Acne inversa
Therapeutic options
Once the diagnosis has been made, the doctor and patient decide together about the therapeutic approach necessary for their individual case. For mild forms, treatment with medication may be sufficient – for more severe forms, an operation may be required in order to prevent fresh outbreaks of the disease. It is important to begin therapy early in order to relieve symptoms and and avoid permanent health damage.
Generally, the following therapeutic approaches are available, possibly in combination with one another:
External (topical) therapy
Applying lotions and creams, possibly with antibiotics, on the affected areas of the skin, skin exfoliation and injected medication (e.g. cortisone).
Internal (systemic) therapy
Taking tablets or oral rehydration solutions, infusions or injections with antibiotics, biological drugs (so-called biologics or biosimilars, further information can be found here), vitamin A derivatives or hormone therapies to reduce testosterone levels (for women only).
Further therapeutic measures
- Surgical therapy
- Preventive laser epilation (permanent hair removal with laser)
- Psychological support (dealing with the disease)
Furthermore, those affected can contribute to a positive progression of the disease: firstly, it is important that they never try to squeeze lumps and abscesses themselves – this should only be done by a medical professional, if at all. Avoiding tight-fitting clothing, wet shaving and smoking, socialising and possibly losing weight can have a positive effect on the progression of the disease for people suffering from acne inversa. Another important point is good skin care: this includes both good (but not excessive) skin hygiene and the use of alcohol- and fragrance-free care products.
