Hidradenitis Suppurativa (HS) Treatment With Electron Beam Therapy
Electron beam therapy can help reduce flare-ups and improve healing in severe or recurring cases of Hidradenitis Suppurativa.
RadiaCure offers patients non-surgical treatment for Hidradenitis Suppurativa (HS) with electron beam radiation therapy. Electron beam therapy targets inflamed tissue to reduce recurrence and support long-term relief from painful noducles adn abscesses.
Why Electron Beam Therapy Works as Treatment for Hidradenitis Suppurativa
- Effectively treats the skin, while sparing uninvolved tissues deeper in the body
- Breaks the bonds of the DNA of dividing cells within the targeted area
- Inflammatory cells respond quickly, reducing pain and itching in treated areas
- The chance of relapse is decreased following a course of treatment
How Is Hidradenitis Suppurativa Treated?
At RadiaCure, we offer radiation therapy as a potential option for patients with continued symptoms. The prescribed course of therapy has been found in multiple published studies to result in symptom relief in the majority of patients, with reduced pain and drainage leading to an improvement in quality of life. In other treatment settings, HS patients are initially treated with medical interventions, including antibiotics, steroids, and immune system biologics. Some patients are treated with surgery.
Step By Step Treatment Process
1
Consultation
Our board-certified radiation physician reviews your records and treatment history, and examines the areas of concern.
2
Electron Beam Therapy
A planned course of low-dose radiation is delivered to reduce inflammation, nodules, and flare-ups.
3
Quick Sessions
Treatment commonly involves just a few minutes a day for five days.
4
Healing & Monitoring
Our doctors closely monitor your healing over time. Typically, you’ll return for a follow-up appointment in about six weeks.
What is Hidradenitis Suppurativa?
Hidradenitis Suppurativa is a chronic autoinflammatory condition of the skin, commonly affecting areas where sweat glands are concentrated, such as armpits, groins, and under the breasts. The inflammation in these areas can be debilitating, with symptoms such as severe itching, pain, and abscesses resulting in a significantly decreased quality of life.
Who May Benefit From EBT Treatment
- Those who desire a nonsurgical option for HS treatment and are greater than 20 years old
- Patients with moderate to severe disease (Hurley Stage 2-3)
- Patients who've had previous maximal medical treatment for HS but still need relief
- Patients who experience recurrence of symptoms after previous treatments
Frequently Asked Questions
How effective is RadiaCure treatment for HS?
A recent review of multiple studies (Myers, Practical Radiation Oncology, 2025) shows that radiation therapy is very effective, with a reduction in pain and purulence in the vast majority of HS patients.
Reference:
Bryn Myers, Shauna R. Campbell, Chirag Shah, Radiation Therapy in the Management of Hidradenitis Suppurativa, Practical Radiation Oncology, 2025, ISSN 1879-8500, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.prro.2025.01.008.
Is radiation safe? Does it have side effects?
At the very low doses required for HS, most patients have no adverse effects from treatment. Some may loose hair that is in the area of treatment, which is typically temporary.
Can the treatments be repeated?
At the low doses used, most patients can be retreated as necessary.
How long do the benefits of electron beam therapy last?
Several studies have followed patients after radiation treatment for HS, and found years of lasting relief.
Reference:
Bryn Myers, Shauna R. Campbell, Chirag Shah, Radiation Therapy in the Management of Hidradenitis Suppurativa, Practical Radiation Oncology, 2025, ISSN 1879-8500, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.prro.2025.01.008.
