The comments below reflect the personal experiences and opinions of readers and do not represent medical advice or the views of this website. The information shared has not been evaluated by the FDA and is not intended to diagnose, treat, or prevent any disease or health condition. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional for medical concerns.
Oregano and Coconut Oils, Adrenal Support
Posted by Goodforyou (Sweetwater, Tn, USA) on 11/13/2009
★★★★★
I am a self diagnosed case of Hidradenitis. My MD took a culture and it came back Strep, but she never used the medical term Hidradenitis; I'm sure she is unfamiliar with it. To the woman (or anyone ) who soaks in bleach water, please don't do that: Bleach suppresses the endocrine system; not safe at all especially when sick!
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!!!
General Feedback
Posted by Dolly (Cairo, Egypt) on 11/12/2009
Hi Lola, I read your post and really feel for you as I have HS myself and it is a heartbreaking, depressing and stressful condition. Everywhere I read says its a progressive illness meaning to most people it starts with the 1st stage and by time gets worse, the good thing is by taking your remedies (found on earthclinic)and keeping a clean diet it could be controlled. I read in many HS forums that there are people who have been boil free for 2 years since they kept taking their remedies religiously.
I got this for the first time in 2008 under my arm and been very depressed since, I was in constant terrible pain it was the size of a golf ball until I lanced it, I am taking Turmeric 2 to 3 times daily, cayenne every other day, burdock root powder in times I feel pain and tingling under my arm (I add to the turmeric powder)and I take metformin 500g and Zinc 50g one pill each daily.
It is very important to stay away from sugar its really bad for HS, caffeine and stress, focus on vegy's and fruits, also avoid fats it is bad, for some people there are other foods that trigger their HS you will have to be aware of what you eat to know what to avoid.
I hope this helps, always pray for healing.
Good Luck, Dolly
General Feedback
Posted by Lola (Selangor, Malaysia) on 11/11/2009
hi im 23 and i have hs. After reading and seeing what other people have gone through and looking at some of the state that their HS have developed into, im really really upset and sad and i just need to know from everyone who is suffering from HS does HS get worse and worse as i age? please someone help answer this. Its really stressing me out. Im heartbroken. PS i really dont know where to post my questions. im so sorry, im new.
Tooth Abcess Link to H.S.
Posted by Asd (Houston, Texas) on 11/07/2009
★★★★★
Doctor informed me I had hidradenitis supperativa. Symptoms included boils and inflamed lymph nodes. Alternative effective treatments included daily high doses of Vitamins C, E, zinc, mucinex. New information and treatment described below has lead to cessation of symptoms.
Recently received root canal re-treatment and discovered abscess into bone tissue. No longer experience hidradenitis superativa symptoms. Taking Vitamin D and Calcium to support bone restoration, which also appears to be reducing the appearance of scars on skin. Bone damage was not visible on x-rays.
General Feedback
Posted by Ravenblackwolf (Indianapolis, Indiana) on 11/04/2009
i have had this awful thing for a long time and never knew what it was until now. my doctor is useless and so is my husband. instead of supporting me he thinks it is kind of funny. i have to basically diagnose myself. i wish all of you luck and love. and i pray there is a way to stop this dreaded illness. blessed be.
Black Onion Seeds
Posted by Dolly (Cairo, Egypt) on 10/26/2009
Hi, i read the post about "Black onion seed" you use it by getting 1 tsp to a boil in one glass of water keep it boiling until the white part of the seed shows, let cool off and drink it, its very simple you can add honey for taste. There are some people who prepare a lot to last a whole week, its best done fresh in my opinion - I have not used it yet, but I was told its very good for HS and it helps stopping the boils from occurring.
I use turmeric and sometimes add burdock root powder with it- 1 tsp turmeric 1/2 tsp cinnamon 1 tsp honey sometimes I add 1/2 tsp of burdock root and sometimes I use a few drops of olive oil.
I use this without the burdock root daily 2 or 3 times a day. I also use another mixture, 1 lemon with turmeric without the cinnamon and honey - lemon kills the taste and strong smell of turmeric and helps boost the immune system.
You can find the Black Onion Seed, in any middle eastern, Lebanese, herb shop.
I hope this helps someone out there, good luck.
Dolly
Black Onion Seeds
Posted by Blr (Moreno Valley, Ca) on 10/25/2009
More info on the black onion seed please. How do you take it, hot or cold water? do you grind it up? At this time I will try anything please help. I have a very bad case. Thanks
Olive Oil
Posted by Wellsprings (Tarboro, Nc, Usa) on 10/12/2009
★★★★☆
Hidradenitis Suppurativa
Eating yogurt every day and putting olive oil on daily prevents flare ups of Hidradenitis Suppurative. I rub olive oil on my groin every morning and every night; it soaks in quickly. Most of the time, I do not get the bumps unless I skip several days of putting on the oil; however, even if I get a bump, it prevents any bumps from getting large. I have had some so large I could not even sit correctly. ____ patches are great for pain relief. You can cut the patch to the exact size you need. I am 49 and have had bouts with these since I was in my teens. About six months ago, I read about the oil in Isaiah 1:6 In the JPS version it reads "From head to foot no spot is sound: all bruises, and welts, and festering sores-not pressed out, not bound up, not softened with oil." I had pressed bumps allot, but I had never softened them with oil. The oil works miracles.
Colloidal Silver
Posted by Kate (Pensacola, Florida) on 10/05/2009
I have been diagnosed with both MRSA and HS. The symptoms of the lesions are slightly different, so stopping treatment for one because you think all symptoms are caused by the other might make things worse. When I have had MRSA lesions, they occur anywhere (mostly my legs or face). If they do open or drain, the drainage is thick with a greenish tint, and sometimes you can see the infection beneath the skin. When the wound is completely cleaned of bacteria, there is a definite hole where the infection was. With the HS, the lesions are boils. Just wanted to let you know that it is possible to have both (as I do)so don't neglect your HS remedies if you have a flare-up of MRSA. The MRSA antibiotics don't help with the HS at all, or at least they didn't for me. And I wanted to say thanks for all the suggestions, I've never found a better place for info about HS.
H.S. Dressings
Posted by Vanessa Lattin (Corvallis, Or) on 10/05/2009
i did my own food tests for the past 4 years and i notice that i only have outbreaks when i eat any corn, corn starch, corn meal, maltodextrin
Zinc
Posted by Miracle (Mission, Tx Usa) on 09/28/2009
well..I just started taking zinc gluconate for HS. Mayo Clinic recommends this as an alternate medicine. I had been doing well with just ibruprofen before when I would get the abscesses every month with my period under my arms. My family doctor thought it was hormonal so he referred my to an ob/gyn. I got lab work done and all my hormone levels are normal. The ob/gny then referred me back to my family doctor. Good thing that my friend is a surgeon and told me it was probaly HS. I had NEVER heard of such a thing...so here I am. I will keep you posted to see how the Zinc supplements (50 mg/ 1 a day) work.
Turmeric, Cinnamon, Raw Honey
Posted by Studentincalifornia (Oakland, Ca) on 09/25/2009
★★★★☆
hello to all i was reading the Hidradenitis Suppurativa Remedies,i have been battling this since 11 off and on. had my sweat glands removed from arm pits at 12 so i know the pain but now in my twenties i had this lump forming under my breast and i knew what i was.i didn't want any cutting done to me, i still remember the pain and the disfigurement and scars. so it formed about 3 weeks ago size of a large marble but it felt deep. so i did the turmeric 1teaspoon with i teaspoon of organic cinnamon and half a teaspoon of raw honey.the cinnamon and raw honey has a lot of anti- fungal and other properties, mix it with half a cup of warm water twice a day,i want to take it three times but i am a student that works = no time. and i remember what the nurse told me when i was a child which brought it to an head immediately and started draining, was blow drying it with a hot hair blow dryer also i used apple cinder vinegar to help dry it out and of course tea tree oil. im on day 2 and it's totally flat. God bless i really hope this will help others. One more thing eat as clean as possible more veggie than fruit and drink turmeric regularly. thanks
Mercurius Vivus (Homeopathic)
Posted by Mp (Phoenix, Az) on 09/23/2009
I am a Naturopathic Doctor and a Homeopath. Homeopathy is prescribed according to unique symptoms and is very specific and individualized. You cannot take a remedy prescribed to another person and expect it to work the same way. There are hundreds of remedies and several people with the same diagnosis could express their disease differently and each be given a different remedy that works. Therefore, I recommend going to a homeopath if you are interested in trying homeopathy and let them do the prescribing.
Colloidal Silver
Posted by Kerry (Queensland, Australia) on 09/15/2009
I agree with you i was diagnosed with HS about 6yrs ago i have suffered with this for 10yrs i recently moved home and went to a new doctor about something unrelated (i gave up going to doctors about my HS along time ago) anyway i asked my new dc if the present condition could be related to my HS this dr took a swab and sent it away to be cultered the results have just come back today and i actually have MRSA! I'm happy and angry at the same time, that no other dr has ever done this when they have very similar symptoms im just hoping and praying now that the antibiotics i have recived today will put an end to this misery.
Reader Comments
Posted by angjoy (Jackson, MI) on 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
Antibacterial Soap, Iodine
Posted by Karen (Nashville, TN) on 07/25/2009
★★★★★
Here's what I have done to completely stop my Hidradenitis now for nearly a month and just for the record, I have had boils in different stages at all times. Some newly forming all the way to healing purple ones and in between. I have NONE now and my scars are actually getting a chance to heal. Morning and evening, I take a body brush and brush under my arms in a circular pattern all over, then reverse the pattern and do it again, both sides. Then I wash with antibacterial bar soap, dry them then swab my armpits all over with Iodine. I use a q-tip to do that. I use the old brown stuff and so far it hasn't stained my clothes. After I put it on, I get in front of a fan and let it dry, which doesn't take long for Iodine, then put my natural deodorant on. I'm thinking I can go back to regular deodorant now cause my natural one isn't so good on me. I get BO regardless by the end of the day. I was desperate and thinking it was my deodorant, but now I don't think that was causing it because I was still breaking out after I switched. You have to be diligient and don't forget. I have forgotten the morning or afternoon swabbing and was ok but I forgot to do it a whole day and started breaking out again. I read somewhere that researchers think it's caused by sweat glands becoming blocked and the dry brushing loosens it all up. I use a natural fiber brush. I would think any stiff brush would do.
I figured after that the iodine would kill any bacteria waiting to get in. That's what surgeons swab you with before they make their incision. Lot of people are allergic to it though and I'm not sure what the alternative would be if you are allergic. If it stops working, I will come back and let everyone know, but so far it's worked for about a month now. I hope it brings relief to others like it has for me. If you're allergic to iodine, google search to see what the alternative to iodine is. I'm sure you'll find it somewhere on the internet.
Bee Propolis
Posted by Leeya (London, UK) on 07/25/2009
★★★★☆
good news for everyone who are suffering with this disease. my daughter was suffering with this disease for the last 2yrs , i have tried everything u name it and one day in my home i found a herbal antibiotic. actually my uncle use this herbal antibiotic for general purpose and asked me to try this one. you can't believe it the very next day i saw the difference. boils which were open were like going to be disappear soon.
i am writing you the details of this antibiotic but would like to say one thing. this medicine effects on my daughter very quickly probably she is very young and respond immediately to this medicine. but as more adults are suffering with this.. i have a feeling its will take slightly more time probably it will take a month or more . but please try it. she takes one tablet everyday for the last 4 months. i dont know how long i am going to give this medicine but certainly not going to stop soon. at least she is not a victim of Hidradenitis Suppurativa anymore.
the name of the _____ is bee propolis. its a wood supplement. if you couldn't able to find it feel free to contact me.
Multiple Remedies
Posted by Jen (Dover, DE) on 07/13/2009
★★★★☆
I read every post on this link and tried what seemed to be most common for my mild case of HS (compared to some of you--how in the world do you do it?). I am taking a tumeric supplement becuase I couldn't find tea, using the yellow bar soap, switched to the spray on crystal deodorant and use acne spot treatment for breakouts as soon as they start. I had a spot that was about the size of a half dollar, swollen out about an inch and within 1 day of trying the combo listed above, it had reduced by half. I had no faith that this stuff would work, but I've noticed that what is appearing are minor spots that I can get rid of in a couple of days. I don't know what is the driving force behind them but I will continue to use/take all of the remedies above if they continue working for me. I just thought I'd share and tell you all thanks for the info--it has really helped me. All of you who are suffering so terribly, I'm so sorry that you can't find relief. One last thing, I was only diagnosed in December after my first break out and immediately, I was referred for surgery. I didn't find this site until after I had both underarms excised. I wish I had found it befor--the areas covered by the surgery do not breakout anymore, but all the areas around the surgical area are now breaking out. Anyway, the remedies above are helping me. I hope they help others too...
Avoid Bubble Baths
Posted by Sherry (Central City, Ky) on 07/04/2009
I used to get boils in the groin area and just could not figure out why. I finally figured out what was causing this ailment after years and years of wondering. I had for years used bubble bath and I used many different ones throughout the years. Once I ran out and forgot to get some and again kept forgetting to pick some up. I didn't get any boils for a while. I bought some more bubble bath and I again got boils. I finally realized that whatever ingredient was in these bubble baths was causing my problem and I stopped using it altogether thank goodness. I am now boil free. So if you think that products are not harmful something as simple as bubble bath, think again. I won't use it ever again. I am a bath person as I like to soak and relax in a tub and I loved my bubbles.. but have learned to live without them.
White Vinegar
Posted by Lisa (Memphis, TN) on 06/18/2009
★★★★★
I have been suffering with this for about the past 10 - 12 years too. The most significant surgery I've had was to remove golfball sized lesions from my armpits. I have had no problems there since the surgery about 2 years ago.
I have certainly found one thing that DEFINITELY works. When the boil forms, the fastest way to bring it to a head and have it drain itself without having to prick it yourself or go to the doctor is this: Take a regular brown paper bag (a lunch bag), cut it into squares just large enough to cover the boil. Cut 3 squares. Place these in a bowl and pour just enough White Vinegar to cover them. Allow them to soak about 30 minutes. Get a box of Tegaderm dressings (2 3/8" X 2 3/4") Place the soaked paper bag squares on the Tegaderm and put it over the boil. If you put it on at night, by the time you take it off the next morning, the boil will have come to the surface and burst. Sometimes, for the really bad ones, you may have the repeat the procedure once or twice more.
General Feedback
Posted by Tina (Nova Scotia) on 05/16/2009
i take Synthroid as well i am hypo and what helps my HS is tumeric i take a tsp of tumeric and mix it with a tsp of peanut butter or another nut butter to make a paste and swallow it down that way. depending on the flare up i may do this morning and evening. most times it is just once a day. this does not contradict my Synthroid at all and really helps my HS.
good luck, tina
General Feedback
Posted by Terry (Spring Valley, New York) on 05/15/2009
My daughter has Downs Syndrome and has been suffering from Hydradenitis Suppurativa since she was 9 years old. She is now 25 years old and in fact she is home today with breakouts under both arms. It seems to flair-up just a few days before her menstual starts. Apparently for her it may be a hormonal deficiency. We have been to numerous physicians but not one has offered any kind of support for this condition. She has been on the Omega 3 after every meal but it does not seem to help. I find that soaks in Epson salt and warm water hastens it to a head. At night I apply Ichthammol ointment 20% to the area (which really damages your clothes - stain will never come out), however it does bring it to a head. Since my daughter has hyperthyroidism and is on Synthroid daily, I am afraid to try different remedies that may compromise the effects of the Synthroid. So if anyone out there who may be in the situation my daughter is in, I am so very excited to hear from you.
Tanning Beds
Posted by Ana (Las Vegas, NV) on 05/12/2009
★★★★☆
I have tried several possible remedies for HS if anyone has read my previous post; none of which have worked. Good news! In an earlier post someone spoke of getting as much sunlight to the affected area as possible. Well for those of us with HS of the groin, that's kind of hard to do, so I improvised. I go to the tanning salon! Works great. The sores are drying up and the heat is very soothing to the area. Of course I don't use any lotions on the affected skin but if you time the tanning session just right you won't burn or damage the skin. Obviously if you're prone to burning in the sun I would not recommend using a tanning bed, but for those of us who don't burn, it's a God send. I've only been going for about a month and I already have noticed a significant change in the number of sores and drainage. I'm praying it will continue to work and I may not have to have surgery!
General Feedback
Posted by Joanne (Newcastle, England) on 05/10/2009
Hi i have heard that the contraceptive dianette which is also used for acne can help with HS. I read today that contraception that stops you from menstruating altogether is also effective. i too seem to have a flare up just before my period. also there is a link between HS and prolonged bleeding during menstruation which i find true in my case too. i wonder if this is how it is for others. good luck
General Feedback
Posted by JOane (Newcastle, England) on 05/10/2009
Hi my name is joanne and since i was diagnosed with HS a few months ago (had symptoms for 20 yr), I like many are trying to find what works best for us. Ive heard that tumeric powder is more effective than capsules, although it does taste a bit "funky".
Reader Comments
Posted by NB (Los Angeles, California) on 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.
General Feedback
Posted by 32 female (Lakeland, GA) on 05/06/2009
Im 32 and has suffered with HS for about 17 yrs, I have tried everything from antibiotics to steroid treatments. Oh did I mention Nothing worked I am more saddend by the psycological affect that it has. I have been with the same guy for 15 years he is now my husband and Im still ashamed to show him my outbreaks. I try all that I can do to not let him see my armpits, and times that he wants to be intimate I have to turn him down because I have an outbreak in my private area. Very stressful but I have been dealing with a very long time, I just want some relief because no one I know can understand my pain.
Botox
Posted by S (Alpharetta, GA) on 04/30/2009
★★★★★
I have been struggling with HS for quite a few years, but recently I had BOTOX injections in my armpits that has provided me relief ever since. My doctor told me that the effect will last for around a year and then i might need another round. Initial results are very good. Good luck.
General Feedback
Posted by Beanie (Ontario, CA) on 04/18/2009
To Talija: I know exactly how you feel. Mine first started when I was 25, and was newly married (now divorced from this man, which has nothing to do with the HS). I am now 39 and still have major problems. When I was dating again in my early 30's, the idea of having a serious relationship, moreover, a meaningful sexual relationship was horrifying, because by that time, my inner thighs/groin area were horribly scarred, with pits and tunnels... I have been so fortunate that my new husband is very understanding and recognizes that this is a medical condition with poor prognosis (from a medical perspective, at least). He has gone to great lengths to help me remember that I am desirable, attractive, important, etc. regardless of this disfiguring condition near my most "intimate" parts. I have spent many nights crying and asking him why he is attracted to me since I am "broken." He giggles, then reassures me. His attitude is "well, it's not your fault, and you have little control over it, so we deal with it and go on," DESPITE the fact that this can seriously affect our sex life during flare-ups. Aside from this issue, I am a very confident person, which coupled with his support, allows me to remain feeling like a desirable, attractive, and non-disfigured woman. I hope this helps.
Colloidal Silver
Posted by Beanie (Ontario, California) on 04/18/2009
In respnse to the lady that has HS and her husband now has it too...I have suffered with HS for 14 years, and i had to diagnose it myself (then my doctor said "oh you are right...UGH). anyway, I recently learned that a friend of mine suffers from what sounded to be a similar condition; however, her doctors did something that mine have NEVER done, which is to culture the bacteria. Turns out that she actually has community-acquired MRSA, which IS contagious. Oddly, my husband had a lesion on his inner thigh a few months ago and "suggested" that I was contagious (jokingly, of course). Now I'm wondering if maybe my problem is CA-MRSA, not HS, and am going to have my dr. culture my wound next time I have a flare-up that becomes severe enough to need his attention. Anyway, just thought that in addition to prior comments, this might be a good thing to have checked out as well in case it is something contagious such as MRSA, since their presentations can sometimes look similar.
H.S. Dressings
Posted by Sara (Cardiff, UK) on 04/15/2009
Hia saw your post and thought I'd try the dressings you mentioned. I use chlorhexidine wash before I enter the shower/bath which helps keep some of them under control.
Mercurius Vivus (Homeopathic)
Posted by Ana (Las Vegas, NV) on 04/09/2009
★☆☆☆☆
Well I tried the Mercurius Vivus that I spoke of earlier. I took the pills as instructed on the bottle; 5 tablets 3 times a day, so the bottle only lasts about 7 days. I didn't purchase more because there was no real effect on the HS. Also I had a dull aching headache that interestingly went away when I stopped taking the pills. So in short; it didn't work for me. I am now trying the Turmeric. Hopefully I will get some relief. Next step is surgery so I'm praying something will help soon.
Burdock Root
Posted by Geralyn (Milwaukee, Wisconsin,USA) on 04/07/2009
I know that Burdock Root comes in capsule form. I have bought it at the health food store. Hope this helps.
Have a great day
Burdock Root
Posted by Tonya (Dallas, Tx) on 03/24/2009
Is Burddock root in a pill that I can buy from the store?
Tea Tree Oil
Posted by Sonia (Christchurch, New Zealand) on 03/24/2009
★★★★★
Since I started using Tea tree Oil I have not had many problems at all. Prior to this I had new lesions coming up all the time one after the other.
