The window of opportunity for early intervention can be critical^4,5

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 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.^1,9-11

Multidisciplinary care While dermatology providers have a key role in treating HS, they may need to partner with other providers and specialists to deliver comprehensive care as part of a patient's ongoing treatment9	Current treatments Today's treatment options encompass several approaches, including lifestyle modifications, topicals, and surgery. Treatments should be individualized according to a patient's needs1,10

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.⁹

See how different specialties can play a role. Click each to learn more.
Dermatology	Primary Care	Mental Heath
Surgery	OB-GYN	Pain Management
Not actual healthcare providers

HS is an immune-mediated disease involving both innate and adaptive immune systems^3,14,15

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.^3,15

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.^15-17

2. Follicular hyperkeratosis results in occlusion, which perpetuates the inflammatory response.^3,14-16,18

3. The dilated follicle ruptures and manifests as an inflammatory lesion.^3,15,16

4. A chronic inflammatory state results in the formation of tunnels and fibrotic scarring.^3,14-16,19

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

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.²¹

Hear from your peers about managing and treating HS

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.