Hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) is widely known for its painful nodules, recurrent abscesses, and scarring in skin folds like the armpits, groin, and under the breasts. Yet one symptom many doctors overlook, itch (pruritus), is surprisingly common and deeply impactful for patients. Modern research now shows that itch is not only part of the HS experience but an overlooked target for effective treatment. A recent clinical study highlights the potential of strontium-based topical therapy, such as that found in Dermeleve®, to meaningfully reduce HS-associated itch, bringing much-needed symptom relief.
What Is Hidradenitis Suppurativa (HS)
Hidradenitis Suppurativa is a chronic inflammatory skin disease that affects roughly 1% of the population worldwide. It begins in early adulthood and disproportionately affects women. The condition is marked by painful lumps beneath the skin that can rupture, leading to tunnels, drainage, and significant scarring. Inflammation is driven by complex immune and inflammatory pathways, and management often requires a mix of medical and surgical approaches.
Despite a fairly robust understanding of pain and lesion formation in HS, pruritus (itching) is frequently under-recognized by clinicians. Yet itch is reported by many patients and can severely disrupt sleep, exacerbate inflammation through scratching, and compound emotional distress. Unfortunately, traditional HS therapies such as antibiotics, corticosteroids, and systemic immune modulators often fail to relieve pruritus.
Why Itch Matters in HS
Pruritus in HS is not just mild irritation. For many patients, it can be deep, persistent, and debilitating. It often coexists with pain and inflammation, making daily activities, sleep, and clothing choices uncomfortable. And yet, many dermatologists focus primarily on managing nodules and abscesses, overlooking itch as an integral symptom of the disease. Recognizing and targeting itch not only improves comfort but also enhances quality of life for individuals living with HS.
Strontium Cream: A Promising Treatment for HS-Related Itch
In 2025, a real-world prospective study published in the Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology examined the effectiveness of strontium cream for alleviating pruritus in HS patients. This open-label study involved 50 participants who applied strontium cream to itch-affected areas multiple times a day for one week. Itch severity was measured both quantitatively (a numeric itch scale) and qualitatively (patient-reported itch reduction).
The results were encouraging:
• There was a statistically significant reduction in itch severity, with average itch scores dropping from 3.80 before treatment to 2.28 after one week of use (on a 0–5 scale).
• About 76% of participants reported an overall decrease in itch, indicating meaningful symptom relief.
• An impressive 84% said they would recommend the cream to other HS patients, suggesting high satisfaction overall.
While some participants (about 60%) reported a mild stinging sensation with application, many found the itch relief worthwhile and continued using the cream.
How Strontium Works Against Itch
Strontium salts have long been used in dermatology to address itch and discomfort in conditions such as eczema and psoriasis. Their utility in HS is thought to stem from anti-inflammatory, anti-pruritic, and nerve-modulating properties. Strontium may help calm irritated skin by reducing inflammatory mediator release and dampening nerve signals that trigger itch sensations.
This mechanism is particularly relevant in HS, where chronic inflammation and neurogenic factors can contribute significantly to itch — yet these components are often left untreated by standard therapies focused on infection or immune suppression. Introducing a strontium-based topical like Dermeleve® adds a targeted approach to manage itch at the skin level.
Dermeleve® and Strontium: Synced With Clinical Insight
Dermeleve® Fast-Acting Itch Relief Cream harnesses strontium as a key active ingredient to target itch signals directly at the nerve level. The formula is dermatologist-developed, steroid-free, and includes supportive ingredients like ceramides and hyaluronic acid to strengthen skin health and hydration.
This combination makes Dermeleve® a compelling option not just for common itch triggers (like eczema or dry skin), but also for neuropathic and chronic itch associated with inflammatory conditions — including the pruritus seen in HS.
Real-World Impact on Quality of Life
Itch isn’t merely a sensory nuisance — for people with HS, it can have tangible effects on daily living. Persistent pruritus can:
• Disturb sleep patterns if the itch worsens at night
• Increase lesion friction and irritation from scratching
• Compound psychological distress is already associated with chronic skin diseases.
• Exacerbate inflammation by triggering further tissue irritation
Managing itch, therefore, doesn’t just relieve discomfort — it supports overall well-being and may even minimize secondary complications from scratching or skin damage.
Why This Matters to Patients and Providers
Despite being a common symptom, itch in HS is frequently under-acknowledged in clinical settings. Many patients endure pruritus silently, assuming it’s “part of the condition” with no real solutions. Yet studies like the strontium cream research bring clinical validation to a symptom that has lived too long on the margins of HS care.
Patients who feel heard and whose itch is managed effectively often experience better adherence to treatment plans, improved comfort, and greater overall satisfaction with care. Products like Dermeleve® offer a practical, evidence-informed option that complements other HS therapies prescribed by dermatologists.
Practical Tips for HS Itch Management
If you’re living with HS and struggle with itch, here are actionable steps that leverage both dermatologic care and supportive topical therapy:
- Talk openly with your dermatologist about itch severity — even if it seems minor compared to pain. Recognizing pruritus can unlock better treatment approaches.
- Consider incorporating a strontium-based topical like Dermeleve® into your routine, especially in itch-prone areas.
- Use gentle skincare and moisturizers to maintain skin barrier health, reducing irritation triggers.
- Avoid harsh soaps or exfoliants that can worsen itch and inflammation.
Remember: relief is not only possible — it’s backed by emerging clinical evidence and real-world patient experience.
Future Directions: More Research, Better Symptom Targets
The promising results from the existing study highlight the need for further research, including randomized, controlled trials to confirm and expand our understanding of strontium’s role in HS management. Long-term studies could clarify optimal application frequency, identify which patient subgroups benefit most, and compare strontium cream directly to other HS itch interventions.
Though early, the evidence signals a new chapter in addressing HS pruritus, one that moves symptom treatment beyond pain and inflammation to include the nerve-mediated discomfort many patients silently endure.
Conclusion: Reframing HS Care With Itch Relief at the Center
If you or someone you care about lives with HS, it’s time to recognize itch as a legitimate clinical symptom deserving attention and relief. The study on strontium cream shows that topical therapies like Dermeleve® can significantly ease pruritus, improve comfort, and enhance quality of life for HS patients. By acknowledging and actively treating itch, clinicians and patients can foster more comprehensive, patient-centered care.
Take Action Today
Don’t let the itch go ignored. Talk to your healthcare provider about pruritus in HS and explore evidence-backed topical solutions like Dermeleve® to find meaningful relief and support your journey toward better skin health.
Dr. Neal Bhatia is a board-certified dermatologist based in San Diego, California. He serves as the Director of Clinical Dermatology at Therapeutics Clinical Research and is the Chief Medical Editor for Practical Dermatology. Additionally, he is an Associate Clinical Professor at Harbor-UCLA Medical Center in Los Angeles, CA. With a background in immunology, Dr. Bhatia has a special interest in mechanisms of therapy, skin cancer, and medical dermatology.
Learn more about Dr. Bhatia and our Medical Advisory Board