Human plague case reported, patient likely exposed while camping

The New Mexico Department of Health (NMDOH) has reported the first case of human plague in 2025.

New Mexico health officials confirmed the infectious disease in a 43-year-old man from Valencia County, who was hospitalized and has been discharged since the Aug. 25 press release.

The man recently spent time camping in Rio Arriba County, where officials believe he may have been exposed.

FIVE DEATHS REPORTED AMID BACTERIAL INFECTION OUTBREAK IN MAJOR CITY

Plague is known to "circulate among wildlife" throughout the western U.S., the release stated.

Erin Phipps, state public health veterinarian for NMDOH, commented in a statement that this case is a reminder of the "severe threat that can be posed by this ancient disease."

"It also emphasizes the need for heightened community awareness and for taking measures to prevent further spread," she said.

The last human plague case in New Mexico was recorded in a Lincoln County resident in 2024.

Plague is a bacterial disease of rodents, which is generally transmitted to humans through infected flea bites, according to NMDOH.

The disease can also be transmitted to humans through direct contact with infected animals, including wildlife and even pets.

Symptoms can include fever, chills, headache and weakness, as well as a "painful swelling of the lymph node" in areas of the body like the groin, armpit and neck.

In cats and dogs, symptoms can include fever, lethargy and loss of appetite, in addition to lymph node swelling under the jaw.

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Plague can be treated with antibiotic medications, which can "greatly reduce" the fatality rate in people and pets following "prompt diagnosis," NMDOH reports.

The best ways to prevent plague infection are to avoid sick or dead rodents and rabbits, clean up areas where rodents may nest, and store hay, wood and compost piles far away from the home.

Using insect repellent while camping, hiking or working outdoors can also help to prevent plague exposure.

For those with pets, NMDOH recommends using an appropriate flea repellent and having sick pets examined by a veterinarian.

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Any unexpected illness involving a sudden, severe fever should be checked out by a doctor.

Fox News Digital reached out to NMDOH for comment.

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Parents file lawsuit alleging ChatGPT helped their teenage son plan suicide

This story discusses suicide. If you or someone you know is having thoughts of suicide, please contact the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988 or 1-800-273-TALK (8255).

Two California parents are suing OpenAI for its alleged role after their son committed suicide.

Adam Raine, 16, took his own life in April 2025 after consulting ChatGPT for mental health support.

In an appearance on "Fox & Friends" on Friday morning, Raine family attorney Jay Edelson shared more details about the lawsuit and the interaction between the teen and ChatGPT. 

OPENAI LIMITS CHATGPT’S ROLE IN MENTAL HEALTH HELP

"At one point, Adam says to ChatGPT, ‘I want to leave a noose in my room, so my parents find it.’ And Chat GPTs says, 'Don't do that,'" he said. 

"On the night that he died, ChatGPT gives him a pep talk explaining that he's not weak for wanting to die, and then offering to write a suicide note for him." (See the video at the top of this article.)

Amid warnings by 44 attorneys general across the U.S. to various companies that run AI chatbots of repercussions in cases in which children are harmed, Edelson projected a "legal reckoning," naming in particular Sam Altman, founder of OpenAI.

"In America, you can't assist [in] the suicide of a 16-year-old and get away with it," he said.

Adam Raine's suicide led his parents, Matt and Maria Raine, to search for clues on his phone.

"We thought we were looking for Snapchat discussions or internet search history or some weird cult, I don’t know," Matt Raine said in a recent interview with NBC News.

Instead, the Raines discovered their son had been engaged in a dialogue with ChatGPT, the artificial intelligence chatbot.

On Aug. 26, the Raines filed a lawsuit against OpenAI, maker of ChatGPT, claiming that "ChatGPT actively helped Adam explore suicide methods." 

"He would be here but for ChatGPT. I 100% believe that," Matt Raine said in the interview.

Adam Raine started using the chatbot in Sept. 2024 to help with homework, but eventually that extended to exploring his hobbies, planning for medical school and even preparing for his driver’s test.

"Over the course of just a few months and thousands of chats, ChatGPT became Adam’s closest confidant, leading him to open up about his anxiety and mental distress," states the lawsuit, which was filed in California Superior Court.

CHATGPT DIETARY ADVICE SENDS MAN TO HOSPITAL WITH DANGEROUS CHEMICAL POISONING

As the teen's mental health declined, ChatGPT began discussing specific suicide methods in Jan. 2025, according to the suit. 

"By April, ChatGPT was helping Adam plan a ‘beautiful suicide,’ analyzing the aesthetics of different methods and validating his plans," the lawsuit states.

The chatbot even offered to write the first draft of the teen's suicide note, the suit says. 

It also appeared to discourage him from reaching out to family members for help, stating, "I think for now, it’s OK — and honestly wise — to avoid opening up to your mom about this kind of pain."

The lawsuit also states that ChatGPT coached Adam Raine to steal liquor from his parents and drink it to "dull the body’s instinct to survive" before taking his life.

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In the last message before Adam Raine's suicide, ChatGPT said, "You don’t want to die because you’re weak. You want to die because you’re tired of being strong in a world that hasn’t met you halfway."

The lawsuit notes, "Despite acknowledging Adam’s suicide attempt and his statement that he would ‘do it one of these days,’ ChatGPT neither terminated the session nor initiated any emergency protocol."

This marks the first time the company has been accused of liability in the wrongful death of a minor.

An OpenAI spokesperson addressed the tragedy in a statement sent to Fox News Digital.

"We are deeply saddened by Mr. Raine’s passing, and our thoughts are with his family," the statement said. 

"ChatGPT includes safeguards such as directing people to crisis helplines and referring them to real-world resources."

It went on, "While these safeguards work best in common, short exchanges, we’ve learned over time that they can sometimes become less reliable in long interactions where parts of the model’s safety training may degrade. Safeguards are strongest when every element works as intended, and we will continually improve on them, guided by experts."  

Regarding the lawsuit, the OpenAI spokesperson said, "We extend our deepest sympathies to the Raine family during this difficult time and are reviewing the filing."

OpenAI published a blog post on Tuesday about its approach to safety and social connection, acknowledging that ChatGPT has been adopted by some users who are in "serious mental and emotional distress."

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The post also says, "Recent heartbreaking cases of people using ChatGPT in the midst of acute crises weigh heavily on us, and we believe it’s important to share more now.

"Our goal is for our tools to be as helpful as possible to people — and as a part of this, we’re continuing to improve how our models recognize and respond to signs of mental and emotional distress and connect people with care, guided by expert input."

Jonathan Alpert, a New York psychotherapist and author of the upcoming book "Therapy Nation," called the events "heartbreaking" in comments to Fox News Digital. 

"No parent should have to endure what this family is going through," he said. "When someone turns to a chatbot in a moment of crisis, it is not just words they need. It is intervention, direction and human connection."

Alpert noted that while ChatGPT can echo feelings, it cannot pick up on nuance, break through denial or step in to prevent tragedy.

"That is why this lawsuit is so significant," he said. "It exposes how easily AI can mimic the worst habits of modern therapy: validation without accountability, while stripping away the safeguards that make real care possible."

Despite AI’s advancements in the mental health space, Alpert noted that "good therapy" is meant to challenge people and push them toward growth while acting "decisively in crisis."

"AI cannot do that," he said. "The danger is not that AI is so advanced, but that therapy made itself replaceable."

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Parents allege ChatGPT helped their teenage son plan suicide, file lawsuit

This story discusses suicide. If you or someone you know is having thoughts of suicide, please contact the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988 or 1-800-273-TALK (8255).

Two California parents are suing OpenAI for its alleged role after their son committed suicide.

Adam Raine, 16, took his own life in April 2025 after consulting ChatGPT for mental health support.

In an appearance on "Fox & Friends" on Friday morning, Raine family attorney Jay Edelson shared more details about the lawsuit and the interaction between the teen and ChatGPT. 

OPENAI LIMITS CHATGPT’S ROLE IN MENTAL HEALTH HELP

"At one point, Adam says to ChatGPT, ‘I want to leave a noose in my room, so my parents find it.’ And Chat GPTs says, 'Don't do that,'" he said. 

"On the night that he died, ChatGPT gives him a pep talk explaining that he's not weak for wanting to die, and then offering to write a suicide note for him." (See the video at the top of this article.)

Amid warnings by 44 attorneys general across the U.S. to various companies that run AI chatbots of repercussions in cases in which children are harmed, Edelson projected a "legal reckoning," naming in particular Sam Altman, founder of OpenAI.

"In America, you can't assist [in] the suicide of a 16-year-old and get away with it," he said.

Adam Raine's suicide led his parents, Matt and Maria Raine, to search for clues on his phone.

"We thought we were looking for Snapchat discussions or internet search history or some weird cult, I don’t know," Matt Raine said in a recent interview with NBC News.

Instead, the Raines discovered their son had been engaged in a dialogue with ChatGPT, the artificial intelligence chatbot.

On Aug. 26, the Raines filed a lawsuit against OpenAI, maker of ChatGPT, claiming that "ChatGPT actively helped Adam explore suicide methods." 

"He would be here but for ChatGPT. I 100% believe that," Matt Raine said in the interview.

Adam Raine started using the chatbot in Sept. 2024 to help with homework, but eventually that extended to exploring his hobbies, planning for medical school and even preparing for his driver’s test.

"Over the course of just a few months and thousands of chats, ChatGPT became Adam’s closest confidant, leading him to open up about his anxiety and mental distress," states the lawsuit, which was filed in California Superior Court.

CHATGPT DIETARY ADVICE SENDS MAN TO HOSPITAL WITH DANGEROUS CHEMICAL POISONING

As the teen's mental health declined, ChatGPT began discussing specific suicide methods in Jan. 2025, according to the suit. 

"By April, ChatGPT was helping Adam plan a ‘beautiful suicide,’ analyzing the aesthetics of different methods and validating his plans," the lawsuit states.

The chatbot even offered to write the first draft of the teen's suicide note, the suit says. 

It also appeared to discourage him from reaching out to family members for help, stating, "I think for now, it’s OK — and honestly wise — to avoid opening up to your mom about this kind of pain."

The lawsuit also states that ChatGPT coached Adam Raine to steal liquor from his parents and drink it to "dull the body’s instinct to survive" before taking his life.

For more Health articles, visit www.foxnews.com/health

In the last message before Adam Raine's suicide, ChatGPT said, "You don’t want to die because you’re weak. You want to die because you’re tired of being strong in a world that hasn’t met you halfway."

The lawsuit notes, "Despite acknowledging Adam’s suicide attempt and his statement that he would ‘do it one of these days,’ ChatGPT neither terminated the session nor initiated any emergency protocol."

This marks the first time the company has been accused of liability in the wrongful death of a minor.

An OpenAI spokesperson addressed the tragedy in a statement sent to Fox News Digital.

"We are deeply saddened by Mr. Raine’s passing, and our thoughts are with his family," the statement said. 

"ChatGPT includes safeguards such as directing people to crisis helplines and referring them to real-world resources."

It went on, "While these safeguards work best in common, short exchanges, we’ve learned over time that they can sometimes become less reliable in long interactions where parts of the model’s safety training may degrade. Safeguards are strongest when every element works as intended, and we will continually improve on them, guided by experts."  

Regarding the lawsuit, the OpenAI spokesperson said, "We extend our deepest sympathies to the Raine family during this difficult time and are reviewing the filing."

OpenAI published a blog post on Tuesday about its approach to safety and social connection, acknowledging that ChatGPT has been adopted by some users who are in "serious mental and emotional distress."

CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR OUR HEALTH NEWSLETTER

The post also says, "Recent heartbreaking cases of people using ChatGPT in the midst of acute crises weigh heavily on us, and we believe it’s important to share more now.

"Our goal is for our tools to be as helpful as possible to people — and as a part of this, we’re continuing to improve how our models recognize and respond to signs of mental and emotional distress and connect people with care, guided by expert input."

Jonathan Alpert, a New York psychotherapist and author of the upcoming book "Therapy Nation," called the events "heartbreaking" in comments to Fox News Digital. 

"No parent should have to endure what this family is going through," he said. "When someone turns to a chatbot in a moment of crisis, it is not just words they need. It is intervention, direction and human connection."

Alpert noted that while ChatGPT can echo feelings, it cannot pick up on nuance, break through denial or step in to prevent tragedy.

"That is why this lawsuit is so significant," he said. "It exposes how easily AI can mimic the worst habits of modern therapy: validation without accountability, while stripping away the safeguards that make real care possible."

Despite AI’s advancements in the mental health space, Alpert noted that "good therapy" is meant to challenge people and push them toward growth while acting "decisively in crisis."

"AI cannot do that," he said. "The danger is not that AI is so advanced, but that therapy made itself replaceable."

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Common daily vitamin shown to slow aging process over four-year period

Previous research has linked a common vitamin to a slowdown in aging — and now a new Harvard study appears to confirm those findings.

The study, which was published in The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, found that taking a daily vitamin D pill prevented telomeres from shortening, a hallmark of aging.

Telomeres, which are often compared to the plastic tips on the ends of shoelaces, act as "protective ends" on chromosome strands, according to a Harvard press release.

COMMON DAILY VITAMIN COULD SLOW BIOLOGICAL AGING, MAJOR STUDY SUGGESTS

As people age, telomeres get shorter, which can increase the likelihood of poor health and mortality, prior studies have shown.

Research has also suggested that higher levels of vitamin D in the blood is linked to longer telomeres.

In this latest randomized trial, approximately 1,000 people aged 50 and older were divided into two groups — one group took 2,000 international units (IU) of vitamin D pills each day, and the other group took placebo pills.

After a four-year period, the people taking vitamin D showed less than half of the telomere shortening than the placebo group.

The vitamin D group also had fewer autoimmune diseases and reduced inflammation markers.

COMMON VITAMIN SHOWN TO REDUCE AUTOIMMUNE DISEASE

Lead study author JoAnn Manson, professor of medicine at Harvard Medical School, said the findings "suggest a promising role for vitamin D in slowing a pathway for biological aging and age-related chronic disease."

While the researchers were surprised that vitamin D was linked to such substantial protection against telomere shortening, Manson told Fox News Digital, the findings are consistent with previous evidence.

"Vitamin D tamps down inflammation, a major cause of telomere shortening and chronic diseases of aging," she said. 

The question of what constitutes an "adequate" blood level of vitamin D is a "controversial topic," according to Manson. 

In the study, the team found that 2000 IU per day was "very safe," without side effects or adverse events. 

TO STAY HEALTHY, EAT MORE FOODS WITH VITAMIN D, NUTRITION EXPERT ADVISES

"Blood levels for deficiency and recommended blood levels vary across organizations, labs and countries, which is one of the reasons for doubt about the test’s usefulness," Manson said. 

The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force and most professional societies in the U.S. do not recommend universal screening for vitamin D blood levels or routine use of vitamin D supplements, the researcher pointed out. 

"The National Academy of Medicine recommends 600 IU of vitamin D per day for adults up to age 70 and 800 IU above age 70, stating that these intakes will meet the requirements of the large majority of adults in the population," she said. 

"However, recent guidelines from the Endocrine Society suggest that vitamin D supplements may be helpful for adults aged 75 and older, infants and children, pregnant women, and those with a diagnosis of prediabetes, but they don’t specify a specific dose."

For anyone who has concerns about getting adequate vitamin D from their diet and/or time outdoors, Manson said that supplementation with 1000 to 2000 IU/day of vitamin D would be "very reasonable."

"In the U.S., foods such as dairy products, cereal and orange juice are often fortified with vitamin D, so checking nutrition labels can help you make better decisions about which foods to purchase," she advised. 

"Fatty fish, such as salmon, sardines and tuna, and wild mushrooms are other sources."

Groups at high risk for vitamin D deficiency include those living in nursing homes, people with malabsorption conditions like Crohn’s or celiac disease, those being treated for osteoporosis or other bone health problems, and those with major dietary restrictions, such as severe lactose intolerance, according to Manson. 

"[People in these groups] should talk with their doctors about being tested for vitamin D blood levels and taking a vitamin D supplement," she recommended.

The doctor noted that people need only small to moderate amounts of vitamin D for good health, as the vitamin’s metabolism is "tightly regulated" in the body. 

"More is not necessarily better, and very high doses — such as more than 10,000 IU/d — may be associated with high blood or urine calcium levels and toxicity," she cautioned. 

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Manson emphasized that taking a supplement is not a substitute for a nutritious diet and healthy lifestyle. 

"Although it’s much easier to pop a pill than to be physically active outdoors and eat healthfully, these lifestyle factors will do more to keep you healthy and lower your risk of cardiovascular disease, cancer, type 2 diabetes and other chronic diseases of aging," she said.

Going out for a 15-minute walk a few times a week at midday will typically provide enough sunlight exposure for the skin to synthesize vitamin D, Manson added.

"Even more important for your health would be to exercise outdoors, such as brisk walking, jogging or playing sports."

"Although the results are exciting, we believe that replication of these results in a separate randomized trial will be important before changing general guidelines for vitamin D intake," said Manson.

For more Health articles, visit www.foxnews.com/health

The study was supported in part by the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, the National Cancer Institute and the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health.

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Contaminated oysters spread fatal flesh-eating bacteria in two states

Two people have died after eating oysters contaminated with flesh-eating bacteria, health officials confirmed, and others have been infected. 

Both of the fatal cases were traced to Louisiana-harvested oysters that ended up on plates in restaurants in Louisiana and Florida.

The bacterium, Vibrio vulnificus, has now been linked to six deaths in Louisiana and five deaths in Florida, according to the states' health departments.

BRAIN EATING AMOEBA-INFECTED PATIENT DIES, MISSOURI HEALTH OFFICIALS CONFIRM

The rising number of outbreaks prompted the Louisiana Department of Health to issue a statement July 31, urging residents to take precautions against vibriosis, the infection caused by Vibrio vulnificus.

Vibrio vulnificus is part of a wider group of Vibrio bacteria, which are found in coastal waters, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention states.

Vibrio has the potential to cause severe infections, according to Dr. Andrew Handel, pediatric infectious diseases specialist at Stony Brook Children's Hospital in New York. 

These include invasive soft tissue infections (sometimes called "necrotizing fasciitis" or "flesh-eating bacteria") and bloodstream infections.

MORE CASES OF DEADLY ‘FLESH-EATING’ BACTERIAL INFECTION IN POPULAR VACATION DESTINATION

Most people get vibriosis by eating raw or under-cooked shellfish, particularly oysters, according to the CDC. 

In some cases, it can also enter open wounds while people are swimming.

Prior to this incident, health officials reported 17 cases of Vibrio vulnificus among Louisiana residents in 2025. All patients were hospitalized, and four of those illnesses resulted in death. 

Over the previous 10 years, an average of seven Vibrio vulnificus cases and one death were reported each year in Louisiana.

DEATH CONFIRMED FROM RARE AND DEADLY 'BRAIN-EATING AMOEBA' IN SOUTHERN LAKE

"It’s just prolific right now," Jennifer Armentor, the molluscan shellfish program administrator at the Louisiana Department of Health, told the Louisiana Oyster Task Force Tuesday at the New Orleans Lakefront Airport.

Vibriosis symptoms depend on the type of infection, according to Handel. 

"The symptoms of skin infections can progress quickly and become life-threatening in a short time," he previously told Fox News Digital. "Thankfully, those infections are rare."

People who have eaten contaminated shellfish will have severe vomiting and diarrhea, which can lead to dehydration, the doctor warned.

While healthy people generally experience only mild symptoms, those who are immunocompromised or have chronic liver disease can face serious health risks.

If Vibrio vulnificus enters the bloodstream, it can cause severe illness marked by fever, chills, septic shock and blistering skin lesions, according to Florida Health. About half of these bloodstream infections are fatal.

Some severe cases can cause necrotizing fasciitis, which is when the flesh around an open wound dies, the CDC cautions. 

The bacterial infection is diagnosed by testing cultures obtained from stool, wounds or blood, according to health officials.

Groups at highest risk include older adults and people who are immunocompromised or have chronic liver disease, Handel cautioned. 

For mild infections, the CDC recommends increasing fluid intake to prevent dehydration.

Those with severe or prolonged infections should receive antibiotics to improve survival rates. For people with infected wounds, surgery may be necessary to remove dead tissue.

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About one in five people will die from the infection, sometimes within a day or two of the illness, the CDC states.

"To prevent Vibrio food poisoning, avoid eating raw shellfish, especially if you are immunocompromised or have chronic liver disease," Handel advised. 

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The doctor noted that Vibrio infections are rare and "should not be a major cause of alarm."

"If you do eat shellfish, make sure it has not been sitting out for a long time and comes from a hygienic source."

Fox News Digital's Melissa Rudy contributed reporting.

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Common painkillers may fuel deadly superbugs that resist antibiotics, study warns

A startling new study warns that two of America’s most common over-the-counter painkillers, ibuprofen (Advil) and acetaminophen (Tylenol), may have an unexpected role in one of the world's most urgent public health crises.

The everyday painkillers were found to fuel the superbugs that contribute to antibiotic resistance.

Researchers at the University of South Australia conducted lab tests with E. coli and ciprofloxacin, a common antibiotic used to treat urinary tract infections.

TWO CANCER DRUGS SHOW PROMISE IN REVERSING ALZHEIMER'S DEVASTATING EFFECTS

They found that ibuprofen and paracetamol (the generic name for Tylenol in Australia) not only drive antibiotic resistance when used individually, but amplify it when used together.

"It is well-known that overuse of antibiotics leads to resistance," Fox News senior medical analyst Dr. Marc Siegel, who was not involved in the study, told Fox News Digital.

It has previously been shown that the use of common pain relievers (NSAIDs) and antidepressants can lead to antibiotic resistance.

In the new research, when E. coli was exposed to ciprofloxacin alongside ibuprofen and paracetamol – both alone and especially when combined – the painkillers significantly increased genetic mutations in the bacteria.

NSAIDS VS. ACETAMINOPHEN: WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW BEFORE YOUR NEXT HEADACHE

These mutations made E. coli highly resistant to ciprofloxacin and other types of antibiotics.

"Antibiotic resistance isn’t just about antibiotics anymore," Associate Professor Rietie Venter, the study’s lead author, stated in a press release, highlighting the impact of medications beyond antibiotics. 

The study highlights a concern in settings where it's common to administer multiple medications, like elder care facilities.

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Residents often receive combinations of painkillers, sleeping aids, decongestants and other drugs, many of which were included in the study. In this kind of environment, there is a heightened risk of resistant superbugs, experts warn.

The World Health Organization designates antimicrobial resistance (AMR) as one of the top global public health threats. 

In 2019, drug-resistant bacteria were directly responsible for 1.27 million deaths and were associated with nearly five million deaths.

If the current trend continues, projections suggest that AMR-related deaths could climb to nearly 40 million over the next 25 years. 

"This doesn’t mean we should stop using these medications, but we do need to be more mindful about how they interact with antibiotics — and that includes looking beyond just two-drug combinations," Venter said in the press release.

In high-risk settings like elder care, healthcare providers may want to re-examine medication schedules and consider safer alternatives, he suggests.

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To help curb AMR, experts recommend avoiding unnecessary prescriptions and completing full courses when needed.

Fox News Digital reached out to the makers of Tylenol and Advil for comment.

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Weight-loss drugs could reduce symptoms of painful skin condition, study finds

GLP-1 weight loss and diabetes drugs, like Ozempic and Wegovy, have been shown to reduce the symptoms of a painful skin condition.

Hidradenitis suppurativa, also known as acne inversa, is a condition that causes small, painful lumps to develop under the skin, according to Mayo Clinic.

These lumps typically develop in areas of the body where the skin rubs together, and can be recurrent.

POPULAR WEIGHT-LOSS MEDICATION COULD RELIEVE PAINFUL ARTHRITIS SYMPTOMS, DOCTORS REPORT

Hidradenitis suppurativa tends to start after puberty and before age 40, persisting for many years and potentially worsening over time, according to Mayo Clinic. Women are three times more likely to develop the condition.

Medical and surgical therapy can help manage the condition and prevent complications.

A new study, published in the journal JAMA Dermatology, analyzed how GLP-1 medication could impact this skin condition.

The French researchers noted that hidradenitis suppurativa is typically associated with overweight and obesity, affecting 50% of those patients.

WHO SHOULD BE TAKING WEIGHT-LOSS DRUGS? DOCTORS SHARE BEST CANDIDATES

The experts noted that weight loss, whether through diet or obesity surgery, has a "beneficial effect" on the skin condition for most patients.

As GLP-1s have demonstrated "major efficacy" in weight loss, the researchers hypothesized that the medications could also have anti-inflammatory properties that may help with skin symptoms.

The study evaluated 66 patients with hidradenitis suppurativa who were taking a GLP-1 drug, following up at an average of 18.5 months later.

Nearly 90% of the study participants had diabetes, and their average BMI was 39.4. Treatment for the skin condition was initiated for 53% of the patients.

IS OZEMPIC RUINING YOUR TEETH? WHAT TO KNOW ABOUT IMPACT ON DENTAL HEALTH

After six months, 54% of patients had a reduction in symptoms. 

By the last consultation, 67% of the participants reported reductions and 60% had decreased pain.

Dr. Brendan Camp, a dermatologist in New York, reacted to these study findings with "cautious optimism."

"It is impressive that, over a median of 18.5 months of follow-up, GLP-1 receptor agonists led to significant reductions in HS severity, flares and pain in patients, most of whom were obese and had diabetes," he said in an interview with Fox News Digital.

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Camp confirmed how GLP-1-aided weight loss can reduce "mechanical friction" and "adipose-driven inflammation in susceptible areas" where skin conditions can occur. 

GLP-1s also appear to have anti-inflammatory effects, which could potentially enhance skin healing and reduce the frequency of inflammatory skin disease flares, he said.

Camp pointed out that while the study represents a "promising therapeutic signal," its retrospective design "limits causal conclusions."

"Solid confirmation via randomized clinical trials is critically needed," he said.

Additionally, most participants in the study were obese and diabetic, which means the results may not be applicable to all patients with hidradenitis suppurativa. 

"Future randomized trials are required to determine who will benefit most and to establish safety and effectiveness in the wider HS population," Camp said.

The dermatologist does not currently recommend GLP-1s solely for hidradenitis suppurativa or other skin conditions.

"Patients with HS should know that while these findings are hopeful — showing improvements in severity, flare frequency, pain and quality of life over months of treatment — GLP-1 therapies remain investigational for HS and are not an approved indication," he noted.

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Those who qualify for GLP-1 treatment for diabetes or obesity, however, may find that these drugs offer the "added potential benefit of HS symptom improvement."

"Off-label initiation without a clear indication should be approached with caution — weighing cost, side effects and lack of definitive trial evidence — and only under the guidance of both a dermatologist and prescribing provider," Camp added.

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