Topical photodynamic therapy in the treatment of hidradenitis suppurativa

Topical photodynamic therapy (PDT) is well established for the treatment of malignant and pre-malignant skin lesions and now it is increasingly used to treat benign dermatological conditions. The studies reporting the use of PDT in hidradenitis suppurativa are reviewed. Though small in number, there is considerable variation in the application of topical photosensitisers, light sources used and treatment regimes. In addition there is often limited information about patient selection in terms of disease severity and measuring precise patient outcome. These issues need to be addressed in future studies in order to accurately determine the role of PDT in this disease.