Using Biologics to treat Hidradenitis Suppurativa

While there is no cure for the chronic skin condition called Hidradenitis suppurativa, there are options to help with the management of the symptoms. This tends to be a combination of antibiotics, pain relief, wound treatment, along with lifestyle changes like moving towards eating a healthier Hidradenitis suppurativa diet. Another option when it comes to treatment with drugs is the use of Biologics. These can help with people who have a more severe stage of HS and have tunnels, lesions and such that are significant and might not be responding well to regular treatments anymore. Here is a closer look at what Biologics are exactly, how they work and who they might apply to. 

Biologics are drugs that are made from living organisms or cells whether from an animal, human or microorganisms. They are designed and used to target various parts of the immune system when it is not working normally and is effective against a number of issues including; 

• Psoriasis

• Atopic dermatitis

• Cancers

• RA

• Crohn's disease

• Diabetes

• MS

• Heart problems

And many more. A health practitioner might administer them via IV infusions or injection and they are one of the most advanced therapies available. For some, alongside a good Hidradenitis suppurativa diet, they can offer some relief and some hope when other therapies are no longer effective.

The drugs that show to be the most effective right now for those with HS are adalimumab or Humira and infliximab or Remicade. Humira was the first Biologic drug treatment that was approved for the treatment of Hidradenitis suppurativa. In the immune system, there is a protein called tumor necrosis factor and that is what starts inflammation. Biologic drugs prevent TNF from over stimulating inflammation. However, these are used only when you are not responding to other treatment options and when the symptoms are severe and have a strong negative impact on your life. In the long term, we need more research on the use of Biologics for treating HS. 

Not everyone is right to use them and that is something to be discussed with your doctor as they do have some strong side effects and they are expensive. Some common side effects include;

• Soreness

• Skin can react at the site of where the injections are administered

• Increased risk of infections 

• Increased risk of Cancer

• Increased risk of Heart problems

• A syndrome that is similar to Lupus

• Spinal column and brain nerve damage

Biologics are not an option available to everyone with HS and that is something mostly your doctor will decide. It is especially important you have a healthy lifestyle, follow a Hidradenitis suppurativa diet, give up smoking, and follow current treatment plans as advised before they would consider it. Talk to them and ask questions about whether you could benefit.

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