Update on Hormonal Therapy in Hidradenitis Suppurativa

The review discusses the role of hormonal therapies in treating Hidradenitis Suppurativa (HS), a chronic inflammatory skin disorder. It highlights the use of finasteride, cyproterone acetate, spironolactone, oral contraceptive pills, and metformin. Finasteride, a type II 5α-reductase inhibitor, has shown promise in small case series, including a study of 7 patients where it reduced inflammatory lesions and prevented new ones. Another series involving children aged 6-11 also reported improvements without side effects. The review suggests that hormonal therapies, particularly antiandrogens, can be effective in managing HS, though more extensive studies are needed to determine optimal treatment durations and long-term efficacy.