Hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) has a devastating impact on patients’ lives, and existing treatment options are limited.

The number of HS clinical trials has increased rapidly over the past few years.

Topical treatments under investigation include a Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitor, an aryl hydrocarbon receptor inhibitor, a lytic peptidomimetic, gentian violet, and povodine-iodine.

New systemic treatment pathways are also being studied such as interleukin (IL)-17 inhibition, IL-36 inhibition, Tyrosine kinase inhibition, complement blockade, leukotriene inhibition, glycan targeting, and heat shock protein inhibition.

These therapies herald an exciting period in HS management as options for patients continue to increase, hopefully contributing to improved symptom control and quality of life.