title: Combination of oral zinc gluconate and topical triclosan: An anti-inflammatory treatment modality for initial hidradenitis suppurativa.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) is often a therapeutic challenge with relapses and chronicity which can severely impact patients' quality of life.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  To evaluate the efficacy of anti-inflammatory oral zinc gluconate, 90mg/day, combined with topical triclosan, 2% twice daily.
  
  
  METHODS
  We retrospectively evaluated the medical records of HS patients in our HS Center of the Department of Dermatology, Venereology, and Allergology, Ruhr-University Bochum, regarding change of disease severity and quality of life. Secondary outcome measures were the number of nodules and fistulas, the number of boils or flair-ups, and the intensity of pain.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Sixty-six patients in Hurley stage I and II were included. After 3 months of combination therapy, the modified HS Score and the Dermatology Life Quality Index improved significantly (p<0.0001 and p=0.0386, respectively). The number of inflammatory nodules, new boils or flare-ups, and erythema scores decreased significantly. Fistula count and the visual analogue scale score showed no significant difference. Side-effects (mostly abdominal pain and nausea) were reported by 12 (22.2%) patients.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The combination therapy of zinc gluconate and topical triclosan can be considered as an anti-inflammatory treatment for HS patients in Hurley stage I and initial Hurley stage II.
authors.affiliation: Department of Dermatology, Venereology and Allergology, Ruhr-University Bochum, Bochum, Germany.
authors.forename: Schapoor
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Hessam
authors.affiliation: Department of Dermatology, Venereology and Allergology, Ruhr-University Bochum, Bochum, Germany.
authors.forename: Michael
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Sand
authors.affiliation: Department of Dermatology, Venereology and Allergology, Ruhr-University Bochum, Bochum, Germany.
authors.forename: Nina Mareike
authors.initials: NM
authors.lastname: Meier
authors.affiliation: Department of Dermatology, Venereology and Allergology, Ruhr-University Bochum, Bochum, Germany.
authors.forename: Thilo
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Gambichler
authors.affiliation: Department of Dermatology, Venereology and Allergology, Ruhr-University Bochum, Bochum, Germany.
authors.forename: Lisa
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Scholl
authors.affiliation: Department of Dermatology, Venereology and Allergology, Ruhr-University Bochum, Bochum, Germany. Electronic address: f.bechara@klinikum-bochum.de.
authors.forename: Falk G
authors.initials: FG
authors.lastname: Bechara
mesh_terms: D000284:Administration, Oral; D000287:Administration, Topical; D000328:Adult; D000893:Anti-Inflammatory Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D005260:Female; D005942:Gluconates / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D017497:Hidradenitis Suppurativa / Q000188:drug therapy*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D059408:Pain Management; D011788:Quality of Life; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D012720:Severity of Illness Index; D014260:Triclosan / Q000008:administration & dosage*
chemical_list: D000893:Anti-Inflammatory Agents; D005942:Gluconates; D014260:Triclosan; C030691:gluconic acid
keywords: Hidradenitis suppurativa; Inflammation; Inflammatory skin disease; Therapy; Triclosan; Zinc; Zinc gluconate