Long-term results of isotretinoin in the treatment of 68 patients with hidradenitis suppurativa.

BACKGROUND: Oral isotretinoin has been used to treat mild to severe hidradenitis suppurativa (HS).

OBJECTIVE: We reviewed the results of low-dose isotretinoin for 4 to 6 months in the treatment of 68 patients with HS.

METHODS: This is a retrospective study. Data are presented in terms of response rate, long-term follow-up, and the relation between response rate and severity.

RESULTS: In 16 patients (23.5%), the condition completely cleared during initial therapy and 11 patients (16.2%) maintained their improvement during the follow-up period. Treatment was more successful in the milder forms of HS.

CONCLUSION: Monotherapy with isotretinoin for patients with HS usually has a limited therapeutic effect.