Educate about the systemic nature of HS and help patients understand it is not their fault3,23
Timely clinical strategies can light the way forward
The physical and emotional effects of hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) can be vast. Early recognition remains critical. Review some of the clinical strategies that can shed light on better outcomes.1-3
The window of opportunity for early intervention can be critical4,5
Early intervention with systemic treatment can help control inflammatory activity and avoid a destructive disease course.4,6-8 The window of opportunity for intervention with targeted treatment occurs prior to the development of tunnels and fibrotic scarring.4-6
*The images above serve as a depiction of early vs delayed treatment of HS and do not represent actual results.
Images provided by Science Source
The current standard of care
Treatment and management of hidradenitis suppurativa requires a multidisciplinary and individualized approach. While there are no curative treatments, pharmacological approaches and other interventions could help.1,10-12
Roles within a multidisciplinary care team
A multidisciplinary care team is essential throughout a patient's journey. Management strategies should be coordinated by an HS-treating dermatology provider, but a full team can be comprised of numerous specialties depending on a patient's specific needs.10
See how different specialties can play a role. Click each to learn more.
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Additional providers
Additional care may be implemented by other healthcare providers, such as urologists and endocrinologists, among others.10 There are also HS support groups that can help patients and their loved ones navigate the condition.
HS is an immune-mediated disease involving both innate and adaptive immune systems3,15,16
Key cytokines involved include IL-17, TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-23, IL-12, and others. Genetic and environmental factors trigger perifollicular inflammation and lymphocyte infiltration.3,16
Figure adapted from Saunte and Jemec 2017; Vossen 2018; Goldburg 2020; Fletcher 2020; and Sabat et al 2020.
1.Genetic and environmental factors trigger perifollicular inflammation and lymphocyte infiltration.16-18
2.Follicular hyperkeratosis results in occlusion, which perpetuates the inflammatory response.3,15-17,19
3.The dilated follicle ruptures and manifests as an inflammatory lesion.3,16,17
4.A chronic inflammatory state results in the formation of tunnels and fibrotic scarring.3,15-17,20
IFN-γ, interferon gamma; IL, interleukin; TFG-β, transforming growth factor beta; TNF-α, tumor necrosis factor alpha.
Hidradenitis suppurativa treatment options
HS is a systemic condition requiring prompt action to help limit disease progression. Mild cases can often be managed by topical treatments and lifestyle adjustments. Moderate or severe cases may require more. Consider treatment strategies based on the individual.3
HS treatment approaches are not limited only to those listed.
Explore data from one biologic treatment option to see why biologic therapy may be an appropriate treatment regimen for your patients.
Supporting patients and their families throughout treatment
A large part of a patient's HS journey is spent at home and immediate family members often serve as caregivers. Helping patients and their families feel supported outside a care facility is an important aspect of disease management.22
Ways to support
Ways to support
Build trust with meaningful and empathetic conversations during each appointment10
Consider the impact on caregivers when developing a patient's treatment plan22
Assure patients they are not alone and provide information about HS support groups and other resources10
Hear from your peers about managing and treating HS
Experienced HS treaters share insights into treatment and management strategies for patients.
The healthcare providers featured in these videos were compensated for their time. These videos represent their opinions and do not represent the opinions of Novartis.