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.
General Feedback
Posted by Brittany (Knoxville, Tennessee ) on 10/13/2011
I see many people saying that turmeric helps with their chronic boils on this site. I wonder if these people have what I have, which is a skin condition called Hidradenitis Suppurativa. I've found that applying turmeric topically helps the boils greatly. HS has no cure, and no medical treatments so it's great to find something natural that can be so helpful. I do worry however about the blood thinning properties of turmeric....
General Feedback
Posted by Kimk2 (Charlotte, Nc) on 01/05/2012
Turmeric - I've suffered from HS since puberty... But it gets worse with heat (and I moved South! ). Turmeric is the only thing that brings the boils down... I've never tried it topically, but take it orally (the spice rack in the grocery store is the cheapest place to get it). A couple of tbsps. In a cup or so of warm water every day (tastes awful, but I drink it quickly... Others put it in yogurt). I still need antibiotics if it gets really bad (i.e. - cellutitus sets in), but this really does work. Please give it a try when you first feel symptoms coming on and you will see. I've turned my brother and father on to this also... They both REALLY LOVE ME now. Good luck!
Laser Hair Removal
Posted by Ace (Vancouver, Bc) on 08/07/2011
★★★★☆
Since HS seems to be tied to the hair follicles, I am undergoing laser hair removal procedures - have completed 6 treatments, and have noticed a significant decrease/reduction in HS activity after the 4th or 5th treatment... Not cured, but a lot better!
Laser Hair Removal
Posted by Rose (Toronto, Ontario) on 08/29/2016
Can anyone tell me what TYPE OF LASER they think the poster from 2011 used as there are many different technologies?
Laser Hair Removal
Posted by L. Moses (MN) on 07/04/2022
I am African American. The only laser that penetrates the follicles for darker skin is an ND Yag Laser. That is more than sufficient if you are not AA.
General Feedback
Posted by Anervouswreck (Elizabethtown, North Carolina, U.s.a.) on 07/22/2011
Paula from NC. I like so many others are glad this site exist. HS is terrible to deal with. Have had mine for 40 years but not as bad as some. When I was in my 20's , living in SC, my OBGYN Dr put me on Erythromycin pills. The boils would be the size of a marble full of pus and blood. Some when touched would send a pain like a needle going straight in. The doseage was 2000 mgs a day for about a week. Taking Erythromycin has never caused me a days problem but some Drs may shake their heads no to put someone on this medicine for a long time. This dried up all the boils and inflamation for about 3 months then it would start up again. Process would have to be repeated. Of course I would get lazy and just deal with it. Over the years the infection has lightly spread up above the hair line. Now getting off my duff and going to a new OBGYN Dr she put me on Doxycycl. Before one week was up no boils, itching or inflamation. Just being knowledgeable about my symptons and treatments HS needs to be treated from the inside not outside. Hope some of this may shed some light on anothers situation. Best to all Hs suffers.
Whey Protein Shakes
Posted by Mark (London, Greater London) on 07/15/2011
★★★★☆
Hi guys, I have had this for quite a number of years. And while I'm sure tumeric and the other remedies discussed on here work, for me protein shakes seem to be the answer. Of course it is not a cure but it makes the HS very manageble and takes away almost all of the pain.
How did I find this out? Well I heard someone say they were going to try it for their HS and I thought I should look into this. Apparently there is an enzyme in protein shake that reduces inflamation, this being an imflammatory disease affecting the biggest organ ( the skin) I thought it might work and it does.
You don't have to even drink it everyday. I would say like 3/4 times a week should be fine. Also protein shake does NOT make you muscle bound. Please don't be naive.
I hope it works for you. Lets pray the find a cure.
General Feedback
Posted by Mary (Cincinnati, Ohio) on 06/27/2011
I read a lot about peoples boils draining on their own. I have only had HS for about 4 years now, and none of mine have ever opened on the surface. They are always deep and VERY painful! So painful that I have had them lanced and drained by a docter before they could get to that point. I can not even imagine waiting for them to surface.. Ouch!! Because of them always being deep I can not understand how anything applied to the skin will help?? Within one year I have had my armpit lanced 8 times and my groin once always deep and about nickle sized. Am I the only one who has a situation like this???
General Feedback
Posted by Tracy (Toronto, Ontario/canada) on 04/20/2012
In most recent time, I had one of the most painful episodes, it had been developing for 1/1/2 months and even with frequent hot water washing... The boils deep within developed. They have been recurring for 20 years and I do have an immune depressed system. Anyway, first I used hot tea bag compresses on the area. When the boil is hard and painful, the compress brings the pus ( whitehead ) area to the top. Then I used a 2 -1 ration of tumeric and baking soda in a gauze wrap and kept on changing as the blood and pus seeped out. It was painful, it took 2 days. I did them in the night. And when I went to show the doctor she was impressed with my natural remedy. The area of the boils is about my palm hand span, so they were big. But at least no surgery, or scarring.
Swiss Cheese
Posted by Jacob (Rancho Cucamonga, Ca) on 06/19/2011
★★★★☆
IF YOU HAVE HS PLEASE READ THIS
I have had HS for around 7 years now. Some breakouts are bad and some are bearable. I think there is really no rhyme or reason to it. Around this time of the year (summer) is when it is at its worst for me. Luckily I have not had any outbreaks since last July of 2010. It ruined my world cup experience. My doctor had prescribed me Keflex also known as Cephalexin. The problem is you can't take Keflex year around because it is a strong anitbiotic. I typically have a jelly bean size and very hard bump under my armpits. I experience discomfort but it is bearable. When the infection starts to get bad it can turn into the size of an egg until it drains. When I can feel the infection worsen I take my Keflex and it has been keeping it in check but the bump never went away. I also clean with hibiclens but from what I understand hygeine has absolutely nothing to do with it. The Keflex has had my spirits up and feeling that I could contain this. I was also prescribed clindomyacin lotion.. But... NOW READ THIS. I SWEAR IT WORKED FOR ME. I FEEL OBLIGATED TO POST THIS.. ITS UP TO YOU IF YOU WANT TO TRY IT OUT. IT IS VERY INEXPENSIVE COMPARED TO THE THROBBING ACHING PAIN WHEN IT GETS BAD..
All of my friends are aware of my problem because I decided I wasn't going to be embarrased about it anymore or let it affect my personal life. When my friend told his dad his dad told him he he had a friend that had it too and he went to countless doctors who were unsuccessful in treating it. The last time he went to the doctor (because obviously he never had to go back since this worked for him) the doctor told him to simply eat swiss cheese. I know it souds crazy but please keep on reading. Apparently Swiss chesse has a different type of bacteria than any other cheese and the reason for the holes in the cheese are because the bacteria expels gasses. Something in that counter acts what we have. I can honestly say I have no bumps and have been eating Swiss Cheese for 2 weeks now. I don't eat an insane amount but I go through about 1 lb in 3 days. I only eat the swiss cheese from Switzerland not made in Connecticut or anything like that. I don't know if they use the same process. I found it at Sams club for $1.17 per lb. , which cost around $25 a week. Someone please try it. It WORKED for me.. I do not own a cheese company or invest in any stock of any kind. I just want someone else to try it because maybe this is a coincedence... But maybe not.
Feedback Please.
Vitamins A, D, Zinc, Led Light
Posted by Corina (Arvada, Colorado) on 06/10/2011
★★★★☆
I have had no luck with anything my doctor/dermotoligist has suggested, mostly long term antibiotics. I have has some luck with A&D with Zinc (it is a diaper rash ointment). It makes the swelling go down over night (warning: it does drain quite a bit) and makes them much less painful. I have also had good results with red and blue led lights under my arms for 15 minutes a day.
Salt Crystal Deodorant
Posted by Deborah - Toronto (Toronto, Ontario, Canada) on 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.
Salt Crystal Deodorant
Posted by Misty (Fort Erie, Ont) on 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.
Salt Crystal Deodorant
Posted by Jazz (Mi) on 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?
Salt Crystal Deodorant
Posted by Mama To Many (Tennessee, Usa) on 08/01/2013
Dear Jazz, Have you tried any of the things on Earth Clinics page on this particular problem? I would definitely try the turmeric that is written about. Taken internally, I have seen it do wonders for skin problems.
Hope you find a solution, soon!
~Mama to Many~
Salt Crystal Deodorant
Posted by Debarpita (Dubai) on 02/25/2021
Hi,
Do you mean Crystal Mineral Deodorant Stick (unscented)? The one that has to be wetted before application?
Multiple Remedies
Posted by Black2moose (Atlanta, Georgia) on 04/12/2011
★★★★☆
Does anyone know if HS is a form of candida?
I've had HS since high school and I'm in my 30s now. It's pretty much all over my body, face, neck upper and lower back, thighs, armpits and back of arms. It gets worse when I'm stressed or I eat sugar or drink alcohol. I have been diagnosed with Candida. I know that sugar and alcohol both make Candida grow. While I was on the Candida diet my abscesses got better but as soon as I got off the diet they got worse.
Somethings that work for me but are by no means a cure are as follows:
- exfoliating regularly
- apply ACV topically - ingesting is good too
- probiotics
- soaking in a hot bathtub when the cyst is infected/painful will help open it
- apply a paste of garlic topically as well as ingesting raw garlic
- Surgical removal
- Antibiotics don't work and if this is a form of Candida the antibiotics will just make the candida worse since they eat the good bacteria with the bad.
Antifungal Cream
Posted by Glenn (Durban, Kzn South Africa) on 04/05/2011
★★★★☆
HI been suffering from HS for about 15 years got totally ripped off by the medical profession for ten of those years. Diagnosed myself from the internet. Been using a broad based anti fungel cream under my arms each morning(cheap) has kept HS at bay but not cured. I havent had a boil once while on treatment but when I stop HS returns am now going to try tumeric as well. Will let you know how it go's thanx Glenn.
On Scalp
Posted by Dee (Toronto, Canada) on 02/05/2011
Hi When I first started having thes things before it was diagnosed 19 years ago, they started out on my scalp. Doctors thought it was a cyst. They covered my whole head and I lost a lot of hair. Then in the places where they healed, they healed with a keloid so they never went flat down and the dermatologist says hair will never grow there again because the follicles are dead. Then progresses to my armpits, my groin and my buttocks. I think it's fair to say I have a severe case of it.
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.
On Scalp
Posted by Tupperwareandavonmomma (Sevierville, Tn) on 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.
On Scalp
Posted by Ace (Vancouver, Bc) on 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.
General Feedback
Posted by Wilma (Chino Valley, Az, Yavapai) on 02/03/2011
Hi. I am so glad that I found this site! :) I really thought I was alone with this terrible disease. I have had HS since I was around 10yrs old. I am now 38yrs. Like many of you every doctor that I went to for many years gave me a different answer and a different treatment. I have been on so many different treatments that it makes me sick just to think of it. What I did notice though is that both times I was pregnant that I hardly had any flare ups. I also notice that when my hormones are going bonkers the boils will subside or act up depending on what my hormones are doing. I always have at least two going at a time if not more. Because certain areas are now numb (i believe because of the boils) sometimes I don't know that they are there until I notice them draining.
I had surgery about 5 years ago under the breast to try and remove some lesions that would not quit draining. What the doctor did was "an upper tummy tuck". I scarred miserably and they were back within two years. I now take magnesium tablets and that seems to help some. I also have found that prescription strength Silica and Hehp Sulph works great at the onset of a boil. It speeds the process up for me. I also use a salve called RID. You can buy it at the pharmacy. This helps with the pain to a degree. I plan to try some of the suggestions that I have read today.
Thanks for listening.
Triggers
Posted by Prasanna (Mumbai, Maharastra / India) on 01/26/2011
Hi
i have been suffering from HS for more than 20 years. I did homeopathic medicine which resulted in reduced occuring of boils but it started again. I have notice lack of sleep creates more of infections in the armpit. If any one has permanent remedy for this please let me know...
General Feedback
Posted by Kara (Chicago, Il) on 05/03/2011
I don't even know where to began but I know that seeing others post on this site has been soo helpful and encouraging for me. I have had HS for 15 plus years now and have been through many of things mentioned on this page. I have draining from openings in the groin & armpits areas for years now. I have had many surgeries but decided I didn't want to be cut anymore as they always returned. I have been on antibiotic regimines/antibiotic topical creams/hibiclens/tea tree oil/turmeric/probiotics/multi vitamins/omega 3 oils/turmeric topical cream/espon salt baths/800mg ibuprofen for the pain the list goes on. I also played ginea pig for the drug Humira in a trial study... NOTHING has worked for me as of yet.. I am currently in the process of changing my diet to a more veggie/fruit/fish adding some exercise into my life as well... I am at my wits end so I hope the diet change along with my current regime of vitamin b-12 stress complex, omega 3 2000mg daily, clyndamycin antibiotic 2x a day(I hope to take out of my regime), washin with hibiclens/tea tree oil on new boils & tea tree antiseptic cream on existing draining boils, probiotic. I will be adding turmeric back into my daily regime. I will keep all posted.
Thanks
Multiple Remedies
Posted by Holly (Kelowna, Bc/canada) on 11/28/2010
I am 39 years old and have had HS for over 30 years. I've tried Retin A and Accutane, neither of which worked. I've also tried Bactrim (Sulpha) which worked until it killed all the good bacteria in my gut and I ended up in the hospital with clostridium difficile toxin. I also have Ulcerative Colitis and Vasculitis (both of which are autoimmune). For these, I take an immunosuppressant called Imuran. In search of something to take that would not greatly boost my immune system (counterintuitive with the imuran) I am currently using Native Remedies' Boil-RX. It is a homeopathic tincture and it is really working well for me. It has softened some of my most tenacious "boils" (that I thought were just remnants (scars) of old boils), has allowed them to drain and now they are drying up nicely. I got good results from Turmeric.... But it gives some pretty bad breath. I am currently trying the zinc gluconate 15mg x 6/day. However, it seems to have made things ALOT worse. I'm hoping it starts that way and then calms down. So, in an attempt to calm down what the zinc may have flared up, I'm using the Boil Rx and all seems well now. It's tasteless, just put 10-15 drops in some water and sip. I believe that homeopathic tinctures only actually contain a very VERY small amount of the thing they claim to be the active ingredient. Because of this, I am not worried about it mounting a huge immune boost and wiping out the effects of the Imuran.
I suspect many of you with HS also suffer from autoimmune disorders as well as pilonidal cyst/sinus. I've had a couple of surgeries to remove a pilonidal sinus. I believe it's all part of online you will find some interesting info. Symptoms these remedies treat and personality traits seem to go hand in hand. These remedies treat both for mind/body wellness. An interesting way to go. I don't completely understand how it all works. However, it seems to be doing the trick for me.
Medications
Posted by Ana (Las Vegas, Nv) on 10/20/2010
I went to my surgeon yesterday who says there's nothing else he can do for me. If that wasn't a big enough blow to my mental state after suffering with HS for years, he also prescribed me some antibiotics that I am weary about taking. The first is Cleocin and the other is Rifampicin. I have read the literature on both and the side effects are scary to say the least. Does anyone have any information about these drugs and their use for HS? I am already suffering with depression from everything I've been through over the years with this disease so I'm wondering if I am needlessly worried about these drugs. Can anyone help?
Multiple Remedies
Posted by E.j. (Brevard, N.c., Usa) on 08/22/2010
★★★★★
Hi I had HS, over 25-30 yrs. Stopped antibiotics 10 yrs ago. HS is an autoimmnue disease, that antibiotic only help if you get a secondary infection like staph in an open wound. For me, heat and stress, make mine worse. I use turmeric, also tea tree oil. Also, epsom salts (2 cups) in a hot bath, or a black drawing salve with ichthammol 20% in it, it help draw it to a head to drain plus relieve pressure and the pain. If, I am working outside and get to sweating I come in and take a cold shower to lower my body temperature down, so I don't have a large boil, later that evening or the next morning! EJ
