Randomized control trial for the treatment of hidradenitis suppurativa with a neodymium-doped yttrium aluminium garnet laser.

BACKGROUND: Hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) is a chronic suppurative condition for which there is limited efficacy of medical and surgical treatments.

OBJECTIVE: To assess whether the 1,064-nm neodymium-doped yttrium aluminium garnet (Nd:YAG) laser is an effective treatment for HS.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: Prospective, randomized, controlled study for patients with stage II to III HS disease (n=22). A series of 3 monthly laser sessions were performed. Treatment response was measured before each laser session and 1 month after the completion of laser treatment (HS Lesion, Area, and Severity Index (HS-LASI) scale). A modification was made to include symptoms (erythema, edema, pain, and purulent discharge; modified HS-LASI, 0-3 scale).

RESULTS: The percentage change in HS severity after 3 months of treatment was -65.3% over all anatomic sites, -73.4% inguinal, -62.0% axillary, and -53.1% inframammary. For all anatomic sites combined and each individual anatomic site, the change in HS severity from baseline to month 3 was statistically significant at the treated sites (p<.02 for modified HS-LASI and HS-LASI) but not at the control sites (p>.05 for modified HS-LASI and HS-LASI).

CONCLUSIONS: The long-pulse Nd:YAG laser is effective for treatment of HS. The effectiveness of Nd:YAG laser, a hair epilation device, supports the primary follicular pathogenesis of the condition.