Treatment is tailored for each individual. In general terms, hidradenitis suppurativa in its early stages is usually treated with topical medication, whereas when it’s more long-standing and severe, it may benefit from both medication and surgery, especially if multiple sites are affected. Your clinician will recommend what treatment options are best for you based on your medical history, age, preference or what other conditions you might have.
For a sudden flare of hidradenitis suppurativa the following alternatives to Dalacin T are available:
• Painkillers, such as non-steroidal anti-inflammatories (NSAIDs), can help with the pain and swelling.
• An oral course of antibiotics may be needed if there is any evidence of infection.
• Surgical treatment to lance the boil and drain the pus either on small areas of inflammation, or wider procedures to remove all the affected tissue.
• A steroid injection into the boil.
Alternative treatment options to prevent flares of hidradenitis suppurativa include:
- Antibacterial washes to reduce bacterial spread. Patients are frequently prescribed an antiseptic such as 4% chlorhexidine wash.
- Antibiotic pills taken for several months to suppress flare-ups. These include trimethoprim, tetracycline, doxycycline and lymecycline.
- Retinoids like acitretin to unblock hair follicles.With acitretin, however, you should be aware that women who have taken it should avoid pregnancy for three years after stopping the medication.
- Anti-androgens like spironolactone or as part of a contraceptive pill, for women experiencing hormonal flares.
- Anti-diabetic medications like metformin for people who have prediabetes, diabetes, polycystic ovarian syndrome or are pregnant.
- Tablets to weaken your immune system, such as dapsone and ciclosporin.
- Immunosuppressive injections designed to suppress your immune system like adalimumab and infliximab as last resort options.
Our clinician may also recommend some self care measures that can help you manage your condition better:
- losing weight and stopping smoking
- using antiseptic soaps or bath additives when washing your body
- avoiding tight clothing
- stress management