptomatic lesions, we conditionally recommend lesional or regional excision.
Laser hair removal
For patients with HS, we conditionally recommend laser hair removal.
Botulinum toxin
For patients with HS, we conditionally recommend botulinum toxin.
Intralesional triamcinolone acetonide
For patients with HS, we conditionally recommend intralesional triamcinolone acetonide to treat acutely painful lesions.
Adjunctive hyperbaric oxygen therapy
For patients with HS on systemic antibiotic therapy, we conditionally recommend adjunctive hyperbaric oxygen therapy.
Radiotherapy in pediatric and adolescent patients
For pediatric and adolescent patients with HS, we recommend against radiotherapy for the management of HS.
Supportive management
Routine pain assessment
Clinicians should routinely ask patients with HS about pain as part of clinical assessment.
Supportive pain management
For patients with HS, we conditionally recommend supportive pain management in combination with disease-directed therapy. Remark: Clinicians may consider HS pain chronicity, character, and severity when selecting analgesics for pain.
Tobacco cessation
For patients with HS, we conditionally recommend tobacco cessation to improve response to disease-directed therapies.
Complementary and alternative medicine
Adjunctive oral zinc
For patients with HS, we conditionally recommend adjunctive oral zinc supplement under clinician guidance.
Vitamin D repletion
For patients with HS and vitamin D deficiency or insufficiency, we conditionally recommend vitamin D repletion under clinician guidance.
No recommendations match these filters.
Conditional Low certainty
For patients with HS, we conditionally recommend topical clindamycin.
Population
All HS
Evidence summary
Five RCTs in 204 participants with mild to moderate disease. Reduced mean abscesses, inflammatory nodules and pustules from baseline at week 12 versus placebo. Fewer adverse events than placebo; discontinuation uncommon.
Drug class
Topical antibiotic
Dosing
1% lotion, gel or solution twice daily to affected skin.
Monitoring
No routine monitoring recommended per FDA label.
Adverse effects
Skin burning, itching, dryness, erythema, peeling. C. difficile colitis (rare, systemic absorption).
Evidence trail
References 14-18
Supplemental Tables 1-5
Conditional Low certainty
For patients with HS, we conditionally recommend topical resorcinol.
Population
All HS
Evidence summary
One RCT (40 participants) plus five case series (229 patients), mild to moderate disease. IHS4 fell from 5.65 to 2.5 and DLQI from 9.6 to 4.8 at 24 weeks. No discontinuations for adverse events reported.
Drug class
Topical keratolytic
Dosing
Over the counter; requires compounding. 10-15% cream once to twice daily to affected skin.
Monitoring
No routine monitoring recommended.
Adverse effects
Desquamation (64-100%), discoloration (33-41%), mild irritation (34%).
Evidence trail
References 15, 19-23
Supplemental Tables 6-7
Conditional Low certainty
For patients with HS, we conditionally recommend topical ruxolitinib.
Population
All HS
Evidence summary
One phase 2 RCT (69 participants) and a 6-patient open-label trial, mild to moderate disease. HiSCR-50 reached in 79% versus 50% with vehicle at 16 weeks. No difference in pain or IHS4.
Drug class
Topical JAK1/JAK2 inhibitor
Dosing
1.5% cream twice daily to affected skin. Do not exceed 60 g/week or 100 g per 2 weeks.
Monitoring
No routine laboratory monitoring required per FDA label for topical use. CBC as clinically indicated. Periodic skin exams for non-melanoma skin cancer during and after treatment.
Boxed warning
Class boxed warning for JAK inhibitors: serious infections, all-cause mortality, malignancy, major adverse cardiovascular events, thrombosis. Carried on the topical label as a class warning; systemic exposure from topical use is low.
Adverse effects
Upper respiratory infection, nasopharyngitis, application site reactions, acne, folliculitis, fever, cytopenias.
Evidence trail
References 24-26
Supplemental Tables 8-9
Conditional Very Low certainty
For patients with HS, we conditionally recommend doxycycline.
Population
All HS
Evidence summary
Despite extensive use in HS, only two RCTs were identified. HiSCR reached in 64% and 60% with modified- and regular-release formulations, with no difference between them. HiSCR-50 in 41% on monotherapy.
Drug class
Tetracycline antibiotic
Dosing
100 mg by mouth twice daily for 12 weeks.
Monitoring
No routine monitoring recommended per FDA label.
Adverse effects
Gastrointestinal symptoms, photosensitivity, transaminitis (rare).
Evidence trail
References 27, 28
Supplemental Tables 10-11
Conditional Very Low certainty
For patients with HS, we conditionally recommend tetracycline.
Population
All HS
Evidence summary
One RCT (46 participants) against topical clindamycin showed no significant difference in physician global assessment or pain at 16 weeks. A 108-patient prospective cohort showed the highest numerical improvement in Sartorius score with tetracycline, without statistical significance.
Drug class
Tetracycline antibiotic
Dosing
500 mg by mouth twice daily for 12 weeks.
Monitoring
No routine monitoring recommended per FDA label.
Adverse effects
Gastrointestinal symptoms, skin irritation, photosensitivity.
Evidence trail
References 16, 29, 342
Supplemental Tables 12-13
Conditional Very Low certainty
For patients with HS, we conditionally recommend clindamycin in combination with rifampin.
Population
All HS
Evidence summary
Eight cohort studies and case series in 392 patients plus one active comparator RCT. Mean Sartorius scores fell 46-53% at 10 weeks; HiSCR-50 in 48% at 12 weeks. Between 4% and 26% discontinued for adverse events.
Drug class
Combination systemic antibiotics
Dosing
Clindamycin 300 mg and rifampin 300 mg, both by mouth twice daily for 12 weeks.
Monitoring
No routine laboratory monitoring recommended per FDA label for a typical 12-week course. Rifampin is a potent CYP3A4 inducer: review all concomitant medications for interactions before starting.
Adverse effects
Gastrointestinal symptoms, C. difficile colitis, hepatotoxicity, orange discoloration of body fluids, significant CYP450 drug interactions.
Evidence trail
References 30-38
Supplemental Tables 14-15
Conditional Very Low certainty
For patients with moderate to severe HS, we conditionally recommend ertapenem.
Population
Moderate to severe HS
Evidence summary
Four cohort studies and case series in 179 patients. Median Sartorius score fell from 49.5 to 19.0 and pain VAS from 9 to 2 at six weeks. Should be reserved for moderate to severe disease refractory to other treatment and used as a bridge to longer-term therapy to steward antibiotic use.
Drug class
Carbapenem antibiotic
Dosing
1 g intravenously daily for six or more weeks via PICC.
Monitoring
Baseline: renal function, CBC, LFTs. On treatment: periodic renal function with dose adjustment if CrCl 30 mL/min or less; PICC site monitoring for infection, thrombosis and local reaction.
Adverse effects
PICC line infection and thrombosis, adhesive dermatitis, vaginal candidiasis, transaminitis, infusion reactions, C. difficile colitis.
Evidence trail
References 40-43
Supplemental Table 16
Conditional Very Low certainty
For patients with HS, we conditionally recommend spironolactone.
Population
All HS
Evidence summary
Five case series in 323 female patients, most on concomitant therapy. Median dose 100 mg daily. Mean HS-PGA fell 0.6 after a mean seven months of follow-up.
Drug class
Anti-androgen
Dosing
50-200 mg by mouth daily.
Monitoring
Baseline: serum potassium and creatinine; eGFR in renally impaired patients or those on an ACE inhibitor or ARB. On treatment: potassium is not needed in healthy patients; check within one week of starting or a dose change, then periodically, for renally impaired patients or those on an ACE inhibitor or ARB.
Boxed warning
Tumorigenicity: spironolactone was tumorigenic in chronic toxicity studies in rats. Unnecessary use should be avoided.
Adverse effects
Irregular menses, gastrointestinal symptoms, breast tenderness, changes in urination, gynecomastia, hyperkalemia, teratogenicity.
Evidence trail
References 54-58
Supplemental Table 25
Conditional Very Low certainty
For patients with HS, we conditionally recommend against acitretin.
Population
All HS
Evidence summary
Five case series in 120 patients. No significant differences in HS outcomes versus baseline, with 47-53% discontinuing for ineffectiveness, worsening visual acuity or severe retinoid dermatitis. Risks include teratogenicity, hepatotoxicity and hyperlipidemia.
Evidence trail
References 63-67
Supplemental Table 27
Conditional Very Low certainty
For patients with HS, we conditionally recommend against isotretinoin.
Population
All HS
Evidence summary
One case series of 68 patients on monotherapy. 24% reported visual clearance at four months, with 29% discontinuing before four months. iPLEDGE monthly visit and pregnancy monitoring requirements may further limit access.
Evidence trail
References 68
Supplemental Table 28
Strong Moderate certainty
For patients with moderate to severe HS, we recommend adalimumab.
Population
Moderate to severe HS
Evidence summary
Seven RCTs in 733 patients. At week 12, HiSCR-50 favored adalimumab 40 mg weekly over placebo (RR 1.92; 95% CI 1.57-2.36). In open-label extension, 52% maintained HiSCR-50 at three years. Every-other-week 40 mg dosing did not meet efficacy endpoints; 80 mg every two weeks is an approved maintenance alternative that may improve adherence.
Drug class
TNF inhibitor
Dosing
Adults and adolescents 12 years and older, 60 kg or more: 160 mg subcutaneously day 1 (or 80 mg on days 1 and 2), then 80 mg on day 15, then 40 mg weekly or 80 mg every 2 weeks from day 29. Adolescents 12 years and older, 30 to under 60 kg: 80 mg day 1, then 40 mg every 2 weeks from day 8.
Monitoring
Baseline: TB screening (TST or IGRA), hepatitis B panel, hepatitis C antibody, HIV screen, CBC, hepatic profile. On treatment: annual TB screening, monitoring for active TB and serious infection, and HBV carrier monitoring for reactivation during therapy and for several months after stopping.
Boxed warning
Serious infections: fatal and serious infections including TB, bacterial sepsis, invasive fungal and opportunistic infections. Malignancy: lymphoma and other malignancies, some fatal; hepatosplenic T-cell lymphoma reported in adolescent and young adult patients with IBD on TNF blockers plus immunosuppressants.
Adverse effects
Serious infections, malignancy, injection site reactions, hypersensitivity, lupus-like syndrome, worsening heart failure.
Evidence trail
References 69-75
Supplemental Tables 29-31
Conditional Low certainty
For patients with moderate to severe HS receiving adalimumab and undergoing surgery, we conditionally recommend continuing adalimumab.
Population
Moderate to severe HS undergoing surgery
Evidence summary
One RCT paired adalimumab or placebo with axillary or inguinal wide excision healing by secondary intention. HiSCR-50 was reached in more participants on adalimumab at week 12, and postoperative infection, complication and hemorrhage did not differ between groups.
Evidence trail
References 78
Supplemental Table 32
Strong Moderate certainty
For patients with moderate to severe HS, we recommend bimekizumab.
Population
Moderate to severe HS
Evidence summary
Three RCTs in 784 participants. At week 16, HiSCR-50 (RR 1.67; 95% CI 1.31-2.13) and HiSCR-75 (RR 2.14; 1.49-3.06) favored bimekizumab 320 mg every two weeks over placebo. At week 48, 77-82% maintained HiSCR-50 on every-four-week dosing.
Drug class
IL-17A/F inhibitor
Dosing
Loading: 320 mg subcutaneously every 2 weeks from week 0 through 16. Maintenance: 320 mg every 4 weeks thereafter.
Monitoring
Baseline: TB screening (TST or IGRA), LFTs including AST, ALT, alkaline phosphatase and bilirubin. On treatment: periodic LFTs, since transaminase elevations were observed in trials.
Adverse effects
Upper respiratory infection, oral candidiasis, headache, eczema, tinea, serious infections, suicidal ideation and behavior (observed in trials, monitor), new or worsening IBD, transaminitis.
Evidence trail
References 70, 79
Supplemental Tables 33-34
Strong Low certainty
For patients with moderate to severe HS, we recommend infliximab.
Population
Moderate to severe HS
Evidence summary
One RCT in 33 participants plus seven cohort studies in 132 patients. Infliximab was more likely to achieve an excellent physician global assessment outcome at week 8 (RR 4.80; 95% CI 1.66-13.90) and reduced mean pain VAS substantially more than placebo.
Drug class
TNF inhibitor
Dosing
Loading: 5-10 mg/kg intravenously at weeks 0, 2 and 6. Maintenance: every 4 to 8 weeks thereafter.
Monitoring
Baseline: TB screening, hepatitis B panel, hepatitis C antibody, HIV screen, CBC, hepatic profile. On treatment: annual TB screening, monitoring for active TB and serious infection, HBV reactivation monitoring, and evaluation for hepatic injury with discontinuation if jaundice or LFTs reach five times the upper limit of normal.
Boxed warning
Serious infections: fatal and serious infections including TB, bacterial sepsis, invasive fungal and opportunistic infections. Malignancy: lymphoma and other malignancies, some fatal; hepatosplenic T-cell lymphoma reported in pediatric and young adult patients with IBD on TNF blockers plus immunosuppressants.
Adverse effects
Serious infections, malignancy, acute and delayed infusion reactions, hepatotoxicity, lupus-like syndrome, worsening heart failure.
Evidence trail
References 80-89
Supplemental Tables 35-36
Strong Moderate certainty
For patients with moderate to severe HS, we recommend secukinumab.
Population
Moderate to severe HS
Evidence summary
Two RCTs in 724 participants. At week 16, HiSCR-50 favored secukinumab on both dosing schedules (RR 1.35). Pain reduction of 30% or more and DLQI improvement of five points or more were both more common than placebo. HiSCR-50 was maintained at week 52 in 76-81% of week-16 responders.
Drug class
IL-17A inhibitor
Dosing
Adults, loading: 300 mg subcutaneously weekly at weeks 0, 1, 2, 3 and 4. Maintenance: 300 mg every 4 weeks, may escalate to every 2 weeks for adequate response. Adolescents 12 years and older: 150 mg (30 to under 90 kg) or 300 mg (90 kg or more) on the same schedule.
Monitoring
Baseline: TB screening (TST or IGRA) with chest radiograph, CBC, hepatic profile. On treatment: annual TB screening and monitoring for active TB and serious infection.
Adverse effects
Upper respiratory infection, nasopharyngitis, oral and esophageal candidiasis, headache, fungal infections, hypersensitivity, serious infections, new or worsening IBD, new or worsening severe eczema.
Evidence trail
References 90
Supplemental Tables 37-39
Conditional Very Low certainty
For patients with HS, we conditionally recommend against etanercept.
Population
Moderate to severe HS
Evidence summary
One RCT in 17 participants reported no difference in physician global assessment or pain at weeks 12 and 24. Three open-label trials in 31 participants showed improvement but were prone to substantial risk of bias.
Evidence trail
References 92-96
Supplemental Tables 40-41
Conditional Low certainty
For patients with HS, we conditionally recommend against guselkumab.
Population
Moderate to severe HS
Evidence summary
One RCT in 121 participants comparing two dosing regimens with placebo reported no significant difference in HiSCR-50 or in reducing DLQI to 0 or 1 at 16 weeks.
Evidence trail
References 97
Supplemental Table 42
Conditional Low certainty
For patients with HS, we conditionally recommend against risankizumab.
Population
Moderate to severe HS
Evidence summary
One RCT in 243 participants showed no significant difference in HiSCR-50 or DLQI at 16 weeks. Response may be more common in male patients and in subgroups with higher serum testosterone, lower FSH and insulin resistance.
Evidence trail
References 98
Supplemental Table 43
Conditional Low certainty
For patients with HS, we conditionally recommend against vilobelimab.
Population
All HS
Evidence summary
A five-arm RCT in 177 participants showed no significant difference in HiSCR-50 at week 16. Secondary endpoints of flare count and DLQI improved, without differences in modified Sartorius or global assessment scores.
Evidence trail
References 100
Supplemental Table 44
Conditional Low certainty
For patients with moderate to severe HS, we conditionally recommend upadacitinib.
Population
Moderate to severe HS
Evidence summary
One RCT in 68 patients. HiSCR-50 and 30% pain reduction were reached in more patients than historical controls but did not differ from the in-trial placebo group. An ongoing phase 3 trial will inform efficacy, safety and potential on-label access.
Drug class
JAK1 inhibitor
Dosing
Adults and adolescents 12 to 64 years: 30 mg by mouth daily. Adults 65 and older: 15 mg by mouth daily.
Monitoring
Baseline: TB screening with chest radiograph, CBC (do not start if ANC under 1,000, ALC under 500, or hemoglobin under 8), hepatic profile, fasting lipids, viral hepatitis screening. On treatment: fasting lipids at 12 weeks then per hyperlipidemia guidelines; CBC and hepatic function as clinically indicated.
Boxed warning
Serious infections, higher all-cause mortality including sudden cardiovascular death versus TNF inhibitors, malignancy, major adverse cardiovascular events, thrombosis.
Adverse effects
Headache, dizziness, urinary tract infection, serious infections, malignancy, MACE, thrombosis.
Evidence trail
References 115
Supplemental Table 50
Conditional Very Low certainty
For patients with moderate to severe HS, we conditionally recommend short-term systemic corticosteroids.
Population
Moderate to severe HS
Evidence summary
Three case series in 73 patients. A prednisone taper combined with amoxicillin-clavulanate improved patient impression of severity, pain and DLQI by day 14. Duration should be limited to minimize the risks of long-term corticosteroid use.
Drug class
Systemic corticosteroid
Dosing
Prednisone 40-60 mg by mouth daily with a taper over 1 to 2 weeks.
Monitoring
Blood glucose monitoring, especially in patients with diabetes or prediabetes. No additional routine laboratory monitoring required per FDA label for a short-term taper.
Adverse effects
Hyperglycemia and new-onset diabetes, hypertension, cataracts and glaucoma, osteoporosis with long-term use, serious infections, adrenal suppression.
Evidence trail
References 116-118
Supplemental Table 51
Conditional Very Low certainty
For patients with HS, we conditionally recommend against methotrexate as active therapy. Remark: methotrexate may be used to prevent or manage anti-drug antibodies in patients receiving TNF inhibitors.
Population
All HS
Evidence summary
One case series of 15 patients using methotrexate as primary therapy showed nonsignificant reductions in HS-PGA and lesion counts, and no change in disease activity when added to concomitant biologic therapy.
Evidence trail
References 119
Supplemental Table 52
Conditional Very Low certainty
For patients with HS, we conditionally recommend against azathioprine as active therapy. Remark: azathioprine may be used to prevent or manage anti-drug antibodies in patients receiving TNF inhibitors.
Population
All HS
Evidence summary
Two case series showed inconsistent results in 20 patients on monotherapy. Potential adverse effects include bone marrow suppression, opportunistic infection, hypersensitivity, lymphoma and skin cancer.
Evidence trail
References 122, 123
Supplemental Table 53
Conditional Low certainty
For patients with HS, we conditionally recommend against avacopan.
Population
All HS
Evidence summary
One RCT in 264 participants reported no difference in HiSCR-50 or 30% pain reduction versus placebo at week 12. Fewer adverse and serious adverse events were reported than with placebo.
Evidence trail
References 126
Supplemental Tables 54-55
Conditional Very Low certainty
For patients with HS, we conditionally recommend deroofing to treat recurrent or persistently symptomatic lesions.
Population
Recurrent or persistently symptomatic lesions
Evidence summary
Nine cohort studies and case series in 899 patients. HiSCR-50 was reached in 90% in a prospective cohort of 79 patients. Mean healing time ranged from 4.4 to 10.9 weeks; recurrence of 10-33% was comparable to surgical excision. Complications were uncommon at 1-2%.
Evidence trail
References 136-144
Supplemental Table 62
Conditional Very Low certainty
For patients with HS, we conditionally recommend incision and drainage to treat acutely painful abscesses.
Population
Acutely painful abscesses
Evidence summary
Three case series in 256 patients. Viewed positively by patients and led to complete resolution in 26% of cases, but failed to improve HS in 66%. Recurrence is higher than with excision or deroofing.
Evidence trail
References 143, 145, 146
Supplemental Table 63
Conditional Very Low certainty
For patients with HS with persistent or recurrent symptomatic lesions, we conditionally recommend lesional or regional excision.
Population
Persistent or recurrent symptomatic lesions
Evidence summary
Evidence spans local excision, CO2 laser excision and vaporization, wide excision and radical excision across dozens of case series and cohort studies including more than 2,400 patients. Procedures are described by anatomic extent and completeness.
Evidence trail
References 142, 148-205, 207-210
Supplemental Tables 64-69
Conditional Very Low certainty
For patients with HS, we conditionally recommend laser hair removal.
Population
All HS
Evidence summary
One RCT of 755-nm alexandrite laser found HiSCR-50 at 24 weeks more often with four monthly sessions (RR 2.25; 95% CI 1.22-4.15). A non-randomized adjunctive trial found HiSCR-50 at 30 weeks more often with five sessions (RR 3.50; 1.39-8.80), with fewer flares and lower DLQI. Mean pain during treatment was 6.0 on the NRS.
Evidence trail
References 211-215
Supplemental Tables 70-73
Conditional Very Low certainty
For patients with HS, we conditionally recommend botulinum toxin.
Population
Axillary HS
Evidence summary
One RCT of intradermal botulinum toxin type B showed reductions in pain VAS and DLQI at three months, without significant differences in inflammatory nodules or total lesion count. An eight-patient case series of type A showed pain reduction.
Evidence trail
References 216, 217
Supplemental Tables 74-75
Conditional Very Low certainty
For patients with HS, we conditionally recommend intralesional triamcinolone acetonide to treat acutely painful lesions.
Population
Acutely painful lesions
Evidence summary
One RCT showed no difference in pain or time to resolution versus placebo, while nine cohort studies and case series showed decreases in HS severity, HS-PGA, pain, pruritus and DLQI from 30 days to 12 weeks, along with reduced sinus tract fibrosis.
Evidence trail
References 218-227
Supplemental Tables 76-77
Conditional Very Low certainty
For patients with HS on systemic antibiotic therapy, we conditionally recommend adjunctive hyperbaric oxygen therapy.
Population
Patients on systemic antibiotic therapy
Evidence summary
One RCT in 43 patients on clindamycin and rifampicin. Adjunctive HBOT increased the proportion with a 50% or greater decrease in HS Severity Index and DLQI at weeks 4 and 10. Cost, travel, time burden and limited geographic access to hyperbaric centers may limit use.
Evidence trail
References 228
Supplemental Table 24
Good Practice Statement
For pediatric and adolescent patients with HS, we recommend against radiotherapy for the management of HS.
Population
Pediatric and adolescent patients
Evidence summary
Direct evidence in children is sparse, but radiotherapy carries well-established long-term risks in children and adolescents including malignancy, infertility, tissue fibrosis, growth abnormalities and endocrine dysfunction, and safer pediatric options exist.
Evidence trail
Supplemental Table 78
Good Practice Statement
Clinicians should routinely ask patients with HS about pain as part of clinical assessment.
Population
All HS
Evidence summary
Pain is common and often severe, with 61% of patients reporting moderate to severe pain, yet stigma may limit disclosure. Validated severity tools include the Numeric Rating Scale, Visual Analog Scale and Wong-Baker FACES. Severity and impact can be assessed together with the Brief Pain Inventory; chronic pain with the Graded Chronic Pain Scale Revised; pain character with painDETECT, the Central Sensitization Inventory and the McGill Pain Questionnaire.
Conditional Very Low certainty
For patients with HS, we conditionally recommend supportive pain management in combination with disease-directed therapy. Remark: Clinicians may consider HS pain chronicity, character, and severity when selecting analgesics for pain.
Population
All HS
Evidence summary
HS therapies reduce pain but rarely achieve adequate relief, and undertreated pain leads to preventable suffering, emergency visits, unsafe self-care and disengagement from treatment. Acute pain may be managed with compresses, topical lidocaine, acetaminophen, NSAIDs, intralesional triamcinolone, incision and drainage, short-term steroids, and opioids only if refractory. Chronic pain may be managed with SNRIs, tricyclics, gabapentin, pregabalin, psychotherapy and wound care optimization.
Evidence trail
References 262, 283
Supplemental Tables 97-98
Conditional Very Low certainty
For patients with HS, we conditionally recommend tobacco cessation to improve response to disease-directed therapies.
Population
Patients who use tobacco
Evidence summary
Fourteen cohort studies and case series plus one survey of 140 patients. Tobacco use was associated with poorer response to systemic antibiotics and secukinumab and lower rates of remission. Clinicians should follow USPSTF guidance to screen all adults, advise cessation and offer behavioral and pharmacologic support.
Evidence trail
References 286-300
Supplemental Table 99
Conditional Very Low certainty
For patients with HS, we conditionally recommend adjunctive oral zinc supplement under clinician guidance.
Population
Under clinician guidance
Evidence summary
Zinc gluconate 90 mg daily produced partial and complete responses in 64% and 36% at six months in a 22-patient pilot. Combinations with topical triclosan or nicotinamide lowered severity scores, pain and flare counts. 90 mg daily far exceeds the recommended dietary allowance, so monitor for interactions and zinc toxicity, and consider copper co-supplementation.
Evidence trail
References 322-324
Supplemental Table 107
Conditional Very Low certainty
For patients with HS and vitamin D deficiency or insufficiency, we conditionally recommend vitamin D repletion under clinician guidance.
Population
Patients with vitamin D insufficiency or deficiency
Evidence summary
Sartorius score reduction at six months was shown in 75% of 36 patients receiving oral repletion at 25,000-50,000 IU monthly. A 14-patient pilot showed mean nodule count down 51% at six months with no adverse events. Monitor serum 25-OH vitamin D to guide dosing and duration.
Evidence trail
References 325, 326
Supplemental Table 108