Study: Strontium May Help Alleviate Pruritus for HS Patients

Strontium cream demonstrated promise as a therapeutic option for managing pruritus in hidradenitis suppurativa (HS), according to a new research article published in the Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology.

In a prospective, open-label, real-world study involving 50 participants completing baseline and 1-week post-intervention surveys, mean itch scores decreased 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% of participants indicating willingness to recommend the cream to other HS patients.

The article, “Efficacy of Strontium Cream in Alleviating Pruritus in Hidradenitis Suppurativa,” was authored by Rubi Walker, BS, MS; Brindley Brooks; and Steven Daveluy, MD, FAAD.

The authors noted that the study relied on self-reported data, which introduces subjectivity, and that the absence of a control group limited causal inference, so they said further research is warranted. These initial results, however, were promising.

“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,” the authors wrote. “Our findings indicate that strontium cream, when used as part of a real-world treatment regimen, significantly reduces pruritus.”