Combination of oral zinc gluconate and topical triclosan: An anti-inflammatory treatment modality for initial hidradenitis suppurativa

Abstract

Background: Hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) is often a therapeutic challenge with relapses and chronicity which can severely impact patients' quality of life.

Objective: To evaluate the efficacy of anti-inflammatory oral zinc gluconate, 90mg/day, combined with topical triclosan, 2% twice daily.

Methods: We retrospectively evaluated the medical records of HS patients in our HS Center of the Department of Dermatology, Venereology, and Allergology, Ruhr-University Bochum, regarding change of disease severity and quality of life. Secondary outcome measures were the number of nodules and fistulas, the number of boils or flair-ups, and the intensity of pain.

Results: Sixty-six patients in Hurley stage I and II were included. After 3 months of combination therapy, the modified HS Score and the Dermatology Life Quality Index improved significantly (p<0.0001 and p=0.0386, respectively). The number of inflammatory nodules, new boils or flare-ups, and erythema scores decreased significantly. Fistula count and the visual analogue scale score showed no significant difference. Side-effects (mostly abdominal pain and nausea) were reported by 12 (22.2%) patients.

Conclusion: The combination therapy of zinc gluconate and topical triclosan can be considered as an anti-inflammatory treatment for HS patients in Hurley stage I and initial Hurley stage II.

Keywords: Hidradenitis suppurativa; Inflammation; Inflammatory skin disease; Therapy; Triclosan; Zinc; Zinc gluconate.