Absence of Efficacy of Oral Isotretinoin in Hidradenitis Suppurativa: A Retrospective Study Based on Patients’ Outcome Assessment

Abstract

BACKGROUND: In analogy to acne, oral isotretinoin has been considered in the treatment of hidradenitis suppurativa (HS). OBJECTIVES: To assess the efficacy of oral isotretinoin according to patients. METHODS: From 1999 to 2006, 358 consecutive HS patients were interviewed and examined. A standardized record of the data was performed for each patient during the first consultation. Patients were questioned regarding the effect of previous treatment with oral isotretinoin: patients had to grade the effect as either 'improved', 'no effect' or 'worse'. RESULTS: Fourteen patients (16.1%) declared an improvement, 67 patients (77%) no effect and 6 patients (6.9%) worsening of HS. CONCLUSION: According to our patients, oral isotretinoin is not effective in the treatment of HS.