Resorcinol 15% cream is a peeling agent that works by removing roughened skin (Deckers & Prens, 2016). It is applied to inflamed lesions in hopes of allowing them to resolve more quickly.
It also exhibits anti-inflammatory properties by preventing the formation of new lesions (Deckers & Prens, 2016).
Clindamycin 1% solution is a topical antibiotic that works by slowing bacterial growth (Deckers & Prens, 2016).
It also decreases swelling of lesions by breaking cell-to-cell bonds (Deckers & Prens, 2016).
Some skin cleansers supported by expert opinion include:
The administration of corticosteroid injections directly into skin lesions is an intralesional treatment. In a study, triamcinolone was injected into 36 patients’ HS lesions. There was a significant reduction in the redness, swelling, size, and pain of the lesions after one week, as well as the amount of pus forming within them after one day (Riis, et al., 2016). Thus, intralesional corticosteroid injections may help control HS symptoms for a short period of time.
Those with Hurley stage I or II (Lee, Alhusayen, Lansang, Shear, & Yeung, 2017).
Those with Hurley stage I or II (Deckers & Prens, 2016).
Those with contact allergies to resorcinol (Cassano, Alessandrini, Mastrolonardo, & Vena, 1999).
Those with allergies to clindamycin (Zouboulis, et al., 2015).
Caution should be taken in those with a history of gastrointestinal disease (Zouboulis, et al., 2015).
Level of Evidence: Level III
Strength of recommendation: “C” rating
In a study consisting of 12 female HS patients with Hurley stage I or II, topical resorcinol 15% cream was applied to painful lesions for a minimum of 12 months. A reduction in the average duration of pain resulting from the lesions was reported. However, all patients experienced skin peeling (Boer & Jemec, 2010).
Level of Evidence: Level II, III
Strength of Recommendation: “C” rating
30 HS patients with Hurley stage I or II were randomly administered either topical clindamycin or a placebo. Compared to placebo, those receiving topical clindamycin for 3 months reported a significant reduction in the number of pustules, but there was an unclear reduction in abscesses and nodules (Clemmensen, 1983).
Serious: Circulatory system collapse, blood disorders, or seizures (epocrates).
Other: Redness, irritation, or peeling at the treated site(s) (epocrates).
Pregnancy risk according to the U.S. Food & Drug Administration:
Serious: Microbial resistance or life threatening allergic reactions (epocrates).
Other: Burning, itching, dryness, redness, or peeling at the treated area(s), as well as oily skin or headaches (epocrates).
Pregnancy risk according to the U.S. Food & Drug Administration:
Topical treatments for HS are less convenient to use when the affected area(s) is/are difficult to reach.
When flares occur, resorcinol should be applied to the affected area(s) a few times daily (Boer & Jemec, 2010).
Topical treatments for HS are less convenient to use when the affected area(s) is/are difficult to reach.
Clindamycin should be applied to the affected area(s) for a few months (Gulliver, Zouboulis, Prens, Jemec, & Tzellos, 2016).