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Hidradenitis Suppurativa (HS)

Hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) is a chronic inflammatory skin disease causing painful nodules, abscesses, and tunneling wounds in skin folds — armpits, groin, buttocks, and under the breasts. One of medicine's most underdiagnosed conditions: most patients wait 7–10 years for a correct diagnosis. Multiple new biologics are now FDA-approved.

📊 HS affects 1–4% of the population — up to 12 million Americans — but is one of medicine's most underdiagnosed chronic conditions. Average diagnostic delay is 7+ years.
hidradenitis suppurativa HS inversa acne boils armpits skin tunnels Humira HS
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👥 ~12 million in US · Patients in US
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🏥 Dermatology · Specialty
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💊 3 available · FDA-approved drugs

FDA-Approved Treatments

Current approved therapies — what they are, who makes them, and what to ask your doctor.

Bimzelx
bimekizumab · UCB
IL-17A/F Inhibitor (biologic)

Approved October 2023 for moderate-to-severe HS. Dual IL-17A/F inhibitor. ~48–54% achieving IHS4-55 response at week 16 — outperforming adalimumab in head-to-head data.

💰 ~$95,000/year list Subcutaneous injection ✓ Patient Assist
Cosentyx
secukinumab · Novartis
IL-17A Inhibitor (biologic)

Approved for moderate-to-severe HS (2023). Monthly dosing after loading. ~45% achieving IHS4-55 at 16 weeks.

💰 ~$85,000/year list Subcutaneous injection ✓ Patient Assist
Humira
adalimumab · AbbVie
TNF Inhibitor (biologic)

First FDA-approved biologic for HS (2015). ~50–60% achieve HiSCR at 12 weeks. Multiple biosimilars now available.

💰 Biosimilars now available at lower cost Subcutaneous injection ✓ Patient Assist

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📋 Newly Diagnosed Guide

Diagnosed with HS? Here's what the first year should look like.

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1. Find an HS-experienced dermatologist — this is critical

Look for a dermatologist who is a member of the HS Foundation (hs-foundation.org) or lists HS as a subspecialty. Academic centers with dedicated HS clinics provide the most comprehensive care.

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2. Don't settle for antibiotics alone for Stage 2/3

Ask specifically about adalimumab (Humira or biosimilar), Bimzelx, or Cosentyx. These are FDA-approved specifically for HS and have much stronger evidence than antibiotic monotherapy.

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3. Understand the role of surgery

Surgery is underused and often curative for localized Stage 2–3 HS. De-roofing tunnels eliminates affected follicular structures. Surgery + biologic maintenance is the gold standard for advanced disease.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Real questions from patients and caregivers — answered in plain English.