hs treatment hs treatment

Treatment

Patient portrayal

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

Early treatment*

may improve
outcomes4,5,8

Reversible lesions: inflammatory nodules Reversible lesions: abscesses

Reversible lesions: inflammatory nodules and abscesses5,9

Delayed treatment*

permanent tissue
destruction3,4

Irreversible lesions: tunnels and scarring Irreversible lesions: tunnels and scarring

Irreversible lesions: tunnels and scarring3,6

*The images above serve as a depiction of early vs delayed treatment of HS and do not represent actual results.

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

Multidisciplinary Care

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 treatment10

Current Treatments

Current treatments

Today's treatment options encompass several approaches, including lifestyle modifications, topicals, and surgery. Treatments should be individualized according to a patient's needs1,11

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.

Not actual healthcare providers

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. You can find some HS support groups here.

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

Genetic and environmental
                        factors trigger perifollicular
                        inflammation and lymphocyte
                        infiltration.

Figure adapted from Saunte and Jemec 2017; Vossen 2018; Goldburg 2020; Fletcher 2020; and Sabat et al 2020.

Genetic and environmental
                            factors trigger perifollicular
                            inflammation and lymphocyte
                            infiltration.

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.

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

Educate About Systemic Nature

Educate about the systemic nature of HS and help patients understand it is not their fault3,23

Build Trust

Build trust with meaningful and empathetic conversations during each appointment10

Understand Each Patients' Concerns

Consider the impact on caregivers when developing a patient's treatment plan22

Assure Patients Not Alone

Assure patients they are not alone and provide information about HS support groups and other resources10

Over 70% of patients were already exhibiting moderate or severe disease when first diagnosed.

Help shine a light on HS
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Hear from your peers about managing and treating HS

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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.

Illuminate the facts about hidradenitis suppurativa

The following questions can serve as helpful reminders about HS. Swipe or click on the correct answers.

HS can be effectively cured with current treatment modalities.12

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True

SO CLOSE. Keep going

NEXT
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False

CORRECT. Keep it up

NEXT

Which of the following are HS treatment options?1,11

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Topical corticosteroids and angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors

SO CLOSE. Keep going

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Immunosuppressants and dietary supplements

SO CLOSE. Keep going

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Systemic antibiotics, deroofing, and immunomodulator therapy

CORRECT. Keep it up

NEXT

What percentage of people may exhibit moderate or severe HS when first diagnosed?24

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Over 70%

CORRECT. Keep it up

NEXT
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Over 50%

SO CLOSE. Keep going

NEXT
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Less than 10% because HS is rare

SO CLOSE. Keep going

NEXT

SO CLOSE

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Find Care

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dermatology provider using the care locator

Need Support?

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and your patients

References: 1. Alikhan A et al. J Am Acad Dermatol. 2019;81(1):76-90. 2. Phan K et al. Ann Transl Med. 2020;8(13):821. 3. Sabat R et al. Nat Rev Dis Primers. 2020;6(1):18. 4. Shih T et al. Am J Clin Dermatol. 2022;23(6):749-753. 5. Martorell A et al. Actas Dermosifiliogr. 2016;107(suppl 2):32-42. 6. Martorell A et al. Dermatol Surg. 2019;45(1):1237-1244. 7. Tricario PM et al. Sci Rep. 2022;12(1):8415. 8. Paek SY et al. J Am Acad Dermatol. 2017;76(4):772-773. 9. Margesson LJ et al. Best Pract Res Clin Obstet Gynaecol. 2014;28(7):1013-1027. 10. Collier EK et al. Int J Dermatol. 2020;59(6):744-747. 11. Alikhan A et al. J Am Acad Dermatol. 2019;81(1):91-101. 12. Deckers IE et al. Curr Derm Rep. 2014;3(1):54-60. 13. Kimball AB et al, eds. Hidradenitis Suppurativa: A Disease Primer. Adis; 2017. 14. Kokolakis G et al. Dermatology. 2020;236(5):421-430. 15. Vossen ARJV et al. Front Immunol. 2018;9:2965. 16. Fletcher JM et al. Clin Exper Immunol. 2020;201(2):121-134. 17. Wolk K et al. Br J Dermatol. 2020;183(6):999-1010. 18. Saunte DML et al. JAMA. 2017;318(20):2019-2032. 19. Goldburg SR et al. J Am Acad Dermatol. 2020;82(5):1045-1058. 20. Navrazhina K et al. J Allergy Clin Dermatol. 2021;147(6):2213. 21. Koch D et al. Lasers Med Sci. 2013;30(1):453-467. 22. Basra MK et al. Br J Dermatol. 2007;156(5):929-937. 23. Ather S et al. Int Wound J. 2006;3(3):159-169. 24. Ingram JR et al. J Eur Acad Dermatol Venereol. 2022;36(9):1597-1605.

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