Work

Clinical application of Xianfang Huoming decoction in hidradenitis suppurativa: a three-case series and literature review

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: Hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) is a chronic, recurrent inflammatory follicular disease characterized by painful nodules, abscesses, and sinus tract formation that typically affects intertriginous areas, such as the axillae, inguinal regions, and gluteal region. This condition is often persistent and is difficult to control in clinical practice. In recent years, traditional Chinese medicine has been explored as a potential adjunct in its management. Here, we summarize the cases of three male patients with HS treated at the Department of Dermatology, Jiangyin Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine (2023-2024), aged 12-29 years with disease durations of 6 months to 4 years. The lesions were primarily located in the axillae or gluteal region and presented as recurrent papules, pustules, nodules, and painful cysts. All cases were Hurley stage I-II and classified as heat-toxin accumulation syndrome in traditional Chinese medicine. All patients received individualized combination therapies incorporating Xianfang Huoming Decoction, along with topical treatments, antibiotics, and/or surgical intervention when indicated. After 1-5 weeks of treatment, the inflammatory lesions and pain symptoms improved, with IHS4 scores decreasing by approximately 71%-81%. Patient 1 subsequently experienced recurrence after treatment discontinuation and was lost to dermatological follow-up. These cases suggest that Xianfang Huoming Decoction may help reduce inflammatory activity and promote lesion resolution in HS, supporting its potential role as an adjunctive therapeutic option.

Source: Frontiers in Medicine

DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2026.1899685