F. Pouget

BACKGROUND: Antibiotics are frequently used to treat hidradenitis suppurativa (HS); however, few data on their efficacy are available. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the efficacy of a combination of systemic clindamycin (300 mg twice daily) and rifampicin (600 mg daily) in the treatment of patients with severe HS. METHODS: Patients (n = 116) who received this combination were studied retrospectively. The main outcome measure was the severity of the disease, assessed by the Sartorius score, before and after 10 weeks of treatment. RESULTS: The Sartorius score dramatically improved at the end of treatment (median = 29, interquartile range = 14.5, vs. median = 14.5, interquartile range = 11; p < 0.001), as did other parameters of severity as well as the quality of life score. Eight patients (6.9%) stopped the treatment because of side effects. CONCLUSION: The combination of clindamycin and rifampicin is effective in the treatment of severe HS.

&lt;i&gt;Background:&lt;/i&gt; In analogy to acne, oral isotretinoin has been considered in the treatment of hidradenitis suppurativa (HS). &lt;i&gt;Objectives:&lt;/i&gt; To assess the efficacy of oral isotretinoin according to patients. &lt;i&gt;Methods:&lt;/i&gt; From 1999 to 2006, 358 consecutive HS patients were interviewed and examined. A standardized record of the data was performed for each patient during the first consultation. Patients were questioned regarding the effect of previous treatment with oral isotretinoin: patients had to grade the effect as either ‘improved’, ‘no effect’ or ‘worse’. &lt;i&gt;Results:&lt;/i&gt; Fourteen patients (16.1%) declared an improvement, 67 patients (77%) no effect and 6 patients (6.9%) worsening of HS. &lt;i&gt;Conclusion:&lt;/i&gt; According to our patients, oral isotretinoin is not effective in the treatment of HS.