If you're experiencing flare-ups or have itchy skin, creams and lotions like CeraVe®, Cetaphil®, Vanicream® and Aveeno® can help because of their anti-inflammatory ingredients.
Topical clindamycin is often the first-line therapy for mild HS, with evidence from multiple trials supporting its efficacy, relative safety, and tolerability. Patients may experience a slight burning sensation when the antibiotic is applied to lesions.
Life with hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) can be challenging because of the painful nodules and abscesses it causes. Dermatologists recommend skin-care tips such as using antibacterial cleansers and avoiding thick creams to help manage flare-ups.
In general, keep skin clean and hydrated, moisturizing with light lotions–stay away from thick creams and ointments that can clog pores and follicles. Avoid scrubbing your skin so you don't irritate it and inflame sensitive areas.
Laser therapy.
A carbon dioxide laser can be used to make hidradenitis suppurativa sores go away. After this treatment, the sores are unlikely to return.
If you're experiencing flare-ups or have itchy skin, creams and lotions like CeraVe®, Cetaphil®, Vanicream® and Aveeno® can help because of their anti-inflammatory ingredients.
Smoking and obesity are both strongly associated with hidradenitis suppurativa, and if you're obese and/or smoke it will make your symptoms worse.
Vicks VapoRub for HS
Vicks VapoRub contains camphor and menthol, which are considered topical analgesics. Vicks can be used to hide the odor that comes from hidradenitis suppurativa flares. Menthol and camphor are also used in over-the-counter anti-itch lotions.
Use a mild and effective antiperspirant or deodorant.
Some products are too harsh for skin with HS. Look for an antiperspirant or deodorant that does NOT contain alcohol, baking soda, parabens, dyes, or fragrance. These ingredients can irritate the skin and cause HS to flare.
Depilatory creams
Hair removal creams like Nair may work for some people, but they're not a good idea if you have HS.
Mudgil says that sticking to deodorants that have “mild preparations without too much fragrance” is important for those with hidradenitis suppurativa. He also notes that “natural” and “aluminum-free” are two good terms to pay attention to on labels. Native's Unscented Deodorant ticks all of those boxe.
Topical Antimicrobials
Benzoyl peroxide (OTC) and chlorhexidine are antibacterial washes that are often used for acne and can help prevent HS breakouts. Clindamycin is a topical antibiotic that can applied to affected areas.
There's no need to use harsh soaps, scrubs, or rubbing alcohol. “Occasionally patients will use harsh chemicals, but most learn pretty quickly that if they're too rough on that skin, it's just going to make things worse,” says Sayed. Remember, too, that cleaning wounds aids healing, but it won't make HS go away.
Evidence is growing that supports adjunct supplementation of zinc, vitamin A, and vitamin D in the treatment of HS. Further, obtaining serum levels of zinc, vitamin A, vitamin D, and vitamin B12 upon initial diagnosis of HS may be beneficial to optimize standard HS treatment.
The FDA approved bimekizumab-bkzx (Bimzelx; UCB) for the treatment of moderate-to-severe hidradenitis suppurativa (HS). The drug is the first and only approved medication that targets both interleukin (IL) 17F and IL-17A.
If you have lumps that are draining, you can cover them with a bandage or other dressing. Put petroleum jelly (such as Vaseline) on the dressing to help keep it from sticking. Wear-loose fitting clothes that don't rub against the area. Avoid activities that cause skin to rub together.
2 Products recommended for eczema, such as Eucerin, Aveeno, or a generic equivalent, also are good for HS. Shave carefully: The friction caused by a razor can irritate skin, as can hair as it grows back in. If possible, don't shave during flare-ups.
What does the HS odor smell like? The odor associated with HS can vary from person to person. The extent of infection or severity of a flareup can also affect it. Often the odor is unpleasant.
Vitamin D plays a role in inflammatory skin conditions and can improve them. Hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) is an autoinflammatory chronic skin disease in which most patients exhibit a hypovitaminosis D.
Maintaining good hygiene is essential for managing HS odor. Regularly cleansing the affected areas with a gentle, fragrance-free soap can help reduce bacteria and odor. Be sure to rinse thoroughly and pat the skin dry, as rubbing can irritate the skin and exacerbate the condition.
Self-Care Guidelines. Make sure to wash any inflamed, draining areas of hidradenitis suppurativa with antibacterial soap, and then apply an antibiotic ointment (Neosporin) and clean bandages. If there is a large amount of drainage, change the gauze pads and dressings often.
Resorcinol cream: This is a peel that can open clogged hair follicles and reduce inflammation. When used to treat hidradenitis suppurativa, it has been shown to decrease pain, swollen areas that contain pus, and the lumps beneath the skin. It takes about 3 to 4 months to see the effects.
The diet is based on eating plenty of fresh fruit, vegetables, whole grains and healthy fat like olive oil and avocados every day. Other foods central to the diet is a variety of fish and other seafood. Poultry, beans and eggs are eaten in moderation.
Persistent and severe hidradenitis suppurativa can cause complications, including: Infection. Secondary infection is possible in the affected area, but the presence of pus is common in hidradenitis suppurativa and doesn't necessarily mean infection. Scars and skin changes.