Crystallized phenol for sacral hidradenitis suppurativa

Abstract

Objective: Multiple treatment options for hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) have been suggested; none 100\% successful. We assessed crystallized phenol treatment (CPT) for sacral HS. Methods: Twenty-five patients with sacral HS were enrolled. HS severity was assessed by Hurley Score and HS-Physician's Global Assessment (HS-PGA). All the leaking openings were dilated by a thin mosquito clamp after local anesthesia. Any hair present was removed, and phenol was applied. Results: Patients were followed-up for a mean 36.8 months. The mean number of CPT application was 3.98. After CPT mean Hurley score decreased from 2.1 +/- 0.68 to 1.2 +/- 0.4 and HS-PGA score from 3 +/- 1.22 to 0.72 +/- 8.4 (p = .01). Recurrence was seen in 10 patients during follow-up period but they were re-treated with CPT. Conclusion: CPT may be useful as a first-line treatment of sacral HS.