New therapeutic approaches in hidradenitis suppurativa

Complex multifactorial pathogenesis of hidradenitis suppurativa eventually results in chronic inflammation of the apocrine gland-bearing areas of the skin. However, the pathogenesis is not fully understood, there are many immune cells and inflammatory pathways of which role is clearly defined in the last years in HS, such as interleukin 1β (IL-1β), tumour necrosis factor alpha (TNFα), IL-17, IL-12 and IL-23. These pathways provide multiple targets for medical treatment. Currently, only adalimumab is licenced in HS, but the numerous ongoing clinical trials promise huge potential therapeutic options in this debilitating disease.