Successful Treatment of Coexistent Acne Fulminans and Severe Hidradenitis Suppurativa with Adalimumab

We present a case of a 17-year-old man who presented with a 2 years history of severe acne and HS. He was initially started on oral clindamycin and rifampicin for 3 months with no clinical improvement. Acne lesions became worse with the presence of nodules and necrotic ulcers, while weight loss, low-grade fever, back and knee pain, and psychological distress were noted. We prescribed adalimumab in its standard dosing regimen. Remission of AF was achieved in 3 months, whereas adalimumab has not been as effective in treating the HS lesions. Its dosage was increased to 80 mg weekly and more than 80% clinical improvement of HS lesions was obtained in 2 months. The patient maintained on this dosage till this day and efficacy is sustained. TNF- α inhibitors are considered an effective option in the treatment of HS, while it has been also suggested as a treatment option in AF. Our patient was successfully treated with adalimumab. Since the coexistence of HS and AF has a devastating emotional effect on the patient, there is an urgent need t o implement therapeutic approaches.Skin Appendage Disord
Source: Skin Appendage Disorders - Category: Dermatology Source Type: research