Researchers in France have found that weight-loss drugs, particularly GLP-1 medications such as Ozempic and Wegovy, may offer new hope for treating hidradenitis suppurativa (HS), a chronic and painful skin condition. Published in *JAMA Dermatology*, the study highlights the potential of these drugs to reduce inflammation and mechanical friction, key contributors to HS symptoms.
HS, also known as acne inversa, typically manifests as painful lumps under the skin in areas where skin rubs together. The condition often starts post-puberty and before age 40, with women being three times more likely to develop it. While medical and surgical therapies are available, this new research suggests that existing diabetes and weight-loss treatments could provide an additional therapeutic option.
The study assessed 66 patients with HS who were using GLP-1 medications, with an average follow-up of 18.5 months. Over 90% of participants had diabetes, and their average BMI was 39.4. Treatment for HS was initiated for 53% of the patients. After six months, 54% of patients reported a reduction in symptoms, with this number increasing to 67% by the final consultation. Pain levels also decreased, with 60% of participants reporting reduced pain.
Dr. Brendan Camp, a dermatologist at NYU Langone Health, commented on the findings, noting their ‘promising therapeutic signal.’ He emphasized the potential of GLP-1 drugs to reduce mechanical friction and inflammation in susceptible skin areas, which are critical factors in HS. However, Camp also cautioned that the study’s retrospective nature limits its ability to establish causation and stressed the need for randomized trials to confirm efficacy and safety across a broader patient population.
While the study shows promise, it is important to recognize that the majority of participants were obese and diabetic, which may affect the generalizability of the results. Dr. Camp concluded that while off-label use of GLP-1 drugs could offer added benefits for HS, such use should only occur under the supervision of both a dermatologist and a prescribing provider, with careful consideration of cost, side effects, and lack of definitive evidence.
Patients with HS should understand that while the findings are encouraging, the drugs remain investigational for this condition and are not an approved indication. Nonetheless, for those qualifying for GLP-1 treatment for diabetes or obesity, the added potential benefit of HS symptom improvement is significant. As the field continues to explore new treatments, this study may pave the way for more effective, holistic approaches to managing HS and similar inflammatory skin conditions.