Health Conditions
Hidradenitis Suppurativa
Hidradenitis Suppurativa (HS) also known as acne inversa is a condition that causes small painful lumps under the skin that affect 1-2% of the population. The lumps heal slowly and can recur causing scarring and tunneling under the skin.
Symptoms
Patients with hidradenitis suppurativa can experience:
Painful pea sized lumps
Blackheads
Oozing bumps or sores
Tunneling of the skin
Causes
Hidradenitis Suppurativa results from blockages in hair follicles, but the underlying cause of these blockages is unknown. HS is not caused by lack of hygiene and it is not contagious. Risk factors include age, sex, genetic predisposition, cigarette smoking, and excess weight.
Treatment
Treatment of Hidradenitis Suppurativa (HS) can include a variety of interventions including medication and surgery or both. There is currently no cure for HS. Patients can experience symptomatic flares; treatment is mainly directed at alleviating symptoms and preventing complications like infection.
Microbiota Therapy Research
ACT research partners at the University of Minnesota are exploring how altering the microbiome in HS patients through Intestinal Microbiota Transplant can alter the microbiota of the skin.
Capsule Microbiota Transplant Therapy for Hidradenitis Suppurativa
Trial Location: University of Minnesota – Minneapolis, MN
Trial Status: Underway
Trial Summary:
Hidradenitis Suppurativa (HS) is a chronic inflammatory skin condition resulting in painful skin abscesses and scarring. A study at the University of Minnesota is investigating the impact of altering HS patient’s microbiome composition through microbiota transplant.
For more information, visit: https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT06058520
Research Partner Perspectives
2024 Research Update: Dr. Goldfarb
Research Alerts