title: Finasteride for the treatment of hidradenitis suppurativa in children and adolescents.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  Hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) is a chronic debilitating cutaneous disease for which there is no universally effective treatment. Patients typically present at puberty with tender subcutaneous nodules that can progress to dermal abscess formation. Antiandrogens have been used in the treatment of HS, and studies have primarily focused on adult patients.
  
  
  METHODS
  We present a case series of 3 pediatric patients with HS who were successfully treated with oral finasteride, resulting in decreased frequency and severity of disease flares with no significant adverse effects.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Finasteride is a therapeutic option that provides benefit for pediatric patients with HS. Further prospective data and randomized controlled studies will provide helpful information in the management of this disease.
authors.affiliation: Hospital for Sick Children, 555 University Ave, Toronto, ON M5G 1X8, Canada. harkamal.randhawa@sickkids.ca
authors.forename: Harkamal Kaur
authors.initials: HK
authors.lastname: Randhawa
authors.forename: Jill
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Hamilton
authors.forename: Elena
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Pope
mesh_terms: D058891:5-alpha Reductase Inhibitors / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D000284:Administration, Oral; D000293:Adolescent; D002648:Child; D005260:Female; D018120:Finasteride / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D017497:Hidradenitis Suppurativa / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000473:pathology; D006801:Humans; D016896:Treatment Outcome
chemical_list: D058891:5-alpha Reductase Inhibitors; D018120:Finasteride