Biologic Therapies in the Treatment of Hidradenitis Suppurativa

Hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) is a chronic, recurring disease of the skin often characterized by painful inflammatory lesions in apocrine gland–rich intertriginous regions of the body. It is a frustrating disease for both the patient and clinician because HS is often refractory to multiple medical and surgical treatment regimens. Recently, biologic therapies have emerged as a new treatment option for HS. This article presents a literature review of the use of biologic agents, particularly anti–tumor necrosis factor-α agents in the treatment of recurrent hidradenitis suppurativa.