2023-07-05 18:55:00
Hidradenitis suppurativa is estimated to affect 1% of the world population.
By: Luisa Ochoa
Julio 05, 2023
Although few treatment options currently exist for hidradenitis suppurativaSince this is an old disease, Dr. Alma Cruz believes that the future of these therapeutic alternatives is quite promising for patients.
“The next decade will be the decade of hidradenitis suppurativa. Several clinical studies are currently underway with new molecules that promise to have a new and different alternative for patients,” he stated.
The hidradenitis suppurativa It is an inflammatory process that is characterized by generating recurrent lesions in specific areas of the body and it is estimated that it affects approximately 1% of the world population.
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Impact of hidradenitis suppurativa in Puerto Rico
The dermatologist reported in an exclusive interview for the Medicine and Public Health Magazine that in Puerto Rico there are close to 40,000 patients with hidradenitis suppurativahowever, the numbers may be higher.
“I estimate that in Puerto Rico there should be more patients with hidradenitis suppurativaor undiagnosed or misdiagnosed populations with the disease,” he said.
The diagnosis of this dermatological disease is practically clinical. Dermatologists look at lesions and their recurrence in areas such as the groin area, under the arms, and in the perianal area.
“The characteristic lesions are nodules, protruding red pustules, or abscesses that release blood or pus. This recurrence of classic lesions in these specific areas is important to achieve a diagnosis of the disease,” the dermatologist reported.
The specialist, with a 10-year career working with patients of hidradenitis suppurativa in Puerto Rico, highlights the impact that this disease can have on all aspects of a person’s life, including academic, work, sexual, personal and family.
Key aspects of the treatment of hidradenitis suppurativa
Regarding the treatments, Dr. Cruz emphasizes the need to adapt them to each patient, considering their age, location of the lesions, severity of the disease and presence of other chronic diseases. However, she points out that access to therapeutic options is still a challenge for patients on the Island.
“Insurers and the government of Puerto Rico have not provided this patient population with adequate access to the few treatment alternatives that we have so far,” he said.
Dr. Cruz also mentions that there are other old alternatives that have shown effectiveness, although they have not been tested in clinical studies. In addition, she highlights that the next decade will be crucial for hidradenitis, as several clinical studies are underway with new molecules that promise to offer new alternatives for patients.
FDA drug approvals
“Currently, the only therapeutic alternative that we have approved by the FDA is adalimumab, which is indicated from 12 years of age for patients with hidradenitis suppurativa moderate to severe,” he said.
However, he added that “I have to say with great joy that before the end of the year we will have a second therapeutic alternative called Cosentyx, which will be the second approved by the FDA.”
Raising awareness of hidradenitis suppurativa
The dermatologist concludes by stating that the best way to empower yourself in the face of a condition like hidradenitis suppurativa it is through education, both for patients and the people around them.
“I urge patients to seek out healthcare professionals who are familiar with this condition and to educate themselves so they can actively participate in managing their disease,” he concluded.
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