Dual IL-17A/F Blockade for Acrodermatitis Continua of Hallopeau: A Clinical Response to Bimekizumab

February 2026 | Volume 25 | Issue 2 | 9417 | Copyright © February 2026


Published online January 15, 2026

Bradley Boman DOa, Andy Rackham PA-Cb, David Cotter MD PhDc

aSouthern Hills Hospital and Medical Center, Las Vegas, NV
bAcademic Dermatology of Nevada, Henderson, NV
cLas Vegas Dermatology, Las Vegas, NV

Abstract
Acrodermatitis continua of Hallopeau (ACH) is a rare, localized variant of pustular psoriasis that primarily affects the distal digits and nail apparatus, often presenting with recurrent pustules, nail dystrophy, and significant functional impairment. Due to its rarity and chronic relapsing course, ACH is notoriously difficult to treat, and standardized treatment guidelines are lacking. We present the case of a 67-year-old male with ACH who failed multiple therapies, including corticosteroids, topical tapinarof, and oral deucravacitinib, before achieving rapid and sustained improvement with bimekizumab, a monoclonal antibody targeting interleukin-17A and IL-17F. Within one month of initiating bimekizumab, the patient experienced marked clinical improvement in both skin lesions and joint pain, with continued progress allowing him to return to work. This case highlights the potential utility of dual IL-17A/F inhibition in neutrophil-dominant pustular conditions such as ACH. As more case reports document favorable outcomes, bimekizumab may emerge as a valuable treatment option for patients with refractory ACH, offering targeted cytokine blockade in a condition with few effective therapies.

 

INTRODUCTION

Acrodermatitis continua of Hallopeau (ACH) is a rare, localized variant of pustular psoriasis. Fewer than 200 cases have been reported in the literature. It is characterized by recurrent, tender, sterile pustules with underlying erythema affecting the distal digits, typically with consistent involvement of the nail apparatus.1 Complications can include onychodystrophy leading to anonychia, as well as osteolysis of the distal phalanges.1 The condition follows a chronic, relapsing course and is often recalcitrant to conventional therapy. Management is particularly challenging due to the lack of standardized treatment guidelines, largely stemming from the rarity of ACH. While several case reports have demonstrated success with therapies commonly used in plaque psoriasis,1 an increasing number of cases have reported promising responses to bimekizumab.2-4 Here, we present a case of a 67-year-old male with ACH who responded to bimekizumab after failing treatment with deucravacitinib. This case adds to the growing body of evidence supporting bimekizumab,a dual IL-17A and IL-17F inhibitor, as a therapeutic option for ACH.

CASE PRESENTATION

A 67-year-old male presented in 2024 with a several-month history of pain, inflammation, and a rash involving the distal digits of both hands and his left foot. He reported progressive difficulty performing manual work as a motorcycle mechanic due to swelling and joint discomfort localized to the fingertips. Initial treatment with doxycycline, mupirocin, and oral terbinafine was ineffective.

His past medical history was significant for type 2 diabetes mellitus and hypertension. Current medications included dapagliflozin, pantoprazole, lisinopril, and extended-release saxagliptin/metformin.

On physical examination, several fingers and the lateral toes of the left foot exhibited erythematous, scaling plaques with nail dystrophy and subungual pustules. Nail involvement was prominent, with multiple fingernails and the lateral two toenails of the left foot affected.

A shave biopsy of an active lesion on his left index finger was performed, and laboratory testing, including a comprehensive