Hidradenitis suppurativa(HS) is a chronic skin condition that causes painful, inflamed boils, abscesses, and scarring in areas where skin rubs together, such as the armpits or under the breasts.
Several home remedies may relieve symptoms when applied to the affected skin. These include aloe vera gel, apple cider vinegar, turmeric, and tea tree oil. Your healthcare provider may also prescribetreatment for HS, such as topical and oral antibiotics, biologics, and retinoids.
In this article, you’ll learn about various natural treatment options for HS and lifestyle changes you can make to prevent flare-ups of the disease.
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Natural Treatments for Hidradenitis Suppurativa
Many people with HS find that complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) options are quite helpful at relieving symptoms and preventing flare-ups.
In one study from 2020, about 50% of participants reported supplementing with turmeric and zinc to help treat their HS, while around 90% said they’ve made dietary changes. Of those that made dietary changes, 46% noted the changes as beneficial.
While there are many options for treating HS at home, it is always best to talk with a healthcare provider before starting any new therapy.
Warm Compress
Applying a warm water compress to the affected skin area may relieve pain and help drain HS boils. To make a compress, grab a clean cloth and run it under warm water. Wring out the excess water to limit moisture against your skin.
You can use a warm compress against your skin several times per day if it helps. Because moisture can make HS worse, it’s important to pat any wet skin dry after using the compress.
Turmeric
Turmericis a spice known for its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Turmeric contains a compound called curcumin, which some researchers believe may help relieve HS inflammation.
Both oral and topical formulations of turmeric have been studied with mixed results. Researchers acknowledge that turmeric should be studied more closely for its potential as an HS treatment.
Honey
Manuka honeyis another natural remedy that has been studied for the treatment of HS. Honey has long been hailed for its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antibacterial, and wound-healing properties.
For one study, researchers soaked wound care dressings in Manuka honey. Those dressings were given to people with HS, who wore them on their inflamed skin. Although the benefits were minimal, the Manuka honey did appear to improve recurrent infections in stubborn, slow-to-heal HS wounds.
Tea Tree Oil
Tea tree oilis an essential oil known for its potent antimicrobial properties. It has also demonstrated antiseptic and wound-healing benefits across several studies.There have not been studies on tea tree oil for HS, so it is uncertain how well this remedy will work.
Aloe Vera Gel
While it has not been studied specifically for treating hidradenitis suppuratva, aloe vera gel boasts several properties that may be beneficial. In particular,aloe veragel has been shown to have antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and wound healing effects on the skin.
Aloe vera gel is typically well tolerated. But, in some people with sensitive skin, it may cause burning, itching, or eczema.For a nice, cooling effect, try keeping your aloe vera gel in the refrigerator before applying it to inflamed skin.
Zinc
The mineralzincis known to help the immune system fight infection. Research shows that people with HS commonly have zinc deficiencies.Zinc supplementationshould be recommended as an adjunct therapy for people with HS, researchers say, as it can significantly reduce inflammation.
Zinc can be found in foods like oysters, crab, beef, beans, chicken, or taken as a supplement. While zinc supplementation is generally considered safe, it can cause gastrointestinal symptoms in some people, and is best taken with a meal.
Neem Oil
Neem oil, also known as margosa oil, is a vegetable oil that comes from the pressed seeds of neem trees. InAyurvedicand homeopathic medicine, neem oil is commonly recommended for people with slow- or non-healing wounds.
Although it has not been studied specifically for hidradenitis suppurativa, neem oil is known to possess anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, wound-healing, and antioxidant properties that may be beneficial for people with HS. Neel oil can be applied directly to the skin and does not need to be diluted.
Apple Cider Vinegar
There are many anecdotal reports online of people who have successfully treated HS withapple cider vinegar(ACV). But while apple cider vinegar has long been used to heal wounds and fight infections, scientific studies have failed to prove these benefits for the skin.
Research does show, however, that ACV can be effective for fighting off staphylococcus bacterium, which are commonly responsible for HS skin infections.Applying apple cider vinegar to the skin can be irritating, so it should be diluted. Try mixing 5 parts water to every one part ACV to start, and testing this solution on a small skin area first.
Vicks VapoRub
Vicks VapoRubis a topical ointment available over-the-counter. Applied to the chest or throat, it is usually used to relieve cough and congestion. But Vicks VapoRub has other uses, too. Therapeutic compounds in Vicks VapoRub include eucalyptus oil, menthol, camphor, and turpentine oil. Together, these compounds produce anti-inflammatory and analgesic (pain-relieving) effects.
Vicks VapoRub is not FDA-approved for the treatment of hidradenitis suppurativa. The product’s manufacturers warn not to use Vick VapoRub on broken skin. Talk to your healthcare provider if you have any questions about using it.
Bleach Bath
Taking a bath in a diluted solution ofbleach(sodium hypochlorite) has an antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory effect that can occur in as little as five minutes.A highly diluted bleach bath may help kill pre-existing bacteria and ward off infections in the future.
People with hidradenitis suppurativa sometimes use bleach baths for this reason.It must be done carefully, though. To make a bleach bath:
Bleach should never be applied directly to the skin.
Epsom Salts
Epsom salt bathsare one of the most commonly used hidradenitis suppurative home remedies. These baths can help relieve pain and reduce the inflammation that occurs due to HS, as well as dry out HS abscesses.
To make an epsom salt bath, simply fill your bathtub with lukewarm water and add about two cups of epsom salt, then soak for 15 to 30 minutes.
Cannabidiol
Cannabidiol (CBD) is the second most active component in cannabis. It is also found in hemp, a plant that belongs to the same species as cannabis.CBD oilis derived from hemp, but usually manufactured in a laboratory. It does not cause a high.
CBD oil has been shown to reduce pain and inflammation in people with arthritis when applied to the skin. These same effects have not been tested for in people with hidradenitis suppurativa, but CBD does absorb into the skin well, and is also believed to reduce itching and expedite wound healing.
CBD oil can be purchased in most holistic health stores and pharmacies. But keep in mind that, like other supplements, it is not FDA regulated to the extent that pharmaceuticals are.Always take care to research where your herbal remedies come from, what they contain, and how they are made.
Witch Hazel
Another common natural remedy for hidradenitis suppurativa iswitch hazel, an astringent that gently cleanses the skin.Witch hazel is known for its anti-inflammatory and skin barrier-protecting properties, which may be helpful for people with HS.
Witch hazel does not need to be diluted before applying it to the skin, and is generally well tolerated.
Natural Ways to Prevent Flare Ups
Flare-ups of HS can be painful, causing wounds that don’t heal and scarring. Taking steps to prevent flare-ups can make life with the disease more manageable. Options to prevent flare-ups include the following:
Wear Loose Clothing
With hidradenitis suppurativa, it’s important to wear clothes made of airy and absorbent fabrics that allow your skin to breathe and stay as dry as possible. The clothes you wear should also be loose to avoid putting pressure on sensitive and irritated skin areas. Some fabrics even offer protection against odor and microbes that could lead to infection.
Cotton, rayon, and bamboo fabrics are all recommended for people with HS due to their breathable, moisture-wicking qualities. Additionally, people with HS should avoid elastic in their clothes, and opt for items that are more comfortable and loose.
Shave Carefully
Avoid Moisture
Keep susceptible areas dry to prevent irritation and infection. Tips to avoid moisture include:
What Deoderant Is Best with Hydradenitis Suppurativa?Choose a natural deodorant that does not contain irritating ingredients, like alcohol, baking soda, parabens, or fragrances. These ingredients can be too harsh, and may lead to HS flares.
What Deoderant Is Best with Hydradenitis Suppurativa?
Choose a natural deodorant that does not contain irritating ingredients, like alcohol, baking soda, parabens, or fragrances. These ingredients can be too harsh, and may lead to HS flares.
Change Your Diet
Finding a healthy diet that is rich withanti-inflammatory, antioxidant foodscan both reduce HS flares and help you lose weight. While there is no specific diet for hidradenitis suppurativa, research suggests these diets may help:
Food sensitivities can also create inflammation in your body and trigger HS flares. Alcohol, brewer’s yeast, andglutenare common culprits, so much so that researchers commonly recommend all people with HS removing them from their diets.
What to Eat When You Have Hidradenitis Suppurativa
Manage Your Weight
People withoverweight or obesityare far more likely to develop HS than people with healthy body weights. Additionally, people with HS who lose weight may even stop having HS flares entirely, research shows. In one small study, most participants who lost 15% of their body weight improved their HS symptoms, with 50% of these individuals clearing their HS completely.
Losing weight starts with learning how to use a healthy diet and regular exercise to create acalorie deficit. Losing too much weight too fast isn’t safe and can even hinder your weight loss progress. Talk with your healthcare provider to create a safe and effective diet and exercise plan.
Use Proper Hygiene
Proper hygiene is a critical part of every HS treatment plan, and is vital for keeping HS symptoms under control and preventing future infections.
When bathing, opt for an antimicrobial body wash to reduce bacteria. You can also try using an acne wash that containsbenzoyl peroxideor zinc pyrithione in body areas affected with HS lesions.
Bathe regularly. Wash yourself off at least once per day and after any exercise sessions. Take care not to scrub your skin too vigorously to get it clean. Scrubbing can cause more inflammation, which will only make your HS worse.
The Best Benzoyl Peroxide Face Washes For Clear Skin
Don’t Smoke
If you want to quit smoking cigarettes but are not sure where to start, discuss smoking cessation treatment options with a healthcare provider.
How to Realistically Quit Smoking: 24+ Steps to Take Right Now
Summary
HS is a progressive inflammatory disease. There’s no known cure for HS, but treatment can help prevent flare-ups and stop disease progression.
There are many options for treating HS naturally, including making dietary changes, supplementing with turmeric and zinc, smoothing aloe vera on irritated skin, taking Epsom salt baths, and making lifestyle changes such as quitting smoking. These can help relieve symptoms and prevent flare-ups.
Always talk with your healthcare provider before starting any new treatment to determine if it’s the right fit for you.
Telemedicine for Hidradenitis Suppurativa
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