| Methods |
This was a 2‐arm, parallel group RCT lasting 12 weeks. The number of participants randomised to each intervention was not stated |
| Participants |
The trial included 30 participants with a clinical diagnosis of HS and disease onset more than 6 months prior to study entry |
| Interventions |
2 groups, randomised in a 1:1 ratio:
vehicle solution of isopropanol 80%, propylene glycol 10%, and water 10% (frequency of application not specified) ‐ 14 participants reached the end of the study clindamycin 1% solution (frequency of application not specified) ‐ 13 participants reached the end of the study
|
| Outcomes |
Participant global assessment based on participant diary at weeks 4, 8, and 12 Composite scale composed of participant global assessment and the difference in number of inflammatory nodules, abscesses, and pustules at weeks 4, 8, and 12 |
| Notes |
We were unable to contact the study authors to clarify the frequency of application of interventions. There was no declaration regarding study sponsorship |
| Risk of bias |
| Bias |
Authors' judgement |
Support for judgement |
| Random sequence generation (selection bias) |
Unclear risk |
The paper provided no details except that stratification was by baseline disease severity |
| Allocation concealment (selection bias) |
Unclear risk |
The paper provided no details |
| Blinding of participants and personnel (performance bias)
All outcomes |
Low risk |
A vehicle placebo was used, which was identical in physical characteristics to the active intervention, and there were similar reports of local irritancy in both groups |
| Blinding of outcome assessment (detection bias)
All outcomes |
Low risk |
The paper provided no specific details, but the vehicle placebo should have been sufficient |
| Incomplete outcome data (attrition bias)
All outcomes |
Low risk |
There was no intention‐to‐treat analysis, but only a 10% dropout rate due to loss to follow up |
| Selective reporting (reporting bias) |
Unclear risk |
There was no mention of prospective registration. (The trial was conducted prior to databases being available) |
| Other bias |
Low risk |
We found no other significant bias |
