Dermatology

Hidradenitis Suppurativa (HS) Clinic

We are at the forefront of Hidradenitis Suppurativa (HS) therapeutics. Our experienced dermatologists are at the cutting edge of clinical research, providing you will have access to novel and alternative investigational therapy options.

What is HS?

HS is a chronic inflammatory condition that usually affects skin folds. It presents as bumps, cysts and abscesses in the armpits, groin, buttocks, under the breast, and the back of the neck. Lesions come and go, and they can be tender, drain “pus-like” material, scar, and/or create tracts under the skin.

What causes HS?

There are multiple factors that contribute to the development of HS such as genetics and environment. Originally, HS was thought to be caused by bacteria with a defect in the sweat glands, but now understand the problem is with the clogging of the hair follicle causing an inflammatory reaction.

 

 

  • Lifestyle recommendations
    ○ Wear loose-fitting, cotton clothing to reduce rubbing and friction on the skin
    ○ Avoid smoking
    ○ If overweight, weight loss is important
  • Medical treatments
    ○ Antibiotics and antimicrobial agents
    ○ Anti-inflammatory medications
    ○ Biologic systemic therapy
    ○ Anti-hormonal agents
    ○ Lasers and surgery

Clinical Trials

In addition to top clinical care, the HS treatment team at Tufts Medical Center offers the latest treatments in the pipeline through clinical trials. Please contact us at ndonovan1@tuftsmedicalcenter.org or 617-636-7462 to find out more information.

Our department is constantly studying novel therapeutic options for HS. We developed the initial clinical trial [1,2] on secukinumab/Cosentyx (an anti-IL-17A biologic medication) as a therapeutic option for HS. As well, we have published on alternative options such as treatment with guselkumab/Tremfya (an anti-IL-23 biologic medication). [3] We continue to pursue novel treatments to provide the best and most cutting edge care for our patients.

1. Prussick L, Rothstein B, Joshipura D, et al. Open- label, investigator-initiated, single-site exploratory trial evaluating secukinumab, an anti-interleukin-17A monoclonal antibody, for patients with moderate-to-severe hidradenitis suppurativa. Br J Dermatol. 2019;181(3):609-611. DOI: 10.1111/bjd.17822

2. Casseres R, Prussick L, Zancanaro PC, Rothstein B, Joshipura D, Saraiya A, Turkowski Y, Au SC, Alomran A, Abdat R, Abudu M, Kachuk C, Dumont N, Gottlieb AB, Rosmarin D. Secukinumab in the Treatment of Moderate-to-Severe Hidradenitis Suppurativa: Results of an Open-Label Trial. JAAD Jun; 82(6) 1524-1526, 2020. DOI: 10.1016/j.jaad.2020.02.005.

3. Casseres RG. Kahn JS, Her Ms, Rosmarin D. Guselkumab in the treatment of hidradenitis suppurativa: A retrospective chart review. JAAD 2019;81(1):265-267. DOI: 10.1016/j.jaad.2018.12.017

Jeffrey M. Sobell, MD
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Jeffrey M. Sobell, MD

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Title(s): Dermatologist; Associate Professor, Tufts University School of Medicine
Department(s): Dermatology
Appt. Phone: 617-636-0156
Fax #: 617-636-8412

Medical dermatology, psoriasis, phototherapy

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