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.
Vitamin C, Aloe Vera, Spirulina
Posted by Carla (Greenville, Nc) on 05/09/2010
★★★★★
I have been having trouble with boils for about 8 months. They were in my genital area and my under arm. I tried everything from turmeric to salt, to acv. Finally, one weekend, I had been at a party with friends, and had a flare up. I had read about several things to try online. I tried a tablespoon of buffered vitamin C and a teaspoon of aloe vera gel in a glass of water, with 2 500 mg tablets of spirulina, and by morning the boils were completely gone! I could not believe it. I have now been taking this 3 times a day for several weeks, and NO boils have come back. I am so happy. Just wanted to share. Thank you Earth Clinic.
General Feedback
Posted by Michael (Suzhou, China) on 04/15/2010
Hello,
I'm Michael and suspect I have this condition called Hidradenitis Suppurativa. Although I'm British I live in China and have had two operations in the last three years over here. I'm feeling quite depressed at the moment since my last operation was only three months ago and the wounds have not healed fully.
I had three big holes in my groin area after the operation and words cannot express the pain I went through. I've been reading up on this disease and it seems to fit exactly with all the sypmtoms I got.
It all started with lumps in the groin area. These became swollen after a while and eventually burst. I had three interconnected tubes connecting the different sores and so the doctors removed all the surrounding flesh and went quite deep as well.
After the first operation I said to myself I would never have that done again. After the second operation recently I thought the same again. Never again.
The thought that this problem might just re-occur over and over for the rest of my life is just unbearable. The thought that I may need another operation in 12 months or two years just fills me with dread.
I just don't know what to do. Phrase 3 Hidradenitis Suppurativa really sucks!!!
I was reading about a surgery procedure that looks far more painful than what I have endured to date. And the Doctor at the local hospital showed me some pictures of the patient after the surgery and it looks like all the flesh around his buttocks has been removed.
Has anyone out there had this operation or something similar? Was it successful? Can you offer any advise or suggestions?
My email is: [email protected]
Thanks for any help you may have!
Michael
General Feedback
Posted by Anita (Edison, New Jersey, Usa) on 04/18/2010
turmeric and neosporin were what i tried. i am from india and that is what i went for first. the boil has burst, is hard and hot and i now have infected glands in my groin. a chinese herbalist has given me a combo of a natural tincture and cal sulph 6x homeopathy. dont know yet but it seems not to work still. starting a fever now and will have to go to a regular doc tomorrow for a strong anti biotic. yikes
General Feedback
Posted by Michael (Suzhou, Jiangsu, China) on 04/19/2010
Hello Lisa, Alfred and Anita,
Thanks for replying to my message. It seems my wounds are slowly healing, and after a visit to the hospital yesterday the doctor said I didn't need to go back unless there was a problem. I spent a month in hospital after the last operation and have had to go back every three days to have the wounds cleaned for the past two and a half months.
I'm very conscious that the problem could return at any moment so I guess I should give some serious thought, and action to preventative care.
I'm going to try that Apple Cider Vinegar that you suggest Alfred, and the Turmeric with the black pepper, thanks for your encouragement Lisa.
It helps just to know that I'm not alone with this thing. That there are others out there that understand the pain and trauma of dealing with this.
I also like your suggestions on changing my diet Lisa. Although I've never been a big fan of vegetables and fruit, it makes sense to me, so I'm going do my best to make some serious life changes. If anything can help to prevent another operation then I'm game.
Thanks so much for your support and understanding. It's much appreciated.
Michael xx
General Feedback
Posted by Francisca (Michelbach-le-bas, Alsace, France) on 05/16/2010
Hi Ana, the Diane pill has been used for acne here in Europe for decades and it seems to work very well. Here it is prescribed by normal doctors. I hope that you get better soon!
General Feedback
Posted by Sara (The Beach, Canada) on 05/17/2010
I have PCOS and my doctor mentioned putting me on the pill if he could get my periods started back again. He has induced them with meds. They go for a month and stop again, then induced go for another month and stop. He says he would like to put me on the pill so they might come consistently if they stop coming on their own. I have to go back and tell him they have stopped. The problem is I would like to find out if the diane35 is suitable for a 46 year old woman with PCOS. I would benefit from the relief for HS as well I have had it
since I was in my early teens. Does anyone have any adverse effects to the Diane Pill? With similar circumstances? Thanks, Sara.
General Feedback
Posted by Ana (Las Vegas, Nv) on 05/18/2010
Thank you Francisca. I hope to feel better soon and I have ordered the Diane35 so just awaiting its arrival. Good to hear that it works and has been used for years in Europe.
Sara; I don't have any info on PCOS and Diane35 but I have had a hysterectomy so I obviously don't have a period either. I've researched other BC pills available in the US and none of them have the same formula as Diane35 even though they state they help with moderate acne. I've spoken to 3 different MDs in different specialties and they all agree that Diane35 is the way to go in regards to HS. Hopefully someone will be able to answer your questions soon. Take care Francisca and Sara.
General Feedback
Posted by An (Las Vegas, Nv) on 06/14/2010
Well it has been a month since I started Diane35. To be honest I questioned whether not they were worth taking. The nausea, mood swings and irritablity were pretty intense but I noticed a change in the HS so I'm sticking it out. All of my doctors did tell me that I should take them for 3 months before I would see any significant change. As a bonus; I also have facial hair growth that has slowed down immensely. The mood swings and irritability have started to level out but keep in mind I had a hysterectomy so I've been without normal female hormones for several years. Overall I'd give them a thumbs up.
General Feedback
Posted by Efgirl (Chattanooga, Tn) on 04/15/2010
I guess one could say that I've suffered from HS for close to a decade. Yet, didn't really have a name for it for years and years. I am a few months shy of my 30th birthday and I remember when I first started to get the lesions in my groin area and thought they were an irritation from ingrown hairs and shaving. Not much later I feared they were some demented STD that I hadn't heard of... even though my fiance didn't have they same symptoms. I spoke to three different doctors that said they were weight related, if I lose weight and keep them clean they will go away. I have always been cautious about body odor so keeping it clean wasn't the problem and my weight has fluctuated over the past ten years but the sores got progressively worse. It wasn't until about a year ago that I started to try and research for myself what exactly was going on with my body. I believe that I have been blessed to not have ever experienced some of the worst of it yet. At their worst, the sores were no larger that a large grape. Still painful and still distracting from work and relaxation and so embarrassing that I had lost all confidence in my sex life. My armpits, stomach and groin area, i fear, are permanently scarred. I am writing to say that at the very least, finding this website has allowed me to feel less alone. Knowing that HS is a real ailment that others live with daily helps me to not feel so stupid for the misdiagnosis of uninformed health practitioners, or the awful days when I had to change my clothes three times in order to find the outfit that HURT the least, or the utter disgust I have felt seeing my naked body (let alone letting others see it). I have read advise from others who understand this pain, others who have tried remedies and failed or succeeded. I work at a health food store, and until tonight, haven't truly thought that there could be some relief to be found in the place I am everyday! I am planning on trying Tumeric starting tomorrow. I can only keep my fingers crossed that the first time trying to end this pain will be the charm. However, if it is not, at least I have so many other helpful suggestions on this site that I can always keep trying until I find the answer. Thank you Thank you Thank you!
Apple Cider Vinegar, Turmeric, Manuka Honey
Posted by Susan (Argyll, Scotland) on 04/13/2010
★★★★☆
Hidradentitis Suppurativa
Hi, firstly can I say thank God for this site! I had a hysterectomy 5 years ago and have had HS for the last 3/4 years. Through your site I am now realising that I may have had this disease for longer but before my hysterectomy I was on the contraceptive pill Diannette which I see from some previous posts has helped with HS.
I started off on the cures for boils as this was what I thought they were and went with the turmeric and garlic as I get severe outbreaks on my groin and buttock area. Neither of these worked for me unfortunately.
On reading through this wonderful site I now realise that I have HS and have been trying to treat it for the last 6 months as I was due to go back in for surgery and after having this done previously to no avail realised that I should start looking at alternatives.
At present I am on ACV with mother and Manuka Honey twice daily, shower daily with non scented soap and apply dressings with tea tree oil cream to affected areas to keep covered and stop spreading any further.
I haven't had a new outbreak for about 6 weeks (which is the longest in a while) but the problem that I have is that 1 of them is still leaking and there are 2 big holes at the area and the others just aren't going away. I am a very patient person (as you have to be with this) but wondered if anyone could provide any other things that I could try.
Thanking all of you for your help
General Feedback
Posted by M. (Wenatchee, Wa) on 04/06/2010
Im only 15 years old and i found out i had HS about 2 years ago but the symptoms started when i had started to get my period around age 12. I thought it was from my weight so for the last 3 years i have been unsuccesfully trying to loose weight. I only just started to think about my future with this. and so i researched it. I dont have the severity of this condition as some people do but it still scares me. So, thank you for the tips. Since i suffer from depression as well, this disease doesnt make it any better. This is probably going to be more helpful than what my dermatoligists give me. HS has ruined part of my social life.. i was wondering if any body has any Wifes or Boyfriends or any signifacant other and how you told them about it.
General Feedback
Posted by Jessica (Lyndhurst, Nj) on 10/08/2011
I am interested in talking to you more about how to introduce the " bad news" about HS to your potential mates, I have actually been married for 5 years and had several boyfriends before that, none of my partners ever cared as long as you explain it-
Hidradenitis Suppurativa Studies
Posted by Tricia (Ireland) on 04/06/2010 84 posts
Just noted a study that has been reported in Medscape that would be of interest to sufferers of this condition. I don't know how to create a link but if you google "Biologic Therapy for Hidradenitis Suppurativa" by Graeme M. Lipper, MD, it should come straight up.
Hidradenitis Suppurativa Studies
Posted by Sara (The Beach, Canada) on 04/07/2010
EC: Sorry, you are right. Oddly, the link only works if you click on it from Google search results!
Vitamin E
Posted by Paula (Denver, Colorado) on 02/24/2010
★★★★★
Hidradenitis. I was researching this disease on the internet since my HS has recently spread to my armpits. I have always had it on my thighs and groin area, but now in my armpits as well. I found that some people had success with Vitamin E since it naturally boosts your immune system. I took 3 of the 400 milligram capsles at night, and when I woke up the next day, the boils were already softer. I took 3 more that night, and they are even better today. The pain is gone, and there is just loose skin where the boils were. I am going to keep taking 3 pills a day as long as it works. Hope this helps.
General Feedback
Posted by Crystal (Wallace, Ks) on 12/30/2009
I just figured out what I have tonight on this site. I have had HS for 11 years. It started when I was twelve years old. It started on my neck, causing embarrassing/painful lumps that people could see. A doctor told me that is was in the "fungus family" and told me to use compound W. This got rid of it, and left scarred holes in my neck. A year or two later it started between my thighs and under my stomach, and the compound W had no effect other than severely burning. Tried fungus creams... My husband has been supportive, but I feel for and understand the self-conciousness for the women (or men)who are finding new mates. It is embarrassing. I can't believe a cure may have been in my cuboard the whole time (i may have to purchase the capsules)! Anything is worth a try. I was getting to the point of wanting to scald all of my skin with as many chemicals as I could think of to get rid of it...the turmeric seem like a wonderful alternative, thank you all for the info. I will try to report back if I find this cure helpful!
General Feedback
Posted by Stephanie (Eugene, Or, USA) on 12/20/2009
Suffering from Hidradenitis Suppurativa (HS), Looking for cures!
Hello, I've been suffering from HS ever since I can remember. I'm now 20, and my mother tells me I've had it since I was very young. Around the age of 11, I saw a [rather uneducated] dermatologist regarding the hideous and painful sores I had in my groin and inner thigh areas. After showing her, she actually had to consult another dermatologist, and refer to some Skin Disease Encyclopedia, based on what the boils looked like. This dermatologist offered me an antibiotic to treat it, and I remained on the drug for roughly 6 months, with no relent in sight. After the antibiotic failed, I was prescribed an ointment (clindamycin), which too failed to have any impact on the sores after months of diligent use. When all this failed, the dermatologist recommended intralesional injections-- they basically inject something (I don't recall what was in the syringe) directly into each boil. Left with really no other options, I agreed to take the injections. The dermatologist administered three injections one day, which were pretty painful (mostly due to the sensitive area of the body) and left scars, BUT scared off the boils. I had two more injections after that day before I couldn't take it anymore. The scars still remain, but I'm happy to say I haven't had any outbreaks in those 5 spots since the injections.
I went a few years in remission, with the occasional flair, however nothing I couldn't handle. About two years ago, I had another outbreak-- a very, very bad one. I didn't do anything about it, thinking it was just stress or irritation, and I'd go back into remission shortly. Long story short, that didn't happen, and the HS actually traveled north, so to speak, and I now have very embarrassing scarring and boils underneath my breasts. When I first noticed the spread to my breasts, I immediately called a dermatologist (a different one from the first, since I moved out of state for college). This dermatologist recognized the disease right away and seemed very familiar with it. She explained the lack of a cure for HS, and after telling her of all the medicines I'd tried years prior, she said the only option left was isotretinoin (sp?), aka Accutane. I was hesitant to begin a cycle on Accutane, since the FDA highly regulates the drug due to its connection with blindness, frequency of headaches, severe depression, and severe birth defects, if the child were to survive birth (miscarriage and stillborn children are common while on Accutane). However, with my options dwindling, I agreed to start Accutane. I'm currently in my third month, and have seen slight improvement, but nothing to jump up and down about. :/
I plan on seeing this cycle through (I have about 6 months left), but don't foresee anymore cycles. The risks are too high, and the payout is too low. I've read some other posters' remedies, such as epsom salt baths, tea tree oil, antibacterial bar soap, etc., and plan on giving some of those a try. I'm hoping something helps, because the condition is extremely embarrassing. I feel exposed, damaged, and don't feel like I can have an intimate life with my boyfriend, comfortably.
I am so happy to have found this site, it's a reminder that I'm not alone in my physical and emotional pain and suffering. I hope one day I live to see a cure for HS, and pray that doctors, especially dermatologists, become more educated on the subject.
Thanks, and good luck to everyone sharing this fight with me.
General Feedback
Posted by Childofgod82 (Los Angeles, Ca) on 01/10/2010
im sorry for the pain both of you guys are experiencing. Happened to me at 12 always had reoccurring boils went to the doctors they just lanced and gave me meds. At 12 i had my sweat glands removed from under my arms, skin grafts the works. So now im a woman in my twenties i have them sometimes but very small usually around time of my period when the hormones are crazy anyway. then they go away afterwards. This is what i do everyday to keep things clean, i clean the area(s) with dial gold soap or safeguard bars only. i blow dry the area with an hair dryer to keep it dry, then rub witchazel on area and dry it again, thats had worked for e remember to keep the area as dry as possible so try panty liners, and try to keep the hair as short as possible never shave just clipped. Oh yea if i have one i mixed teatree oil a bit it will dry then itch really bad so just a lil mix with a thicker ointment if your want just natural try castor oil, maybe a lil raw honey and place it on it will quickly dry up. remember always keep areas dry. Hugs alicia
Oregano and Coconut Oils, Adrenal Support
Posted by Ljeanbeans (Ashland, Wi) on 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.
Oregano and Coconut Oils, Adrenal Support
Posted by Ashley (Nashville, Tn) on 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.
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.
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 Dolly (Cairo, Egypt) on 11/18/2009
Hi Bill
Thanks a lot for your feedback, I am happy for you for getting rid of tinea. Its so true that HS is difficult to control as its a terrible disease and it has caused me unbelievable pains, I am trying to do my best though trying everything there is possible to handle this. I have tried to find MoM in Egypt months ago, but its not available, I would try to get it online & see.
Thanks again Bill.
Tooth Abcess Link to H.S.
Posted by Melissa (Jacksonville, Florida) on 07/14/2010
I went to the dentist because my front teeth were aching really bad and they did an x-ray and immediately sent me to an oral surgeon. I had an abscess above my front top teeth that was so big they had never seen anything like it. He went in through my gums and roof of my mouth and removed a golf ball sized abscess. I have had many cases of that size cyst on different parts of my body for the past 20 years. Some were lanced, some surgically removed. Many antibiotics and no explanations. I researched myself and found this site. I found out it was Hidradenitis supperativa and that I should try Turmeric. I drink a Heaping teaspoon of Turmeric in a half cup of water as soon as I feel one beginning to flair up. I continue to drink it 2-3 times a day until its gone and it never gets big. It stops it before it grows big. Thank God and this site!!!
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.
Zinc
Posted by Gw (Nashville, Tn) on 11/30/2009
This is not necessarily in response to Zinc. I have had HS for over twenty years and nothing has ever worked for me but antibiotics and pain meds. I too have had the glands removed from my under arms. My worry is that after taking antibiotics for so long if I get another serious infection my body will be imune to antibiotics and also I'm concerned about being on the pain meds for so long.
Zinc
Posted by Suffering97 (Groton, Ct, Usa) on 01/12/2010
To GW from Nashville, TN: I've had HS since 1997 and since that time I have become allergic to Sulfa (hives) and Cipro(necrosis (black spots) like appearance of skin) which I had been prescribed for HS. As a child I was told I was allergic to PCN (I don't remember what the rxn was).
Zinc
Posted by Linda (San Antonio, Texas) on 02/24/2010
I am a 60 year old woman who has had HS ["my nasty little disease"] since 1988. Here's what I've learned over the years: (1) The only prescription that does me ANY good is Cipro, and it usually takes two courses/rounds. (2) Eating too many refined carbohydrates (e.g., cakes and cookies, say around the Thanksgiving and Christmas holidays when they're all around us) has consistently led to a very-stubborn outbreak that can last weeks and even months. (3) When I tried to go on the MediFast Diet, I immediately (literally within HOURS) had an outbreak; when I read the ingredients, SOY was throughout their products. [I got a 100% refund.] So then I learned soy was a problem food for me. So be on the alert for certain foods that can lead to terrible problems for us sufferers. It's a demoralizing disease.
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
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.
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...
Multiple Remedies
Posted by Jawwad (Dubai) on 11/18/2016
I am suffering from HS since last 4 years after two excised cyst (didn't break out again at same place) but my thighs and one side of groan is affected I have like it cycle of boils breakout from one to another, what helps me keep the size reduced of boils and inflammation is I regularly wash affected twice a day with Betadine skin cleanser and apply hirudoid gel 2 times for 3 days during breakouts and Fucidin 3 times as prescribed by My Dr, I have noted that Life style change helps specially in reducing weight as I am on Protein Diet 100% cut all Carbohydrates helps reducing size of boils.
and whenever it gets worst by mean of pain inflamation and size I use one brufen 600mg twice a day almost it takes 3 tablets to get busted.
wish u all goood luck, cheers
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.
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
