Top Remedies for Hidradenitis Suppurativa

I finally got the guts to ask my gyno about it when I was like 18 and she told me it was a form of staph infections from poor hygiene, boy I felt like for a long time after that thinking it was something I did to myself. Luckily I know better now.

after doing some reaserch online, I refuse to use antibiotics because I dont want my body to build up a tolerence or be stuck on a medication for the rest of my life but some things I have found that have helped me are as followed.

When I get a flair up that wont pop, as long as its in an area I can bandage I use full strenth tea tree oil (I know its very drying on the skin, but it opens the sores right up to drain sometimes over night)

Recently, I cut out all majorly proccessed foods, and have gone gluten free and I noticed a HUGE change, they almost completely went away within a month, with an exception of one that I've been fighting with for about six months.

and then lastly I started taking Tumeric capsules like crazy. The 500mg ones, I would take 3x in the morning and 3x at night.

with the combination of all of that it cleared up my HS almost completely. Sadly, I went on vacation and didnt eat right, didnt take my vitamins, and I got insane flair ups, something like ten of them at once.

Over the last year I also lost 40 pounds and that might have something to do with it too. Anyway, I hope something here may help someone out there, I know it's all things that have been said before, but they have helped me when I stick to them!

I then moved to USA to live for awhile and there found a Doctor who treated my underarm with surgery saying that it had become infected. I had also discovered that Talc (unperfumed ) is great for any sores, weeping and have used it ever since. I still did not know I had HS at this stage and no advice was given except loose and breathable clothing which I already did as I am an eczema sufferer from childhood which I managed to get under control with diet and knowing allergies (like washing powders). Years later, and still living with terrible groin sores that no-one seemed to want to do anything about (why wasn't I referred to a dermatologist ?etc! ) I had an enormous breast abscess that started under my arm, I ended up as an emergency admission to hospital and surgery. I have had incidents since starting under the arm that have been staved off by anti biotics. However I still did not get diagnosed with HS and I and the GP's did not make connection with groin sores and underarm abscess at all. I should also say that before this I had Glandular Fever leading to five years of ME (chronic Fatigue Syndrome) which Doctors seemed to denied existing but didn't look into why I had ME. Plus I had pneumonia before Breast abscess and many missed symptoms of Colon cancer by GP's including food intolerances.

Since then I unfortunately was diagnosed with Colon Cancer. When had op to remove tumours it was found that I had old undiagnosed Endometriosis (that can cause ME symptoms) and my Surgeon (not GP! ) finally diagnosed my groin sores and lesions as HS. I had to push my GP to refer me to a Dermatologist (helped by letter from Surgeon with HS diagnosis) who has recently confirmed that the groin and underarm problems are HS and the breast abscess is the end result of an HS flare up. I don't want to scare people and I feel I have been particularly unlucky in what has happened to me but the medical profession needs to take this condition more seriously and more research needs to be done. There may be no cure but better management of the disease is possible. I have never been offered counselling nor received much sympathy for HS yet I have found it to be distressing especially before meeting my very understanding husband as I felt dirty, that I had sexually transmittable disease so wouldn't enter full sexual relations with people etc (this is not true you cannot pass it to others). It makes me cry now to think of how I've been treated. Depression is also common with HS sufferers especially when don't know what they have and are frustrated by medical professionals.

Knowing what you have and having proper information of how to deal with it plus sympathy from professionals makes a big difference. Since chemo I have not had a flare up except twinges under my arm, but I still sweat a lot when weather is hot or get a bit stressed. I need to lose a lot of weight which amazingly I held onto through my illness and 6 months chemo! It's hard to exercise without sweating though! I'm not sure I agree with line drawn between HS and smokers (by one person on site). I have never smoked and got this condition aged 18. I did grow up with parents who smoked though, but I don't think this is the only factor. Genetics, hormones, food allergies and clogged pores probably all play a part. I was vegetarian for 10 years yet still got everything going! What I have found helpful- co-inciding with chemo and HS remission has been my using Lemon Balm(Herb Melissa) cream (available health stores online in UK, not sure about US) on the affected areas, especially when starts to feel that a sore is developing, it seems to stop them in their tracks and helps soothe sores too. It is also effective with Herpes.

There has been indication that HS may be related to Herpes (this could also be Epstein Barr as related to Herpes- Glandular fever which I did have). I also used a lot of Teatree products- caution as long term use can dry the skin but of course that may help sweating conditions. Talc (unperfumed). Eating an organic natural diet- lots of Omega 3. I have been reading about how inflammation anywhere in the body is not good for the immune system so anything that is anti-inflammatory has to be good. This includes some food and drink. I believe in trying to solve problems naturally not with antibiotics and medication. I agree with another person on site who said about eating 'Gods food' , anything refined and processed has to be a No No, but I also think it's easy to get fixated and too strict on certain diets- eat healthy, variety but more veg and fruit in diet and whole grains (balance insulin levels amongst other things). Even if give up other dairy try 'Live' plain yogurt. Turmeric probably does work. Other anti-inflammatories- Oranges, Gingko, seaweeds, veg oils, nuts, seeds, greens, mint (natural), berries, apples, sweet potatoes, spinach, and others.

Pain control foods- Sunflower seeds (but caution if you do have Herpes as can cause breakouts for some), Capsicums- red peppers, Ginger root and powder

Diuretics may help dilute sweat and keep systmem clean, also anti-inflammatory. Try Dandelion and nettle teas, Milk Thistle, Burdock which is also good for skin conditions. Echinacea to boost immune system.

Calendula cream also good for skin.

Also, applied externally only try Lavender oil mixed with a veg oil to put on painful areas (not on open wounds though). Use glycerin based soaps, try plain and sulphur soaps (there is a connection of HS with acne which these are often used for), teatree products and lemon balm.

Avoid Sugars- they increase inflammation and feed fungal infections and tumours. They also push insulin levels up which can also affect hormones and cause diabetes. May contribute to sweating. Find natural sweeteners- Stevia is my preference.

Avoid alcohol (sugars, sweating and lowers immune system).

Start cooking at home or get food where know natural and organic and preferably low sugar and low fat. Ready made foods are high in fats, sugar and salt and low on nutrition. This includes bought baked goods like cakes. (Make own healthier ones- favourite for me and my family is a fruit and nut traybake cake using stevia).

Despite sweating you must exercise, make sure shower after. De-stress, meditate. Join a support group.

Hope this helps (and doesn't scare) others. Getting condition diagnosed and then under control are the key things then it won't lead to worsened infections. Get educated and do what's best for you. Check out-

ba-hs.org.uk, HS-USA.org,

hs-support.uni.cc/hidradenitis-suppurativa-faq

Good luck fellow sufferers.

I did some research of my own and discovered that dr's in Europe have been using Zinc Gluconate in clinical trials and found that most people had remission of symptoms that lasted! I decided to try it bc really what did I have to lose, right? I did everything the same as the trials, 100 mg of zinc gluconate/ day. I also decided to try diaper rash cream as a topical agent since it contains a lot of zinc. All the areas are almost gone! I have been doing this for 2 weeks are the results are amazing! I finally feel like I have found something that really works!!!!!!

I would say prior to this I had moderate HS and now it is almost gone, I hope this treatment works for all of you as it did for me :) I know how terrible thie condition is and the toll it can take on your life!

And for less that 15$, something that really worked for me!

In my opinion, HS is a "triangle disease". HS has very obvious hormonal, endocrine and inflammatory components. I understand it completely in women. Look when women are first and/or worst affected: puberty, menstration, birth control methods, childbirth, perimenopause and finally (and more rarely) menopause. Men with HS often have very low testosterone levels.

Why do some people see improvement when they lose weight or change their diet? Besides reduction of "skin-on-skin" contact and possible reduction of sweating, what could explain this phenomenon? If we look at the endocrine "leg" of the triangle, better blood sugar control could explain it. Adopting a diabetic diet with its low carbohydrate count CAN help you lose weight as it lowers your blood sugar. I like to call a good diet the "God Diet". If God created it in nature, it's on your diet. Notice how the "God Diet" is relatively low in carbohydrates, contains moderate protein and lots of vitamins and minerals? God did not make Twinkies; we did! Being overweight does not cause HS. It is far more complicated than that. Diabetes is strongly associated with other hormonal diseases. Women who are "hormonally challenged" like those with Poly Cystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) are also prone to diabetes. Those women with PCOS who are having a hard time getting pregnant often can be helped with metformin, a drug used in the treatment of diabetes EVEN IF THEY ARE NOT DIABETIC. If you have a problem with yeast infections, think higher blood sugar levels. Men with low testosterone often have diabetes, too, or are at risk of developing it. I HIGHLY recommend all people who have been diagnosed with HS or think they may have HS, to visit an endrocrinologist and have the complete panel of blood tests done. You may be surprised what they show (like my premature ovarian failure or POF).

I have virtually cured the HS lesions in my underarms. I say "virtually" because I have had one lesion in 10 years. I had laser underarm hair removal. The one lesion that I did get was immediately following shaving of some leftover "whispies" (You can barely even see them). HS is a "clogging disease". Removing the hair shaft from its follicle allows for more "wiggle room" for sweat to be released. A number of HS sufferers stop using anti-perspirant because of its clogging factor. Drinking plenty of water helps to dilute one's sweat. Showering after exercise does not allow sweat to stay on the skin. I am considering having Botox treatments on my inner thighs done. I want to reduce the sweat factor as much as I can. I do very well in the wintertime, but not so great in the summertime. I have kept my disease as bay using as many preventative tips that I can learn from other sufferers (like boy-leg panties and tea tree oil, to name a couple).

I am interested in Tumeric. It makes sense. Long before antibiotics were discovered, people used other substances known for controlling infections. Tea tree oil is one. Honey is another. Wine was used as an antiseptic. Olive oil was used in biblical times for skin problems. When modern scientists examine these substances today, they can explain why they work.

One topic that I want to bring up that is not popular to hear is smoking. I've read several studies that implicate smoking in the development of HS. Quitting smoking doesn't seem to affect HS much, but never starting to smoke in the first place is a huge factor. There are genetics behind HS sufferers who have other famly members afflicted by HS, but smoking may be the kick off behind those without the obvious genetic link. The link between smoking and HS was as high as 90% in those studies. I once went to an HS support group meeting. There was a group of approximately 15 of us who went out to dinner together. I asked around the table who were smokers or ex-smokers. Of the 15 people present, only one person was a non-smoker/never been a smoker! That particular woman never had HS until after she had a complete hysterectomy - a hormonal-challenged woman of normal weight. Why didn't our group reflect the percentage of smoking adults in the United States? Why did our group reflect a smoking rate of over 90%? I mentioned earlier that I have psoriasis. Did you know that psoriasis and smoking have a connection, too?

I think HS can be conquered if we can attack it in its earliest stages. Most diseases are better managed before they really get bad. Early diagnosis is key. Please share with others what works for you!

Turmeric has worked fantastically for me. Had an indulgent weekend with family, upped the dosage and my lesions are still flat, which is unheard of for me.

However, I feel overall quite shitty. I drank crap, ate crap and now I will have a couple of weeks of really giving my body nutritious TLC before it is better. When my diet is good, I don't need that much Turmeric.

I would suggest an elimination diet to all sufferers, my triggers are all sugars (natural or otherwise) and all mammal meat/dairy. Cutting out the mammal meat and dairy products has been HUGE for me. It has allowed me to take a minimal dose of Turmeric. I no longer get bloated and eat a diet rich in fish and non starchy veggies. I allow myself some red rice, when I am being "extra" healthy because when I detox, if I don't eat adequate fibre I don't feel like the toxins cleanse well enough and as soon as I eat more fibre, the headaches go away and I feel great again.

In addition, I am not a super healthy person, always but the only way for me to keep this condition under control is to eat well as much as I can and drink water!

Turns out, my body needs a lot of water, I always thought I drank enough but when you get a bad flare, really look at how much you have been drinking (all of my previous terrible flares were at times when I was overheating and experiencing dehydration) and ensure to take Magnesium supplements. Sugars use up a lot of magnesium, it seems, so best to cut them out as much as you can.

In short, turmeric is by far the best herb I've tried for inflammation. Watch your diet as much as you can, drink lots of water and it makes this condition far more manageable. If you do binge, don't throw everything out the window, your body is not broken, it is trying to let you know something isn't quite right. Listen to it and be kind to yourself.

I can't believe it--after years of suffering and MANY hours of my own research, I found something that WORKS!!! I put the pieces together after doing my own research because docs kept putting me on antibiotics and I didn't want that. The meds cleared up the "bumps" (really bad under my breasts and in my armpits) for two weeks, then they'd come back with a vengeance. Also, I've tried collodial silver,

For the first time in 3 years, my bumps are gone and the scars are healing. I am 100% convinced that HS is related to yeast overgrowth in the body, which is aggravated by antibiotics and other things. Some symptoms are yeast infections (including under the finger or toe nails), vaginal yeast infections, chronic sinus problems, affected lymph nodes, and a white film on the tongue or a cracked tongue.

I've always had problems with vaginal yeast infections--very sensitive to sugar, though I eat my fair share of chocolate, of course. One beer makes me feel like that purple chick in the original Willy Wonka. On these HS support forums, many people swear by a gluten-free and dairy free diet... This is directly connected to the "yeast (candida)-free diet" which advises people with candida overgrowth to avoid fermented dairy products, pretzels, chips, bread, beer, wine, etc. Pretty much everything but veggies and meat. However, what's great is that it doesn't have to be a PERMANENT diet. Clear out your body for 3 or so months, then really monitor what is going into your body and how it makes you feel.

Sorry for the length of this post, but I feel compelled to pass this on to other sufferers!!! What finally cleared up my suffering is this:

NYSTATIN 100,000/g POWDER: prescription only (ask for the larger sized bottle), but not a controlled substance. Clean the area well, then put this in the groin area, under the armpits, and under the breasts (in your affected areas). I also had to use Nystatin cream on a small section of my groin and a little under my breasts, until I got it under control.

I am currently also taking (available from Vitamin or health stores):

Candidase Enzymatic supplement (to inhibit yeast growth)

Kyolic odorless garlic supplement (anti-candida formula)

Acidophilus Pearls (anti-yeast)

Turmeric one-a-day pills

(all of the above I plan to be on for one month, then try and monitor my yeast intake to keep levels under control).

Vitamin A

Vitamin D3

B-vitamin complex

Prenatal vitamins (always take them as my multi because I like the effect on my skin and nails)

I only use IVORY bar soap under my breasts and in my armpits and groin. I use a new razor every time I shave under my arms. Now that the bumps have gone down, I try to exfoliate under my armpits with a loofah to remove dead skin. I also do NOT use anti-persperant, but rather spray Crystal deodorant in the clear bottle with a purple label.

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When you are in a breakout--use pure tea tree oil on your bumps that haven't come to a head. It works wonders. If you get a bump behind your ear, don't mess with it, and the lymph node will eventually go back to normal. Take ibuprofen 800mg to reduce swelling in the deap-seated large abscesses.

The nystatin will help you! GO GET IT! I can't urge it enough. The anti-candida supplements helped too! There is another article I read that said people have had luck on long term anti-fungal prescription medication, but this can be damaging to the liver, so I opted to try the supplement route first.

I also gave up dairy a few months ago, and still severely limit my intake. I know that until I get the candida under control, I'll have to keep using the nystatin powder, but I am making an effort to try and cut out the yeast foods. Avoid sugar/sugary drinks at all costs if you can.

I have been in severe pain, spent hundreds of dollars for surgeons to drain and pack cysts, and been depressed and shameful. Please try this, I think it may help many people.

I have read that boils can be caused by an acidic body. It may help you to look at your diet and eat more alkaline foods so that your body has the proper pH level. Green smoothies, pineapple juice, water are mostly alkaline while coke, milk, meats, are acidic. Bathing in bicarb soda is also good as it is alkalising to the skin. There are some good books you could read which list which foods are acidic and which are alkaline. Disease and toxins apparently can't exist in an alkaline body. Cheers

Also add 50mg of zinc supplement to your daily diet, some people take metformin which helps.

Stay away from sugar and caffeine, sugar is a terrible trigger and try to cut off fats and white wheat from your diet.You might find this hard at the beginning, but you will get used to it. Try to see a doctor re. those holes so he can clean it to stop this leakage and start healing - always dry youself up very very well after showers.

We do all we can, HS doesn't really go away but we try to contain it as possible we can, good luck.

Dolly

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.

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.

Just a tip for the BO. I also suffer from it. I wash my armpits thoroughly in the morning, dry them and then apply apple cider vinegar to the entire arm pit. Once it dries the odor of the vinegar disappears. Then I use my deo over that. I only discovered this at the age of 37 and have been wearing sleeveless clothing all my life until now. I can finally wear cute t-shirts :-)

As for the HS, my daughter started with it very recently. We have been to see a homeopath. She has advised to cut out gluten as the issue stems from a leaky gut. She has given us two homeopathic remedies as well as Lymphomyosot (manufactured by Heel). We are also dosing her with Zinc, Turmeric and Tissue Salts (nr 12 - Silicea).

Apparently stress and holding in feelings of hurt in the past has also contributed to the condition.

I'm hoping this all clears up and that we can heal her system.

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

I'm 32 years old and I'm suffering HS for 10 years, I had read and try every antibiotic, and some natural remedies, but my worse situation now is, My husband is starting with the problem in his testicles after he started to drink ACV to lose weight? and I feel terrible and I don't knew the HS could be contagious.

every month before my period I have the ball, I'm using with good result a silver gel, the name is "colloidal silver" help me a lot to calm and restructure the skin and the ball gone after 3 days.

I hope you can try the colloidal silver.
I have try a lot remedies but the ball coming 3 or 4 months later.

I'm feel crazy because if I'm depress, sad, worry, angry even excited or happy the ball coming up, I'm can't stand my hormonal disorder.

Please try the colloidal silver maybe can help you.

Carol

few weeks ago i read in a book about " black onion seeds" Tiny and black seeds of the nigella plant. in hindi and urdu it calls [kalonji] if you search on the google you will find more information about it. easily can buy from asian shops or buy online.

believe me her boils and swollen lymp nearly gone now.there is no new boil appear for the last few week. and i also give her turmeric powder as well it helps for wounds definately.

1: half tea spoone of "black onion seeds" with water everyday. before breakfast would be better.
2: turmeric powder,half tea spoone with water any time in a day.
3: drink atleast 8 glass of water.
4: try to eat healthy food and fruits instead of oil or fried food.
i m reffering this email to Charlene from Hope Mills, NC.

please believe on "black onion seeds" and try it ..it should work.atleast try 1 or 2 months.
i would be greatfull if i get a feed back.

i saw my daughter how she suffers and i can understand how much people r in pain ..please try black onion seeds..

thank u very much

In the Ted's Q&A I found a reference to MAGNESIUM CHLORIDE and BLACK TEA. This is the most effective combo I have found for HS but I do not see it referred often.

Magnesium Oil is available at health stores and online. It can be painful, but it works for me esp early in a breakout.

Black tea, applied via cotton round pad after the oil, with frequent applications, is soothing for the pain and seems to remove the heat and pressure.

Turmeric ( drink with black pepper for absorbtion), tea tree oil, and diet changes also help.

A note on gluten: there are different types of wheat with different protiens all of which are gluten. It gets complicated. I found some breads are ok, but pasta and pretzels are not ok for me.

Depending on hormone levels some "safe" foods turn into trigger foods.

Nightshades effect me * depending on the freshness of the nightshade*. I can eat potatoes that are not sprouting yet, but old potatoes are triggers. I don't eat chips for this reason.

Short version: Black Tea and Magnesium oil (same as magnesium chloride), see Ted's Q&A.

When I am stressed, the pain often rises to a 9-10/10 every moment of the day.
However, I have started to take a few herbs and change a few things up.
- Ginseng ( Relives stress)
- Turmeric capsules (Anti-inflammatory)
- Baking soda and tea tree oil baths 1-2 times a day.
- Anti-bacterial soap.

I also often use Bactroban (prescription) directly to the wound, however I have not found this to help any more than tea-tree oil.

I used to be so self conscious of my body and what people would think of the cysts if they were to see them, now, more than anything I just want the pain to go. If you receive nerve pain (I do all down my legs) this is very normal. Epsom salt baths do help a little bit.

Something I found was that trying to squeeze the cysts or pop them myself was a bad idea, though, sometimes when the pressure is soo terrible, it will be a way to relieve pain. You MUST ensure that the needle or pin you use is one-use only and completely sterile, though, if you have a nurse or doctor who can assist you I would ask for help as you do not want to increase scaring by hitting the wrong area.

As of last week I began to cut out Added sugars, grains, gluten, red peppers, red meat and dairy which seemly does help after about a week. Though you really do need to stick to this. At this point I have been to around 15 doctors and specialists for the issue, no one with a cure of course. But all I can really say here is if you have any way to reduce stress and maintain a happy wellbeing, do try. Meditation works for some, more sleep, exercise (Often hard when you are in pain) and eating well all contribute directly.

However, I realised that since I went overseas and became sexually in-active it worsened. I have a boyfriend back home and it has been around 4 months, for me, the hormones released during sex with a close partner was my best cure so far. Although it can sometimes be painful, the hormones kick in relatively quick and really do help. Though, 'Helping myself out' does not actually do anything for me in terms of pain relief or release of such hormones. For me, when progesterone and oestrogen levels are slightly higher (When ovulating) I am at my best. Taking a contraceptive pill did help but, only when you are on the active pills.

Good luck, please do let me know if you have any natural cures or thoughts towards this. Also, if you know any good herbs for hormone regulation I would love to hear!

Best of wishes,
Jess.

Did you get your daughter off birth control? If she is taking it to regulate her cycle, there are many good remedies for it.