Omega Oils
★★★★★
Looking it up on the internet I found lots of painful stories but not much help to be had. I did come across a doctor's explanation to a poster, though, that I would remember later. The doctor said that the problem was that the oil in the hair follicles was too thick and was clogging up the pores because the poster was not getting enough essential oils. That made no sense to me so I forgot about it. Later, at the height of my boil problems I decided that losing weight would help so I started the Atkins diet program. If you do it right, you take their supplementary oil capsules - esential fatty acids, ie. Omega Oils. I did that. After a period of months, I suddenly realized that I had not had a boil in a long time and I remembered that doctor's comment. Eventually I stopped the diet and stopped taking the oils. The boils came back. I started taking the oils again - they went away.
Connecting the dots, I now make sure that I supplement with Omega oils regularly and that keeps the little beasties away. If I get one, which is rare now, I usually realize that I haven't been taking my oils again and when I restart, they disappear. We need these essential fatty acids anyway for other reasons so why not? To me, it seems a reasonable trade and a very easy cure for a tough problem that I have discovered is a lot more common among women than I would have expected.
On Scalp
The thing is I never hear anyone say they have had it on their scalp but me and I am female so you know how devastating that must be. Is there anyone out there who has had it on their scalp or know someone who does? I feel very isolated in this. All I want is for something to flattent these keloids on my head or recommend something to grow my hair back in these areas. I used to have thivk abundant hair and now this disease has destroyed it. It makes me sad to look in the mirror and see what a evastating affect this thing has had on me and that I probably will have to live the rest of my life with these raised scars on my head and thr hair loss that comes with it. If anyone know of anything, please let me know. Thx.
(Sevierville, Tn)
04/17/2011
I do too have the HS on my scalp. Then it spread. I have been diagnosed for about 6 months but I am decreasing the outbreaks by using Melaleuca shampoo, Selenium sulfate 2.5 (alternated), rarely ever use hair products, I take bleach baths when it gets really bad (once a month or so). I do my own drains and compresses and have not had surgery yet although there are a few times before I got diagnosed I probably should have. Good luck.
(Vancouver, Bc)
09/14/2011
I put Aloe Vera gel all over my scalp every single night before I sleep and keep it on all night (and shower after I wake up in the morning)...
I have the same problem in my head... but this seems to have really controlled and reduce the problem (takes time to fix)...
I also use Shea butter shampoo bar (by African Trade Society) on my head....I would recommend both.
Oregano and Coconut Oils, Adrenal Support
★★★★★
My MD prescribed a short round of Penicillin which helped me, but not for long. I then switched to coconut oil (medium chain fatty acids in coconut oil kill many viruses and bacteria). I also used oregano oil, (super Strength P-73). If it doesn't say P-73 on the bottle, it may not be the right oil. I also took adaptogens (Rhodiola, schizandra, etc.) to support my adrenal glands.
OREGANO: I filled two 00 gelatin capsules twice a day for 2 days with food, then backed down to one 2x a day. I also rubbed it on the skin as much as I could tolerate throughout the day.
COCONUT OIL: I took 4-6 coconut oil gelcaps 2x a day and also rubbed it on the skin constantly. Be aware that oregano oil can cause a temporary burning sensation. After all this; there is no evidence that I ever had a boil. Praying helped too, I'm sure.
What a horrible, HORRIBLE PAIN!!!
(Ashland, Wi)
09/26/2010
My health took a turn for the worst after an especially stressful 2008 and quitting Birth Control after 10 years to remedy the situation. That may have sent me in a tail-spin, but I'm sure it's healthier in the long run. I got HS about 6 months later. I did have a few isolated boils in my teen years.... Strange. Before BC, hmmmm. I had one bad one tested last year, and it was just regular good skin bacteria. Autoimmmune.... I have had a multitude of other problems in the past year, but one is Adrenal Exhaustion. I think that was the orignal problem. I had mine in remission for about 3 months earlier this year... Until I had surgery and couldn't exercise anymore.... I have been taking L-Tyrosine daily for over a year. And 5-Htp. I love my Yoga Booty Ballet exercise. I shower after I exercise while still hot and sweaty. I had it in remission this way. I haven't exercised really in about 4 months. I prayed when I pressed a boil in a sitz bath and it came loose and drained instantly. I know this is the best thing to do. I want to try oregano and coconut and tumeric for secondary bronchitis from a virus right now, anyways. Curious how the treatments for Bronchitis and HS are so similar. I started taking ACV with the Mother yesterday and ate about 3 tbsps of Cayenne Pepper in a drink yester. Didn't help the HS yet.... Curious I had it in remission before..... I've always smoked additive free organic tobacco and love coffee as well. I don't drink, though, maybe I should. I eat at natural as possible always. NATURAL and organic if I can afford it. ALWAYS.
(Nashville, Tn)
03/29/2012
Wow. I can totally relate to these. I do feel like praying really helps, especially when I am at my breaking point and just trying to get some relief from salt baths and letting the cysts drain. My HS started when I was 13 after a long road trip, while sitting on my bottom for 10 hours. After that, I also got cysts under my arms and learned the hard way I was allergic to the antibiotic Tequin, which I believe is now discontinued. I had surgery when I was 17 for a pilonidal cyst, and have had recurring cysts since. (I am 24. )
I haven't heard about the connection with bronchitis and HS, but I have also had bronchitis as a kid to the point of pleurisy (infection of the lining of the lungs. ) I also had a severe case of Chicken Pox as a child-- I got Staph infection all over my body. Just to make it clear, though, I am 24, in shape and very very clean. I want to help others with the disorder, so I have dedicated so much time trying to learn more about it. Thank God for this site! Just reading these testimonials has made the condition easier to deal with. I've read a lot that HS is connected to stress and food allergies. I can completely understand the stress factor-- I suffer from anxiety every single day, largely in part of HS. I am also a smoker and drink coffee.
I have been researching the diet side of things, and have found that with HS sufferers, their pH balance seems to lean towards the acid side and needs to be balanced towards the Alkaline side, so drinking Alkaline Water (also looking up the alkaline food guide and incorporating those foods into your diet) will help balance everything out. Today I started taking turmeric in warm water with honey and black pepper, diluting ACV with water, and taking vitamin A, and I found this ointment a few months ago online called Emuaid. It worked SO WELL the first time I used it, (2 large bumps gone the next day) then seemed to work less after a few weeks. Here's my shower routine:
-antibacterial soap
-not shaving sides of legs
-after I've dried off, using Witch Hazel to re-rinse the area
-using Emuaid or Bacitracin Ointment
-Maintaining dryness of the area.
God bless all of you. Here's to a CURE! It's out there.
Pau D'arco, Red Clover Tea
★★★★★
(Bordentown, Nj)
01/20/2010
Prebiotics and Probiotics
★★★★★
Physician heal thyself. Take a responsible step to your own health. God Bless
Probiotics
★★★★★
I recently (about 2 months ago) found an article about leaky gut syndrome and started taking a probiotic twice a day, which really seems to be helping! I have not had a breakout since and I even started adding small amounts of gluten back into my diet (i.e. soy sauce, beer, boneless breaded chicken wings, etc.)!! Not sure if it is a "cure", but it helped me and worth a shot- although I am still weary of pizza and pasta dishes. Probiotics are easily available and not expensive at all, so perhaps worth a shot?
Reader Comments
(Austin, TX)
01/11/2009
you said your derm said your hair care products are giving you your boils? stop using them. i wash my hair with grandpa's pine tar soap once a week and then use a rinse of either ACV (1 capful) or lime juice (1 small (key) lime) and a liter of water.
i now have more beautiful hair than ever. oh - and don't ever use hot water on your hair. i have switched to only washing my hair with cold water and i can't believe the difference it has made. i used to have very dry hair no matter what i put on it conditioner wise. now i don't even need conditioner at all and my hair is long again and in much better condition.
try it!!! you will certainly save money and maybe your skin problems will stop too. when you are bathing all of the stuff from the hair care products goes all down your back and onto your body. makes perfect sense to me. i for one would never put anything on my head/scalp that i couldn't put in my mouth. btw - i also brush my teeth with grandpa's pine tar soap...
djh/texas
(Antigua, Guatemala)
01/12/2009
I read your post and just wanted to share my suggestions:
Spots and boils represent some form of toxicity/poisons that your body wants to get rid of. Cleansing your body (internally) will help tremendously towards getting your healthy,glowing skin back again. As a simple boost - try having 1 or 2 fresh lemons in a glass of water each morning. Look into doing a colon cleaning programme which has tremendous benefits to skin and overall healh. Eat more raw vegetables and fruits to cleanse,nourish and purify your body. Explore the Hydrogen peroxide blogs -this amazing liquid cleanses your blood and kills bacteria and virus', as well as killing the bacteria when applied (concentration of 3% neatly with a Q-tip) directly to the boil.
In terms of beauty/hair products: cold pressed, raw coconut oil (available in most health food stores) makes an excellent hair oil, which shines,conditions and softens as the same time. It also smells divine.
I hope this helps for now.
(Los Angeles, California)
05/09/2009
Pine tar soap.... that's funny. I, too, am African-American and all this started for me at eight years old. I can barely believe I've been dealing with this for 30 years. I'm not sure which hair products your doc is referring to, but I'm pretty sure the pine tar soap as shampoo deal is NOT gonna work on Black hair. I have natural hair and always have since my teens and still have the condition so I don't know about that.
I'm still trying to discover a cure that will work for me. The less wholesome my diet and lifestyle are the more boils I get. When I was pregnant I had NO boils for the entire time. But afterwards they came back with a vengeance.
It's an ugly, embarrassing, lonely condition.....just keep experimenting, we may luck up. Many blessings and good luck.
(Jackson, MI)
07/26/2009
Hi Keturah, I'm not sure it this would work on your hair or not, but it might be worth a try. When I noticed a couple of places forming on my scalp, I thought, oh no, not my head too, they were small, but painful. I replaced my shampoo with a 1/2 cup of baking soda made into a paste. I have very long hair and yes, you have to get use to 'no lather' but baking soda does a great job of cleaning your hair and scalp. As a matter of fact, I have found that I no longer have to wash my hair daily as I use to. I occasionally do a vinegar rinse. My hair is a lot healthier looking now and no more spots on my scalp.
For anyone wishing to try the 'wonder whatever - 200c Elaps Corallinus', well I did. I went 2 months without a boil. 2 blissful months. The honeymoon is over however. I was so hopeful that this would be the end of this miserable stuff. The gentleman who mentioned that he could relate to Job from the Bible. Funny he mention that. I often felt that way myself. God bless us all. ~Ang
Rubbing Alcohol
★★★★☆
From what I have read there are no cures for this condition but things we can do to help prevent and treat them. In personal experience when I put my snug form fitting leggings and jeans and tights on it makes it worse, when I exercise and eat well it gets better. When I was pregnant with both of my children ther were no signs of boils, it was the longest consecutive period of time I have gone without them, two days after I had my first son I got three abcesses. It made a very happy time depressing and painful, but I have done a ton of research and have been examined by several very good doctors and dermatologists and surgeons and I have learned alot about this condition, my mother had it also, for a short time, and my sister. It has gotten better with my age, I am used to living with it now. Don't be depressed, its ok and there are many of us out there. Any questions and feel free to ask. I have only had one flare up in about 6 months, I took care of it and it was gone in about 2 days with the rubbing alcohol trick;) hope this helps.
P. S. I never write on these things but this was totally worth my time because I know how alone you feel sometimes due to this, I have been there.
(Manganui, Northland, New Zealand)
03/04/2013
I had something similar on my back, and used acetone ie. nail polish remover. It seems to kill the bug even if the boil isnt opened you can feel it stinging and doing its thing. Acetone is handled by the body quite well, in fact the body produces it. Just a thought? but alchohol is good, for killing bugs.
(Pennsylvania)
04/20/2017
Thank Alicia, I never used rubbing alcohol on them before but am trying it now! Seems to have lessen the pain for me and kinda made them smaller. I had thought that maybe the birth control made them worse too so I stopped taking it and I've gotten a lot of them, but at same time when I was on birth control I'd have periods where I'd get a lot of boils or extremely bad ones. So I'm not sure what to believe any more. It took me almost ten years to find out a name to what I had and then when I did found there was no cure! And drs and dermatologist just want to give antibiotics! It sucks and some days it's hard! I haven't found anything to add to maybe making things better for someone out there with it! Just wanted to say thanks for the alcohol idea.
(Hyderabad, India)
08/21/2017
Hi Alicia,
Since 4 years I have been suffering from HS, it has affected my both the underarms.It is worst in my left hand under arms.I have consulted many doctors regarding this but nobody has given me solution for it.I have taken 4 to 6 steroids injections and still taking antibiotic. Tomorrow I will go through ultrasound of my armpits based on that doctors will decide whether I should go for surgery or not.
Could you please help me out of this situation and can provide me some suggestions?Please advice me on the following questions:
1)should I go for surgery?
2)Do you know any home remedy?IF yes then please share
3) As the wound has opened in my right arms can I use alcohol there..or I can used it once it get closed...and which alcohol did you used(Vodka, Scotch etc)?
This is really urgent please reply as soon as possi
(Somewhere, Europe)
08/22/2017
Puja, read up on turmeric (haldi, I think) for this.
Rubbing Alcohol
★★★★☆
I'm 19 and have had HS ever since I can remember. I've had surgery to remove abscesses in both armpits. I remember being in grade school and not participating in gym because I could not sweat and risk having it resting on my skin all through school. My gym teachers never really believed me and just assumed I got a doctor's note because I was overweight and didn't want to exercise. This is an embarrassing disease and I'm sorry all of you had to go through it too.
Over the years, I've gotten better though. I do something that I think no one has mentioned after every shower I use sterile cotton balls and PUT RUBBING ALCOHOL on the areas that I normally get them (especially the open sores). Doctors use this to clean instruments and they go in first aids kits to cleanse burns and wounds. It sounds harsh but It doesn't make my skin dry at all. Once I started doing this, I barely even get any boils maybe one or two a month! :)
I also use softsoap antibacterial liquid soap or any other generic brand that is close. I look at the ingredient triclosan the higher it is the more antibacterial quality. I DO NOT USE bars of soap because they can carry bacteria on the surface, unlike liquid soap that comes in a bottle.
If you'd really like them to go away I would really suggest using the rubbing alcohol after showers and before bed (if you only shower in the mornings) and put on clean LOOSE clothes to sleep in. One last thing, it is very handy to put the rubbing alcohol in a medium sized spray bottle to spray on the skin during the day or anytime you apply it. (This is also great for spraying on public toilet seats to disinfect them. I also lay down toilet paper ALWAYS before sitting on public toilets) Sanitizing toilet seats (even my own toilet) before going to the bathroom has helped so much I hardly ever get sores down there anymore!
Soon I am going to start trying more natural methods like putting tea tree oil on instead of rubbing alcohol. I am also going to start taking turmeric (used in making curry) they say it has anti-inflammatory agents.
I hope this helps someone because I know how hurtful and embarrassing it is to live with this disease.
(Pennsylvania & Hawaii)
02/13/2023
This your body encapsulating gluten & particular for mw wheat. Also cheeses. Histamine producing foods. This is like an autoimmune issue that is reacting to the rejection of foods through a reaction to the foods by the gastrointestinal system. Try more good probiotics, but I don't know which to suggest. Milk has something called Iga if that even though it's organic but if the cow is commercially raised. Iga causes gastrointestinal issues that show up with this sort of acne cysts. I have this too and it subsides the longer I stay away from foods my body is reactive to, or can't digest.
Salt Crystal Deodorant
★★★★☆
I tell you that my HS has cleared up 80%.... I no longer have to have all the band aids because it is drying up and there is no foul smell under my arms. I just had to share this and hope that it will help someone else that is dealing with this terrible disease. And remember GOD can heal you of this because he has healed me and I thank GOD for healing me.
(Toronto, Ontario, Canada)
09/01/2011
Reply to: Aalexand from Greenwood, Ms, Usa
Hello,
My under my arms is the worst part of my HS, because of odor under my arms and the small open sores that don't want to close. My mobility of my right arm is limited, I can't reach for things with that arm, hug people and sleeping hurts. Actually my right arm is usually down at my side. Friends and family haven't noticed because I sadly play it off well.
Something simple like using salt crystal deodorant is why I love EC so much, I would have never though of that. I am already using turmeric and AZO yeast supplements which helping ridiculous amounts, but if salt crystal deodorant would help with the odor under my arms and actually aid in clearing the HS up as you said... Would be AMAZING!
I was wondering though how salt crystal deodorant feel under the arms, because I am a bit sensitive on the right side with the HS. Also if there is any stinging or burning sensation associated?
Thank you so much for your comment, I am so glad you are doing much better =)
(Toronto, Ontario, Canada)
05/12/2012
I sometimes even use the crystal deodorant under my breasts. I have not found that it stings at all - although I must admit that if there is an open sore, I do not apply it directly to that area.
I am glad to find that there are other people sharing and talking about this disease. I find the worst part - after the pain of course - is the guilt and shame. I am in the midst of a flare up right now and the self blaming is just awful.
Glad to find others being hopeful. It helps to know I am not alone.
(Fort Erie, Ont)
05/16/2012
Hi deborah how are you doing with the turmeric. I have suffered with this for 40 yrs and this is the first I have heard of h s. Please respond You can email me at mistyblue13(at)sympatico.ca I have started the turmeric powder for about 2 weeks but not much has changed.
(Mi)
07/30/2013
Hi, I had severe hidradenitis suppurative (hs) and now I am just trying to clear the rest of it up. For me my mother by the grace of God found a clinical trial and they put me on a high dosage of antibiotics which calmed my condition then I recieved laser treament which I am currently doing. I consider myself almsot cured because I dont get any new boils I just have ones that are already open still leakin. But anyways my question was about the vaginal area I have gotten to the point where I feel almost not like a woman because its so disgusting to me and often times I get depressed. But if I were to apply this deodorant on the vaginal area would it also take away the unwanted smell and also help clear up the hs?
(Tennessee, Usa)
08/01/2013
(Colorado)
08/09/2013
I have HS and have been boil-free since November after changing my diet. Nothing that the doctors did to help me were effective. I took out all grains and dairy along with sugar at first (basically a paleo diet) and took warm baths with tea tree oil. I wouldn't use the crystal deoderant down yonder. The tea tree oil bathes helped with drainage and the smell - maybe you could try that instead?
(Dubai)
02/25/2021
Scars
(Florida)
05/02/2015
I had pretty bad scars they were purple, blue, black and green. They were there for years, I read somewhere about taking a supplement of flax/fish/borage seed oil daily would help. I figured it couldn't hurt. One day about 4-6 months later I passed by the mirror and relized they were gone. I hope it works for you. Also avoid sugar and processed foods.
(Nokesville, Va)
06/02/2015
Cocoa butter helps with the appearance of scars. But as far as your future relationships, if he loves you for you, then the scars won't matter. Take the time to explain to him the condition and that, while annoying, is not something he needs to be worried about. When someone cares about you, they support you through the good and bad times.
Sexual Link
Silver Honey
★★★★★
Spearmint Tea, Manuka Honey, Turmeric
★★★★★
Applying the Manuka Honey directly to the HS outbreaks has eliminated the scarring and discoloration.
Surgery
★★★☆☆
WORKED TEMPORARILY
In 2001 I went to the dermatology dept at the va hospital in Houston and was told that I needed to see a general surgeon and was referred to that dept at the va. The Houston VA is a teaching hospital so doctors are trained there and only have short periods of residency before they move on to their final destinations in their practices. I was very lucky and had a very skilled surgeon who removed the sweat glands from under both my arms and improved the looks and health of the tissue under both my arms. The scarring from the surgery was minimal but it did take a couple of months to heal completely. The surgery was a complete success and I have not had any outbreaks since in that area.
Unfortunately, the outbreaks then started in groin and buttocks within about 4 years and I am now having the same problem in those areas as I did with my armpits. I tried to seek out another surgeon since the one who did my surgery under my arms in now in another part of the country. I have been told that they no longer use the surgery as a treatment and that I needed to take 2-3 baths daily with epsom salts and that this is the only approved treatment now and that I just needed to learn to live with it. They went on to say that surgery in the groin area an buttocks would be impossible as there are too many sweat glands and that they couldn't successfully get to them all. I feel like most of the "surgeons" I spoke to just didn't want to deal with the disease and were disgusted by it and believed that my cleanliness was the reason I had such a problem.
I had pretty much given up all hope when this week I decided to see if anything new had been discovered as a treatment for HS when I found your website. I am compiling a list of everything I have found here and intend to try everything until I get some relief. Any improvement would be appreciated whether I find a cure or not. The one thing I know is that Epsom salts does not work even if you spend the day in the bathtub. I thank God that I have found this website and pray to God that I find even a little relief. Thank you for being here. Cynthia in Richmond Tx.
(Calif)
11/30/2016
