Hidradenitis suppurativa treated with finasteride.

Article Details

Citation

Joseph MA, Jayaseelan E, Ganapathi B, Stephen J

Hidradenitis suppurativa treated with finasteride.

J Dermatolog Treat. 2005 Apr;16(2):75-8.

PubMed ID
16019620 [ View in PubMed
]
Abstract

BACKGROUND: Hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) is a distressing condition for which no satisfactory treatment is available. Studies on hormonal mechanisms responsible for HS point towards altered end-organ sensitivity, probably related to the enzyme 5a reductase that converts testosterone to dihydrotestosterone. Finasteride, an inhibitor of type II 5a reductase, has been reported to be effective in recalcitrant HS. AIM: To study the effectiveness and tolerability of finasteride in patients with HS in a preliminary trial. METHODS: Seven patients (five women and two men) with HS that was not responding well to antibiotics were treated with finasteride at a dose of 5 mg/day as monotherapy. Clinical response was assessed at regular intervals. Patients were followed up for periods varying from 8 months to 2 years. RESULTS: Six patients improved significantly and three of them had complete healing of lesions. Two patients who were followed up for more than 1 year experienced remissions lasting 8-18 months. The drug was generally well tolerated; however, two women complained of breast enlargement. CONCLUSION: The results of this preliminary study suggest that finasteride is an effective therapeutic option in HS.

DrugBank Data that Cites this Article

Drug Targets
DrugTargetKindOrganismPharmacological ActionActions
Finasteride3-oxo-5-alpha-steroid 4-dehydrogenase 2ProteinHumans
Yes
Inhibitor
Details