Absence of efficacy of oral isotretinoin in hidradenitis suppurativa: a retrospective study based on patients' outcome assessment.

BACKGROUND

In analogy to acne, oral isotretinoin has been considered in the treatment of hidradenitis suppurativa (HS).

OBJECTIVES

To assess the efficacy of oral isotretinoin according to patients.

METHODS

From 1999 to 2006, 358 consecutive HS patients were interviewed and examined. A standardized record of the data was performed for each patient during the first consultation. Patients were questioned regarding the effect of previous treatment with oral isotretinoin: patients had to grade the effect as either 'improved', 'no effect' or 'worse'.

RESULTS

Fourteen patients (16.1%) declared an improvement, 67 patients (77%) no effect and 6 patients (6.9%) worsening of HS.

CONCLUSION

According to our patients, oral isotretinoin is not effective in the treatment of HS.