Botulinum Toxin for Hidradenitis Suppurativa? Early Evidence Looks Promising
Hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) remains a challenging and often painful condition—one that disproportionately affects women, people of color, and underserved populations. With limited treatment options and persistent quality-of-life impacts, many patients are left searching for relief.
Pulling this article from the archives, this 2022 JDD review analyzed the small but growing body of evidence on using botulinum toxin for HS. Across seven studies, nearly 97% of patients treated with botulinum toxin reported either clinical improvement or enhanced quality of life. While the level of evidence is currently moderate, the results are encouraging.
Botulinum toxin appears to be a safe and potentially effective alternative for patients who don’t respond to standard therapies. Given the disproportionate burden of HS on marginalized populations, dermatologists have an opportunity—and a responsibility—to pursue more high-quality research that could expand access to meaningful, evidence-based care.
Now is the time to take a closer look at botulinum toxin’s role in the HS treatment toolbox.
Blog write-up assisted by AI
