Hidradenitis suppurativa and zinc: a new therapeutic approach. A pilot study.
BACKGROUND
Hidradenitis suppurativa (Verneuil's disease) is a chronic suppurative dermatosis involving apocrine glands with a severe impact on the quality of life, which is enhanced by the fact that the drugs usually prescribed are poorly effective.


OBJECTIVE
We discuss a new therapeutic approach based on zinc salts.


METHODS
We performed a pilot study on 22 patients, mainly from grade I or II in Hurley's classification. All included patients had previously been prescribed a treatment (antibiotic, isotretinoin, surgery or anti-androgens), which was inefficient. They were then treated with 90 mg of zinc gluconate per day (15 mg zinc per Rubozinc capsule).


RESULTS
We observed a clinical response in all patients, with 8 complete remissions (CR) and 14 partial remissions (PR). When CR was obtained, the treatment was progressively decreased (average of 3.5 capsules/day); 4/22 patients experienced side-effects, mainly gastro-intestinal.


CONCLUSIONS
Zinc salts could provide a new therapeutic alternative for the treatment of hidradenitis suppurativa.
Brocard
Anabelle
A
Department of Dermatology, INSERM U601, CHU Hôtel-Dieu, Nantes, France.
Knol
Anne-Chantal
AC
Khammari
Amir
A
Dréno
Brigitte
B
D000284:Administration, Oral; D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D005260:Female; D005942:Gluconates / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D017497:Hidradenitis Suppurativa / Q000188:drug therapy*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010865:Pilot Projects; D014131:Trace Elements / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use*
D005942:Gluconates; D014131:Trace Elements; C030691:gluconic acid