Abstract
Hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) is a chronic skin condition characterized by the formation of painful nodules, abscesses, and tunnels, typically in intertriginous areas. While HS primarily affects adults, it causes in particular severe distress when it affects adolescent patients. Physicians prefer to avoid the use of systemic medications and surgery in children due to the potential side effects, psychological burden, and long-term consequences. The device-based LAight® therapy combines intense pulsed light and radiofrequency and received EU-wide approval in 2017 for the treatment of adults with all severities of HS. Since 2017, 96 adolescent patients in Germany and Austria have been treated off-label with LAight. A mixed model for repeated measures over 36 weeks on the endpoints Hidradenitis Suppurativa Severity Score System (IHS4), NRS Pain, and Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI) showed that patients starting treatment with a high burden significantly benefited from treatment, while those starting with a low burden could be effectively stabilized at a low level. HS and its management can cause considerable stress and anxiety for children and their families. Gentle and well-tolerated treatments, such as LAight therapy, can contribute to a more positive experience for patients and consequently improve their quality of life.