Preparing for Updates to Hidradenitis Suppurativa Guidelines

EP: 1.Recognizing Hidradenitis Suppurativa: From First Signs to an Accurate Diagnosis

EP: 2.Hidden in Plain Sight: Strategies to Improve Early Identification of Hidradenitis Suppurativa

EP: 3.The Pharmacist Advantage: Bridging Gaps in Hidradenitis Suppurativa Care

EP: 4.Health Equity in Hidradenitis Suppurativa: Addressing Care Disparities

EP: 5.Proactive Hidradenitis Suppurativa Management: From Watchful Waiting to Active Intervention

EP: 6.Building Hidradenitis Suppurativa Treatment Plan: Evaluating Standard of Care Pharmacotherapies

EP: 7.The Role of Biologics for Treatment of Hidradenitis Suppurativa

EP: 8.A Personalized Approach: Considerations for Appropriate Biologic Selection in Hidradenitis Suppurativa

EP: 9.Navigating Access and Coverage Hurdles: Step Therapy in Hidradenitis Suppurativa

EP: 10.The Window of Opportunity: Why Early Biologic Use Matters for Patients With Hidradenitis Suppurativa

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EP: 11.Preparing for Updates to Hidradenitis Suppurativa Guidelines

EP: 12.Efficient Strategies to Reduce Wait Time Between Diagnosis of Hidradenitis Suppurativa and Treatment

Looking ahead to the 2026 updates of the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) guidelines for hidradenitis suppurativa (HS), there is strong anticipation for clearer, evidence-based recommendations that align payers and providers on a unified treatment pathway. These updated guidelines aim to streamline clinical practice by leveraging the latest research and creating standardized care approaches to improve patient outcomes and facilitate appropriate biologic utilization.

The guidelines are a collaborative effort between the HS Foundation and AAD, bringing together experts to review the best available data and translate it into practical recommendations. Such joint guidelines not only help dermatologists but also educate other health care providers, promoting consistent understanding and management of HS across specialties. Importantly, having solid, consensus-backed guidelines can also aid in discussions with insurance payers by demonstrating well-founded treatment protocols, potentially reducing barriers to accessing biologic therapies.

Moreover, the HS treatment landscape is rapidly evolving, with an “explosive” pipeline of 20 to 30 new molecules in various stages of clinical trials. This dynamic development necessitates that the guidelines remain flexible and nimble, allowing for updates as new therapies become available and evidence matures. Clinicians and patients alike can look forward to more treatment options and refinements in care approaches, making ongoing updates essential to keep pace with scientific advances and optimize disease management.