Efficacy of Strontium Cream in Alleviating Pruritus in Hidradenitis Suppurativa

J Clin Aesthet Dermatol. 2025;18(3):12–14.

by Rubi Walker, BS, MS; Brindley Brooks; and Steven Daveluy, MD, FAAD

Ms. Walker is with the Wayne State University School of Medicine in Detroit, Michigan. Ms. Brooks is with HS Connect in Puyallup, Washington. Dr. Daveluy is with the Department of Dermatology at Wayne State University School of Medicine in Detroit, Michigan.

FUNDING: No funding was provided for this article.

DISCLOSURES: The authors report no conflicts of interest relevant to the content of this article.

ABSTRACT: Objective: Hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) is a chronic inflammatory skin condition with limited treatment options and a significant impact on quality of life. This prospective, open-label, real-world study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of strontium cream in alleviating pruritus in HS. Methods: Fifty participants completed baseline and one-week post-intervention surveys. Pruritus was assessed using a numeric severity scale and a qualitative survey on overall itch reduction. Results: Statistical analysis revealed a significant reduction in itching symptoms post-intervention, with mean itch scores decreasing from 3.80±0.90 at baseline to 2.28±1.50 post-intervention (p<0.001). Participant feedback also indicated overall satisfaction, with 84 percent of participants willing to recommend the cream to other HS patients. Limitations: The study relied on self-reported data, which introduces subjectivity, and the absence of a control group limits causal inference. Conclusion: Strontium cream demonstrates promise as a therapeutic option for managing pruritus in HS, warranting further research.

Keywords: Hidradenitis suppurativa, pruritus, strontium cream, topical treatment, dermatology

Introduction

Hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) is a debilitating chronic inflammatory skin condition characterized by the formation of painful nodules, abscesses, and tunnels, primarily in intertriginous areas such as the axillae, groin, and buttocks.¹ It affects approximately one percent of the population, with a higher prevalence in women and individuals with a family history of the disease.² Individuals with HS experience a significant burden on their quality of life, experiencing physical discomfort, psychological distress, and social isolation.³

One of the most distressing symptoms reported by patients with HS, which can range from mild to severe, is pruritus, which can interfere with daily activities and negatively impact emotional well-being.⁴ The exact mechanisms underlying pruritus in HS are not fully understood, but are thought to involve neurogenic and inflammatory pathways.⁵

The management of pruritus in HS poses a challenge for clinicians due to the limited data regarding available treatment options. Traditional therapies, such as topical corticosteroids, antibiotics, and systemic immunomodulators often provide inadequate relief and are associated with potential side effects.⁶ As a result, there is a need for alternative approaches to effectively alleviate pruritus and improve the overall quality of life for patients with HS.

Strontium cream, traditionally used for its anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving properties in various dermatological conditions, has demonstrated potential for managing pruritus in other inflammatory skin diseases. This suggests it might be a beneficial treatment option to explore for patients with HS.^7–10 Strontium exerts its effects through multiple mechanisms, including anti-inflammatory, anti-pruritic, and analgesic properties. Previous studies have indicated the efficacy of strontium cream in reducing pruritus and improving overall symptomatology in conditions such as eczema and psoriasis.^8,10 Given the limited treatment options and significant impact of pruritus, we explored the potential role of strontium cream in HS management. This prospective, open-label study evaluated the efficacy of strontium cream in alleviating pruritus in HS. By elucidating the effectiveness of strontium cream in real-world settings, this study seeks to provide valuable insights into its potential as a therapeutic option for patients with HS.

Methods

This study was conducted as a prospective, open-label, real-world evaluation of the efficacy of strontium cream (Dermeleve™) in alleviating pruritus in patients with hidradenitis suppurativa. Participants were recruited through HS Connect. Participants received a kit containing one 30g tube of strontium cream and were instructed to apply the cream multiple times a day, as needed, to all areas affected by HS-related pruritus for one week. They were advised to discontinue use if any adverse reactions occurred.

Participants completed baseline surveys prior to using the cream and follow-up surveys after one week of application. Pruritus was assessed in two ways: a numeric itch severity scale ranging from 0 (no itch) to 5 (worst itch imaginable), and a qualitative survey on overall itch reduction, with responses categorized as “Yes” or “No.” Additional questions evaluated stinging sensation with cream application and willingness to recommend the product to others. Statistical analysis was conducted using paired samples t-tests to compare pre- and post-intervention itch severity scores, with Wilcoxon signed-rank tests used for non-normally distributed data. The responses regarding overall itch reduction were analyzed descriptively. Statistical significance was set at p<0.05.

Results

Of the 92 applications submitted, 54 participants initiated the study, and 50 completed all required surveys. The demographics of the participants revealed a range of experiences with HS, including varying durations and stages of the condition. The majority of participants had experienced HS for 1 to 10 years and were Hurley stages 2 or 3 (Table 1).

Pruritus reduction. Statistical analysis revealed a significant reduction in pruritus post-intervention (Table 2). The mean baseline itch score was 3.80±0.90, which decreased to 2.28±1.50 after one week of strontium cream (p<0.001). For the qualitative question (options: yes or no), 76 percent of participants reported a decrease in overall itch, and 24 percent indicated no change. Stinging with application was reported by 60 percent of the participants. Additionally, 84 percent indicated they would recommend strontium cream to other HS patients (Table 3).

Discussion

Hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) is a complex and chronic inflammatory condition that significantly impairs patients’ quality of life with pain and pruritus. The pruritus associated with HS not only causes physical discomfort, but also leads to substantial psychological distress and disruption of daily activities.^1–4 This study contributes to the growing body of evidence exploring effective treatments for HS, with a specific focus on the management of pruritus.

The precise mechanisms driving itch in HS remain incompletely understood, but it is thought to be a multifactorial process involving both neurogenic and inflammatory components.^4–11 Itch perception is thought to arise from the activation of sensory neurons in the skin, which are sensitized by inflammatory mediators in HS lesions.^5–11 This heightened sensitivity can exacerbate the itch response and contribute to chronic discomfort.^12–14 Additionally, compromised skin barrier function in HS may increase susceptibility to irritants and allergens, further aggravating pruritus.^15–17

The potential of strontium cream as an effective treatment for pruritus in HS was assessed in this study. Strontium’s multifaceted mechanisms, including the inhibition of nerve activity and reduction of inflammatory mediator release, suggest it could be beneficial in alleviating HS-related pruritus.^7–10 Our findings indicate that strontium cream, when used as part of a real-world treatment regimen, significantly reduces pruritus. 

Furthermore, the inclusion of aluminum acetate in the studied cream may enhance its therapeutic effects. Known for its astringent and soothing properties, aluminum acetate may complement strontium by reducing inflammation and providing relief from itching.^18,19

Limitations. Despite the encouraging outcomes observed in this study, it is important to acknowledge its limitations. The reliance on self-reported data introduces a degree of subjectivity and potential reporting bias. Also, the absence of a control group limits the ability to draw causal conclusions on the efficacy of strontium cream. The findings underscore the need for further rigorous research, including randomized, controlled trials, to confirm these results and to better understand the underlying mechanisms by which strontium alleviates itching in HS.

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