Can GLP-1 Drugs Ease the Pain of Hidradenitis Suppurativa?

Yes. Growing evidence suggests that GLP-1 receptor agonist drugs may help reduce pain, flare frequency, and overall disease severity in people with hidradenitis suppurativa, especially those with obesity or metabolic conditions. The benefits appear related to weight loss, reduced systemic inflammation, and immune regulation. However, GLP-1 drugs are not approved treatments for HS.

What Is Hidradenitis Suppurativa?

Hidradenitis suppurativa, often called HS, is a chronic inflammatory skin condition marked by painful lumps, abscesses, and tunnels under the skin. It most often affects areas where skin rubs together, such as the armpits, groin, inner thighs, buttocks, and under the breasts.

HS is not caused by poor hygiene. It develops due to follicular blockage, immune system dysfunction, and persistent inflammation. Over time, repeated flare-ups can lead to scarring, chronic pain, restricted movement, and significant emotional distress.

Common symptoms of HS include:

• Painful nodules or boils that return over time

• Draining abscesses with odor

• Sinus tracts and thickened scar tissue

• Burning, tenderness, and pressure-related pain

• Reduced quality of life

HS is frequently associated with obesity, insulin resistance, and type 2 diabetes. This metabolic overlap has led researchers to explore therapies that address inflammation beyond the skin.

What Are GLP-1 Drugs?

GLP-1 receptor agonists are medications originally developed for type 2 diabetes and later approved for chronic weight management. They mimic glucagon-like peptide-1, a natural hormone involved in blood sugar regulation, appetite control, and digestion.

Common GLP-1 medications include:

• Semaglutide

• Liraglutide

• Dulaglutide

• Tirzepatide

These medications work by:

• Slowing digestion

• Increasing feelings of fullness

• Reducing appetite

• Improving insulin sensitivity

• Influencing inflammatory signaling

Because HS is increasingly understood as a systemic inflammatory condition, not just a skin disease, GLP-1 drugs are now being studied for their broader immune and metabolic effects.

How Might GLP-1 Drugs Help With Hidradenitis Suppurativa?

Do GLP-1 Drugs Reduce HS Flares Through Weight Loss?

Yes, weight loss plays a major role. Excess body weight increases skin friction, mechanical stress, and inflammatory signaling. Sustained weight loss has consistently been associated with fewer HS flares and milder disease.

GLP-1 drugs help many people lose significant weight, which may reduce the physical and inflammatory triggers that worsen HS.

Do GLP-1 Drugs Reduce Inflammation Beyond Weight Loss?

Possibly. Research suggests GLP-1 receptor agonists may reduce systemic inflammation independently of weight loss. They appear to influence immune pathways involved in chronic inflammatory conditions, including those seen in HS.

Can GLP-1 Drugs Improve Overall HS Severity?

Some patients experience reduced pain, smaller lesions, and fewer flare-ups while using GLP-1 therapy. These improvements may reflect combined metabolic, immune, and inflammatory effects rather than a single mechanism.

What Does the New 2025 Clinical Study Show?

A recent large real-world clinical study examined people with chronic inflammatory conditions, including hidradenitis suppurativa, who were treated with GLP-1 receptor agonists over an extended follow-up period.

Key findings included:

• Significant reductions in HS flare frequency

• Lower reported pain levels

• Improved disease severity scores

• Sustained symptom improvement over time

Most participants had obesity, diabetes, or metabolic disease. Importantly, researchers observed improvements that could not be explained by weight loss alone, suggesting a potential direct anti-inflammatory or immune-modulating effect.

The study adds strong real-world evidence to earlier case reports and small observational studies. However, researchers emphasized that randomized controlled trials are still needed to confirm causation and define who benefits most.

What Does the Overall Research Say About GLP-1 Drugs and HS?

Summary of Current Evidence

What the Research Does Not Prove

• GLP-1 drugs are not approved treatments for HS

• Not all patients experience improvement

• Long-term HS-specific safety data are limited

At this stage, GLP-1 therapy should be viewed as a potential supportive treatment, not a replacement for standard HS care.

Who Might Consider GLP-1 Therapy for HS?

GLP-1 drugs may be discussed as an off-label option for people who:

• Have moderate to severe HS

• Live with obesity or metabolic dysfunction

• Have not achieved adequate control with standard treatments

• Are already candidates for GLP-1 therapy for metabolic reasons

Any decision to use GLP-1 medication should involve careful medical supervision and shared decision-making.

How Do GLP-1 Drugs Compare to Standard HS Treatments?

GLP-1 drugs are unique because they address whole-body inflammation, not just skin-specific immune activity.

What Are the Risks and Side Effects of GLP-1 Drugs?

GLP-1 medications are generally well-tolerated but can cause side effects.

Common side effects include:

• Nausea

• Vomiting

• Diarrhea or constipation

• Reduced appetite

Less common considerations:

• Injection-site reactions

• Temporary digestive discomfort

• Rare skin-related reactions

Any worsening of skin symptoms should be reported to a healthcare provider promptly.

Should You Talk to Your Doctor About GLP-1 Drugs for HS?

Yes. If you have hidradenitis suppurativa and also struggle with weight or metabolic health, it may be reasonable to discuss GLP-1 therapy with your dermatologist, primary care provider, or endocrinologist.

Helpful questions include:

• Could this medication help both my metabolic health and HS symptoms?

• What risks apply to my medical history?

• How will progress be monitored?

• Should this be combined with my current HS treatment plan?

Key Takeaway

GLP-1 receptor agonists show real promise for reducing pain, flare frequency, and disease severity in some people with hidradenitis suppurativa, particularly those with obesity or metabolic dysfunction. New real-world clinical data strengthen earlier findings. However, these medications are not approved for HS, are not a cure, and should be used only under medical supervision as part of a comprehensive treatment strategy.

Daily Relief with Dermeleve

Even between flare-ups, symptom management matters. Dermeleve offers fast, steroid-free skin relief that penetrates deeply to soothe inflammation and support healing—without the risks of long-term steroid use.

Learn more about Dermeleve for HS relief

FAQs

Are GLP-1 drugs safe for people without diabetes?

Yes, but only under medical supervision. Many people take GLP-1s for weight loss and metabolic support.

Do GLP-1 drugs cure HS?

No. HS is a chronic condition, but GLP-1s may help reduce flare-ups and severity.

Is weight loss the only reason GLP-1s help?

No. These drugs may also reduce systemic inflammation and promote better skin healing.

Should I talk to my doctor about this?

Absolutely. A board-certified dermatologist or endocrinologist can help you decide if this therapy makes sense for your health profile.

Note: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Please consult your healthcare provider for personalized recommendations.