Emerging Topical Therapies and Skin Care Management for Hidradenitis Suppurativa

Hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) is a painful, chronic inflammatory condition that forms recurring nodules and abscesses in skin folds, leading to severe scarring. While the exact pathogenesis is still being determined, it is thought to involve follicular occlusion and rupture, driven by multifactorial influences such as genetics, environment, hormones, microbiome, and immune dysregulation. The complex nature of this disease entails complicated management and has led to the development of various therapies targeting these different factors. While moderate-to-severe HS has seen growing therapeutic options in recent years, mild early-stage forms of the disease lack any approved treatments. This review examines the most recent developments in topical therapies specifically for mild HS, along with advancements in daily HS skin care and post de-roofing wound management. These emerging therapies offer the potential for more effective, personalized care to reduce the disease burden for patients living with HS.