Advances in the pharmacological treatments for acne inversa

Acne inversa, also known as hidradenitis suppurativa, is a refractory chronic inflammatory dermatosis. It is extremely painful in acute phase, while chronic, recurrent attacks can result in disfigurement. The traditional therapies often demonstrate limited efficacy in clinical practice. With increasing global research and improved understanding of this disease, numerous novel pharmaceutical agents have been developed. These include new-generation antibacterials with milder adverse effects, biologics and small-molecule therapies targeting inflammatory pathways in hidradenitis suppurativa (HS), innovative medications regulating the endocrine system, and advanced intralesional injection treatments. This review summarizes recent advances in the pharmacological treatments for hidradenitis suppurativa (HS), providing evidence-based references for clinical management.