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.
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
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!!!
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.
Antibiotic Ointment in the Nose
Posted by Lynn (St. Paul, Minnesota) on 06/01/2010
★★★★★
Finall found something that made my hidradenitis go away completely! I have had hidradenitis my whole life but sometimes I went years without a breakout. 9 months ago I got a bump in my groin area that just wouldn't go away. Every day I had to drain it and you all know the frusteration. I visited many websites and read everyone's suggestions but nothing worked for me. A couple of weeks ago I visited the doctor's office and he suggested I try Bacitracin Ointment in my nose twice a day. I just dab a little on a Q-tip and swirl it in my nose. I can't believe after 10 days my bump is completely gone!!!! He believes HS can be caused by a staph or strep infection that lives in your nose. Maybe I've had this my whole life, I don't know but it worked for me. Bacitracin is an over the counter ointment so no need to visit the doctor. I hope this continues to work for me and if it worked for me maybe it will for you too. Good luck everyone!
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.
Zinc
Posted by Prissy (Rio De Janeiro, Brazil) on 05/17/2010
I would just like to add a comment in regards to the dosage of the zinc treatment, pioneered in CHU Hotel Dieu, Nantes, France.
According to Prof. Revuz, the posology for zinc HS treatment should be total 90mg of zinc gluconate per day, in the form of 15mg pills taken throughout the day (6 times)- that's how the treatment was administered in the successful Nantes clinical trial.
By browsing the Linus Pauling Institute website, I found that extra zinc intake may influence iron absorption (and subsequent anemia) because of the interactions between zinc and copper. I then decided to also take a small supplement of copper every other day to be on the safe side. I hope this information helps.
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 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 Ana (Las Vegas, Nv) on 05/16/2010
As you can see from my previous post; I had stated I was going to do nothing more than I already had. Well unfortunately I must say my HS took a serious turn for the worse. I had several days of feeling yuckier than usual and started getting red streaks down my legs and up on my abdomen. I had a fever and was told by my MD to go to the ER. Long story short they took all kinds of wound and blood cultures and low and behold I had a blood infection. Several days in the hospital with so many IV medications I lost count. Only good part of it all was the Morphine they gave me for the pain. :) Well it's been 2 weeks and I'm still not well. I'm taking 3 antibiotics, an antifungal because the wound culture grew fungus, antinausea meds and a narcotic. My new dermatologist prescribed me a drug that is not approved in the US so I had to order it from Canada. He thinks outside of the box and I like that. It's called Diane35. It's basically a birthcontrol pill so only women can use it but it has some pretty interesting data when it comes to HS or severe acne cases. It's very affordable, you don't need a prescription and it also helps with excessive hair growth and sweating. Kills 3 birds with one stone. Worth a shot.
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 Ana (Las Vegas, Nv) on 04/24/2010
Michael...I can empathize with you. I have had surgeries to remove individual lesions, tried every antibiotic; topical and oral, tried ACV, Zinc, Magnesium, Turmeric all the way to Mercury (homeopathically). I've been back to surgeons for help again and now have been turned down by 5 plastic surgeons because of the extent of my disease. My physician has pretty much thrown in the towel because her only answer is for me to be on antibiotics for the rest of my life and I refused. I fortunately work in a medical facility that has physicians who are at least willing to troubleshoot for me. Problem is; there is so little information on the disease that even the best physicians are at a loss as what to do. As far as the weight issue goes; I was not over weight when they started. After children; yes but I have lost 65# in the last year and have seen no improvement at all; as matter of fact they have worsened. I now have what I believe to be cellutitis. (yes I am medically educated)Onset was just a day ago and the pain is increasing so I may need to be seen by my physician at this juncture.
Quick info about me: I am 38 y/o, was diagnosed with Obsessive Compulsive Disorder at age 14, no underlying medical conditions, no family history of this disease, had HS for almost 10 years, supportive family, and the ability to see physicians all over the country for this because we are a military family. I pointed out the OCD because that should indicate to you how compulsively I clean "everything". There is no cure! I take ibuprofen and take hot baths for the pain, Xanax for the anxiety it causes and ocassionally a nice stiff drink. (Ibuprofen because my physician will not prescribe anything else) I cover them with gauze since they constantly drain and ooze, wash the area several times a day with "normal" soap that I keep in my purse (the small travel size) and keep the area as dry as possible.
I have recently realized this may just be my cross to bear. It is a horrible disease that I wouldn't wish on anyone but I get through by thinking of those who have health problems that are far worse than my own. I haven't given up; I just refuse to do any more than I already do everyday; lead a healthy life by eating right, exercise and prayer.
I hope you all find peace and maybe one day they will find a cure. God's blessings to all.
General Feedback
Posted by Alfred (Bangkok, Thailand) on 04/19/2010
Michael, You got some info from Ted & Lisa..Now its up to You..YOU ARE WHAT YOU EAT. First I suggest you clean out your system.. A lot of bad crud, that hanging around in your body. In San diego they have a health spa.. people who have one month to live.. They clean them out with Wheat Grass juice and Rejuvalac. See if you can find wheat grass juice, put into your body via enema. Twice a day..Drink 3 oz of juice twice a day..Put the juice in your eyes, ears.. anything growing on your body, put the wheatgrass pulp on the growths.. attach with masking tape..Then drink all the Rejuvalac you can drink. After two week ..Your insides will be like a baby.. then as Lisa said.. change your eating habits. No salt or food loaded with salt, no soft drinks, no fried foods, no food with fat, Stay close to raw foods or as close as possible.. Eat vegtables and fruit.. Green vegtables are very healthy.
Michael.. the ball is in your court.. it up to you.. get healthy with fruits and vegtables.
Much caring
Alfred
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 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 Alfred (Bangkok, Thailand) on 04/17/2010
Michael.. you have gone thru Hell..My Thai Father in Law.. Had a baseball growth under his rib cage.the massage lady found it.. He is 86 ..too old to operate.. which i was glad.. my Theory about Apple Cider Vinegar..NOTHING I Mean nothing bad will grow in your system, if you take ACV.. my father in law from Old Thai School.. Trusted me. he took ACV 3 times a day. 2 tea-spoon full in glass of water.. In Only 2 1/2 month the Tumor or what ever was gone.He keeps taking ACV because he feels better.. Now we have YOU..I am upset.. those Doctors cutting you up. Michael PLEASE start taking ACV Today..You can not take too much of ACV.. you can not overdose on ACV. No side effects.Please start now .. two TABLE SPOONS IN GLASS OF WATER.. 4 times a day.. i KNOW it will FLUSH all that bad stuff out of your system.. If you have boils now..they will disapear.. NO new boils will start.. Michael.. It sounds too easy.. It is easy.. IT WORKS.dO NOT TELL YOUR dOCTOR.. HE KNOWS NOTHING ABOUT ACV.yOU MUST FLUSH OUT YOUR SYSTEM WITH acv. YOU WILL FEEL BETTER AS YOU DO IT. I TAKE ACV DAILY.
you will feel better soon
Alfred
General Feedback
Posted by Lisa (Thousand Oaks, Ca, Usa) on 04/16/2010
Hi Michael,
I am so sorry to hear of your suffering. Work to keep your spirits up. I know it's hard when sometimes the odds seem against you. So, since you are in China, have you explored Chinese medicine? Often, what cannot be explained in Western medicine, answers can be found in Chinese medicine. Also, our diet governs so much about our health. It is what creates our body. Whatever goes into it, our body uses to make it up. In that respect, how is your diet? Lots of greens will give healing energy to your body, raw mostly. And green juices as well. Recently, I read the anti-cancer diet book and there was fascinating evidence that turmeric is an extremely effective spice to take in helping heal the body and especially effective with "boil-type" issues and inflammatory problems. One of the key things it said that its effectiveness is raised exponentially by ingesting it with black pepper. This is traditionally what is in curry and could be the wisdom behind this combo of folk/culture knowledge. Burdock root is also used to purify blood and help remove toxins. It is known to be effective in antibacterials and antifungals- a concern in hd sufferers. The western drs. seem to recommend antibacterial soaps to be used with hd but, my concern would be that those soaps would throw off the natural, very important balance of the skin. For myself, I feel that cleaning up your diet changes everything.
I wish you the best and hope that some of this info can help you. Don't give up- answers are there but you have to search and sometimes quite deeply. I do not have hd but have had my own health issues. I have restored my health after 5 years of research and exploration. The final answer was truly found with diet. I eat a lot of raw greens and veggies, sprouts, green juicing daily, lots of garlic and onions and have cut out dairy and gluten which can wreak havoc in the body. I pass on this information because I have spent a lot of time and energy looking for answers so if I can help just one person by passing on what I've learned, that would be great! I just want to let others know it is not a "hopeless situation" as drs. will sometimes diagnose because in my own quest, I have heard story after story of these diagnoses turned around through natural means.
You are in my thoughts, Lisa
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!
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
Antibacterial Soap, Iodine
Posted by Diana (Milwaukee, Usa) on 04/14/2010
★★★★★
This works for me too, I'm just coming off of one of the worst breakout's in years. I'm sick of dermatologists saying part of it is being over weight, i recently gained about 30 pounds due to my thyroid and menopause. I asked this last dermatologist, why have i had this for years, when i was rail thin ??? and i just lost 10 pounds !!!!
All the stuff i've been on over the years and it came down to the strongest anti bacterial soap i could find, good exfoliation, Iodone and making my grandmothers oatmeal pack, i just did this and the next day the "bumps" were flat and the inflammation was gone. get a large container of plain oatmeal, baking soda and sea salt. and generous amounts, boil like you would to eat it,put the salt and baking soda in so it boils, add oatmeal, cook until you can't see the water anymore then mash with a potato masher.apply when temperature is comfortable to you, leave on for 20 - 30 minutes. use an old sheet to lie on, remove with an old bath towel then rinse off. this works even better if you take a baking soda bath first or wash area with hot water and baking soda. you can save the remaning oat meal and just reheat it. then apply your iodine.
Apple Cider Vinegar, Turmeric, Manuka Honey
Posted by Dolly (Cairo, Egypt) on 04/14/2010
Hi Susan, I too was diagnosed with HS in 2008 and I know how devastating it is. What you are doing now is fine, but pls. go back to using Turmeric as follows: 1 tea spoon turmeric some black pepper 1 table spoon of oil some fresh lemon juice (1 table spoon) stir and add water and drink - from time to time add 1 spoon of powder ginger this is to be taken from 2 to 3 times daily. Lemon alkalizes your body and is a good antioxidant and does kill the strong smell and taste of turmeric for those who can't stand it.
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
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
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!
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.
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.
Rubbing Alcohol
Posted by Julie (Salt Lake City, Utah) on 03/08/2010
★★★★☆
Hi everyone,
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.
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.
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.
Homeopathy
Posted by Brittany (Newport News, Virginia) on 02/11/2010
where did you find information about the elaps coralinus?
Zinc
Posted by Jeff (Wayne, New Jersey) on 02/08/2010
★★★★★
Hidradenitis supurativa
Zinc supplements are giving me AMAZING results. A study in Nantes France showed great results, taking 90mg of zinc daily. I have followed this regimen for 2 1/2 wks. and have had no new outbreaks, and (dare I say) my infections seem to be healing. This is the first time since I have been in my teens,I am now 55, that anything positive has happened regarding my H.S.
I highly recommend zinc supplements, if you can tolerate it. I have had no side effects at all, although the study said upset stomachs could occur. That being said, an upset stomach is a very minor thing compared to the pain and discomfort with this sad disease. Good Luck to all who try this. I am AMAZED!!!!
Homeopathy
Posted by Karen (Gaston, Sc Usa) on 01/22/2010
Ok I was in process of ordering the elaps Corallinus and I decided to stop a minute and do a bit of research. The side effects are CRAZY! They sound as bad as having these boils, maybe even worse! I advise people to really check it out. Unless I am reading totally wrong on all these sites, its made from a deadly coral snake from Brazil! You can experience Hallucinations, black discharge from the ears and body, and so much more! When I read about it on one site it gave me a great paragraph on how wonderful the product is, then 6 paragraphs on all the bad side effects. Some of these are really bad! Shouldnt we be scared of this stuff???
Homeopathy
Posted by Karen (Gaston, Sc Usa) on 01/22/2010
I am going to try this product but I am so nervous about a product that I dont know anything about. Can anyone who has tried it let us know how its going? I will post after I start it also!
Pau D'arco, Red Clover Tea
Posted by Cs (Bordentown, Nj) on 01/20/2010
Were you able to get pregnant on this? I think I have HS, although have not officially been seen by a dr for this but I think I will soon. I am considering becoming pregnant but am nervous due to this horriffic disease. Can you share your experience with HS as it related to your pregnancy?
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).
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
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!
Homeopathy
Posted by Lynn (Indianapolis, Indiana) on 12/29/2009
I was just wondering if anyone else had tried the elaps Corallinus because the side effects look like a mild heart attack and I wanted to make sure it was okay to use before I purchased any.
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.
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.
H.S. Dressings
Posted by Legendfalls (Austin, Tx, usa) on 11/19/2009
Hi, wonderful to find this site, I'm 35 and have had HS since age 12, which progressively has gotten worse. I've never gone into remission, but have had times when my HS seems less uncomfortable, and other times when the breakouts are crazy and painful. I haven't tried any one thing consistently, except for using Hibiclens, I can't say I see much improvement using it, but I have to believe that using an antibacterial soap has to be better than not. I've never gone on a gluten free diet, so I am considering that, as well as I've been heavily considering a raw food diet. I have been overweight my entire life. My weight is currently my highest as well as my HS currently it's worse. I've read a lot in the past few days about HS and recommendations on foods to stay away from, and I must say it seems overwhelming.
I mainly just wanted to say thanks to everyone for sharing information, it does help to know I am not the only one who suffers from HS.
Thank you.
Calcium Bentonite Clay, Epsom Salt Baths
Posted by Claire (Brisbane, Australia) on 11/18/2009
★★★★☆
HS: In my experience calcium bentonite clay compress draws out inflammation, soothes and accelerates healing process. Combine with epsom salt baths.
General Feedback
Posted by Lisa (Thousand Oaks, Ca, USA) on 11/18/2009
Hi Renee,
I just read your post and felt I had to write. I'm glad your daughter has you to help her. I can hear your sincerity in your desire to help her. I understand because I have a son who is 24, daughter 23 and son 21. (Two more much younger.) When they get older it can be hard because they are "adults" and you have to respect them and yet you want so much to help them too. Anyway, my heart goes out to both of you. The reason I'm writing is because even though I've posted several times about the mini beet protocol, it has led me into a vast storehouse of amazing information from the raw food world and superfood world. I would urge you to look into this as I have seen miraculous things and testimonies from people who were hopeless and turned their lives around. It is full of inspiration which you need right now. Try to find my posts as I talk about it in them. See if you can start by juicing and getting fresh raw vegetables into your diet. That would be a good start. Remember too, the doctors don't have the answers to the healing process. Their knowledge is in drugs and surgery. We must all start taking our bodies back and finding the true answers. You say you have faith in God- well, guess what, God has given us so many ways to be healthy and stay that way from plants and herbs found on our planet. Go on youtube and find David Wolfe and Daniel Vitalis which will then lead you to other very inspiring people- Hulda Clark, Angela Stokes, Gabriel Cousens and more that will turn what we have been told on its head! There is hope, there are answers just do the research- it's all at our fingertips with the internet. I wish you the very best and my thoughts are with you. I have faith that with this knowledge, you could turn all of this around. Lisa
General Feedback
Posted by Ellen (Sherwood Park, Alberta, Canada) on 11/18/2009
You may find some relief if you apply coconut oil to the affected area and then apply 1 drop of oil of oregano. The oregano will help allieviate the pain for a while and both oils are very healing and are antiviral, antibacterial and antiparasitic.
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.
General Feedback
Posted by Renee (Atlanta, Georgia, USA) on 11/17/2009
I'm writing more so because my daughter who is now 25 years old has had HS since she was 12, at which time I authorized surgery to remove sweat glands from under her arm pits. That worked for a few years actually; however, over the past few years, she's had really bad outbreaks in her groin area and it is also regenerated under her armpits. She gets depressed more often lately and I feel so helpless. She has two young children, 4 years and 5 months old, works a full-time job, and is completing her Bachelor's degree on line. She's a wonderful young lady. I try to help in every possible way that I can, by dressing and bathing the children, feeding them, buying her dressings for her sores, planning events to keep her mind occupied and to keep her happy. I feel for all of you because I have seen the debilatating effect of this disease. I have faith in God and I trust him and believe that he will heal her. In the meantime, I'm looking for a way to help her to live through this both physically and psychologically. We're going to try Tumeric and she's trying to get her weight back down after having the baby. Although her children's father seems to really care a lot about her, I think she would do better than him if she didn't have this condition and had more confidence in her appearance. I finally got her to go to counseling one time and she invited me to participate. For a long time, I thought she was dealing really well in accepting and dealing with the condition. I found out in the session that she's been hiding her real feeling. Everything I thought she must be feeling as a young lady, she was feeling. I'm going to keep trying to make her feel comfortable and deal with things one day at a time. I'll keep looking and taking her to every doctor and clinic I can until we find a cure. I won't give up and don't you give up either!
General Feedback
Posted by Bill (San Fernando, Philippines) on 11/16/2009
Hi Dolly...HS sounds very difficult to control. I had tinea cruris (jock itch) for about 7 years, nothing I ever tried -- all the drugs, antibiotics, rubs -- all useless.
Then I read here that Milk of Magnesia (MoM) was a cure for tinea cruris which is fungal and not bacterial like HD. I had tinea in my crotch that went right round to my rectal area.
Using MoM every night after my shower, I would apply MoM externally all over the affected areas, and shower it off the next morning before breakfast. I have also read that MoM dries out and that you should wash it off after 10-20 mins because MoM also has a drying effect on the skin. Up to you really, I just did it my way.
Took 2 days to eradicate my tinea, after 7 whole years !!!
My belief is that because MoM has a pH of about 10, and all bacteria, fungus and microbes will be completely destroyed by this extreme alkalinity which does little harm to the skin. MoM even kills MRSA -- which is bacterial -- according to this site and I well believe it.
So perhaps a topical application of MoM is worth a try for HS. Try MoM on a small patch or area of HS first to see if it works. Worth a try.
Good luck !!
Hidradenitis Suppurativa and Stress
Posted by Lillian (Durham, England) on 11/15/2009
Hello
I have discovered stress causes my HS. I did have them a lot when I worked in a job I hated. I left and they cleared. However until this week my last attack was 10 years ago after the death of my father. I have had a great deal of stress lately and "hey presto" HS has returned. I'm trying to stay calm but being in pain doesn't help.
