Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsWhat Is Hidradenitis Suppurativa?CAM TherapiesTea Tree OilTurmericHoneyAloe VeraZincOther Home RemediesFrequently Asked Questions
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
What Is Hidradenitis Suppurativa?
CAM Therapies
Tea Tree Oil
Turmeric
Honey
Aloe Vera
Zinc
Other Home Remedies
Frequently Asked Questions
Tea tree oil, honey, and turmeric are used as natural (homeopathic) treatments for Hidradenitis suppurativa (HS).
Some people may choose to complement traditional treatments with natural (homeopathic) treatments.These home remedieswon’t provide the proven results of traditional treatments, but some research and anecdotal evidence suggest they may provide some relief.
In this article, we’ll discuss which homeopathic remedies can help manage hidradenitis suppurativa, and how to get the benefits.
Sergey Mironov / Getty Images
Hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) is a skin disease that causes lumps on and under the skin. These lumps are sometimes mistaken for other skin conditions such as pimples or cystic acne.
These bumps often occur in areas whereskin touches or rubs other skin, such as:
HS tends to progress in the following stages:
Treatment can help prevent HS from progressing, worsening, or reoccurring. Left untreated, HS can cause permanent scarring.
Traditional treatment for HS includes:
How Hidradenitis Suppurativa Is Treated
Complementary and Alternative Therapies for HS Symptoms
Using essential oils, such astea tree oil, is one CAM therapy option for HS. Other natural remedies such as honey or turmeric have also been tried.
These remedies are usually administered topically (on the skin) to help soothe the area and potentially aid in wound care.
A Warning About Supplements and Essential Oils
Their efficacy also has not been widely studied. There is little evidence to suggest supplements and essential oils as reliable treatments for HS.
While most CAM therapies for HS are considered safe, some essential oils and supplements can be toxic if misused (intentionally or accidentally).
Before trying any treatments for HS, conventional or CAM, consult with your healthcare provider.
Tea tree oil, also calledmelaleuca alternifolia, has been shown in some studies to have antimicrobial properties when used topically,as well as anti-inflammatory properties.
There have been limited studies on using tea tree oil for hidradenitis suppurativa specifically. Some healthcare providers advise patients with HS who are using tea tree oil and other antimicrobial disinfectants to keep the affected area clean and reduce inflammation, while they wait for surgery or other traditional medical interventions.
Additional studies have shown the topical application of tea tree oil to be effective at reducing acnebreakouts and treatingrosacea, an inflammatory skin condition that caused blushing and redness.As these conditions have similar triggers as HS, tea tree oil shows promise as a treatment for HS in the future.
However, more research is needed before tea tree oil can be recommended as a treatment for HS. Tea tree oil contains over 100 different bioactive compounds. Research is needed to isolate which of these compounds are effective and in what amounts. Some studies indicate tea tree oil may be most effective as a complementary treatment to other medications.
The effectiveness of commercially available tea tree oil varies, as shown in a 2018 study.
Possible Side Effects
Tea tree oil can be toxic if ingested. It should always be used topically and diluted in a neutral oil called a carrier oil, such as olive, hemp seed, or avocado oils, before applying it to the skin.
Topical use may cause an allergic reaction or irritation, so use caution if applying, and discontinue use immediately if inflammation or burning occurs.
Essential Oils for Arthritis
How Can I Find Out More About Essential Oils and Supplements?TheNational Center for Complementary and Integrative Healthis a government site that offers details about herbs and botanicals, including research, potential side effects and cautions, and how they can be used.
How Can I Find Out More About Essential Oils and Supplements?
TheNational Center for Complementary and Integrative Healthis a government site that offers details about herbs and botanicals, including research, potential side effects and cautions, and how they can be used.
Studies on curcumin, found in the spice turmeric, show its potential for use as an antimicrobial agent.
It is safe to consume in recommended amounts, making it appealing from a safety perspective.
Becauseturmericis unstable and has low bioavailability (low amounts reach the bloodstream) when taken orally, it is difficult to study for efficacy. Ways to increase bioavailability are being explored. Increased bioavailability may mean increased effectiveness but may also increase side effects and safety concerns.
Turmeric can also be made into a paste and applied to the skin. Topically, it may have antibacterial and anti-inflammatory effects that can be helpful at mediating hidradenitis suppurative symptoms, but more research is needed to confirm the benefits.
It’s worth noting that turmeric is also used as a dye and may stain the skin yellow temporarily.
During pregnancy, turmeric should not be taken in amounts greater than those commonly found in food, as this may be unsafe.
The safety of breast milk in mothers taking turmeric supplements is not known.
There are promising studies showing the antibacterial effects of honey, but more research is needed to determine factors such as the specific effect of honey on hidradenitis suppurative wounds, and the optimum concentration and dosage to achieve the desired result.
Honey should not be given to babies under a year old, even in small amounts, as the sweetener can cause a rare but severe illness called botulism.
Honey should also be avoided if a person is allergic to any of its components, such as bee pollen.
Aloe vera(a succulent plant) is thought to help soothe the skin and promote wound healing.
Research suggests that aloe applied topically may:
While aloe vera has not been studied as a remedy for hidradenitis suppurativa, the soothing effects of the gel may help speed healing of HS wounds. More research is needed.
Aloe can be taken orally in different forms, but there are safety concerns such as:
In 2002, the FDA required manufacturers to remove aloe from over-the-counter laxative products due to a lack of safety data.
A 2018 study showed that people who have HS were more likely to havelow blood levels of zincthan healthy people, and that lower zinc levels were also associated with a higher severity of HS symptoms.This suggests a correlation between low zinc levels and HS.
However, this does not mean that people with HS should take zinc supplements. More research is needed to explore whether or not zinc supplements are beneficial for treating HS.
“Recommended dietary allowance (RDA)” means the average level of daily intake that is needed to meet the nutrient requirements of 97%–98% of healthy individuals.
The RDA of zinc for adults aged 19 and older in the following groups is:
Food sources ofzincinclude:
Supplements containing several forms of zinc are available but should not be taken without consulting with a healthcare provider.
Zinc toxicity (too much zinc) can cause side effects such as:
Zinc supplementscan also interfere with some medications.
Other treatments to try include the following.
Warm Compress:
Bleach Bath:
Bleach baths should only be tried under the guidance of a healthcare professional. Bleach baths may cause skin to sting or burn. Asthma attacks can be triggered from inhaling the bleach fumes during the bath,
If your healthcare provider advises a bleach bath:
A Word From Verywell
Hidradenitis suppurativais a disruptive and often painful skin condition that can interfere with your quality of life. Though there is no known cure, effective treatments are available to manage the condition. In addition to these treatments, several home remedies show promise as complementary ways to help manage HS.
Treatments such as tea tree oil, turmeric, honey, zinc, and aloe have not been conclusively shown to be effective as stand-alone treatments for HS. Studies are being conducted to see if they can be better utilized in this way.
In the meantime, if you would like to try some of these complementary treatments, check with your healthcare provider to see if they are right for you.
Aromatherapyis not a supported therapy for hidradenitis suppurativa.Some essential oils, such as tea tree oil, or botanicals, such as aloe, can be applied to the skin to help soothe irritation, promote healing, and prevent infection.These are used as a complement to traditional treatment, not a replacement.
Aromatherapyis not a supported therapy for hidradenitis suppurativa.
Some essential oils, such as tea tree oil, or botanicals, such as aloe, can be applied to the skin to help soothe irritation, promote healing, and prevent infection.
These are used as a complement to traditional treatment, not a replacement.
Tea tree oil can be used to keep the skin clean and help prevent infection.It is used with traditional treatments for HS.
Tea tree oil can be used to keep the skin clean and help prevent infection.
It is used with traditional treatments for HS.
Using an antiseptic wash such as benzoyl peroxide can help. Tea tree oil can be used to keep the area clean.
Sweating can irritate HS, but so can some antiperspirants. Using a gentle antiperspirant that doesn’t irritate your skin can help keep the area sweat free.
17 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
American Academy of Dermatology Association.What is hidradenitis suppurativa?
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National Center For Complementary and Integrative Health.Aloe Vera.
Poveda I, Vilarrasa E, Martorell A, et al.Serum zinc levels in hidradenitis suppurativa: a case-control study.Am J Clin Dermatol.2018 Jul;19(5):771-777. doi:10.1007/s40257-018-0374-5
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National Institutes of Health Office of Dietary Supplements.Zinc.
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