Hidradenitis Suppurativa Home Remedies

Hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) is a chronic inflammatory skin condition that causes cysts to appear on and under your skin. Though the exact cause of HS is unknown, it is likely a combination of genetic, hormonal, and environmental factors. When flare-ups happen, they can be pesky, persistent and irritable enough to ruin anyone’s day.

“A lot of patients that come in are so embarrassed to even mention this condition that they hide their condition for very long periods of time because they think they’re doing something wrong with their hygiene, but that’s not the case,” explains dermatologist Taylor Bullock, MD.

If left undiagnosed, hidradenitis can spread or worsen and cause infection. It can also cause quality-of-life issues, like making it difficult to exercise or wear comfortable clothing.

“Hidradenitis can become debilitating,” says Dr. Bullock. “It can progress over time and delivers irreversible damage.”

That’s why it’s so important to do whatever you can to seek treatment whenever you have an HS flare-up so you can alleviate your symptoms, reduce your pain, treat your cysts and prevent scarring.

Dr. Bullock walks us through what remedies you can use at-home to alleviate your symptoms — along with some tactics you should absolutely avoid.

Natural remedies for hidradenitis suppurativa

A quick online search will dish out plenty of HS at-home solutions, but some work better than others without causing additional harm. If you’re looking for a quick response to an HS flare-up, these at-home treatments may be useful until you’re able to make an appointment with a healthcare provider or board-certified dermatologist:

Aloe vera can soothe your pain

Aloe vera is often used to soothe itchy or irritated skin (especially sunburns). Since it’s a moisturizer, it can help with pain and inflammation that’s often associated with HS. But keep in mind that it won’t heal your cysts or open wounds. Aloe vera is just a useful salve whenever your hidradenitis is most irritable.

Warm compresses can help drain your cysts

You should never pick at or cut open your cysts because this can lead to infection. Instead, use a warm compress (or let warm water from a shower hit the affected area). These methods can provide some pain relief while also helping your cysts drain in a more hygienic (cleaner) way.

Adjust your diet

“Though more research needs to be done on this subject, diets high in refined sugars, alcohol, dairy, and gluten have been associated with worsening hidradenitis,” notes Dr. Bullock. “I would only recommend changing your diet if you consistently experience HS flares with a certain food.”

Obesity can add its own set of complications, too. People who have obesity have higher levels of insulin-like growth factors (IFG) — hormones that stimulate growth but decrease blood glucose levels. High levels of IFGs can lead to larger cysts in greater volumes, so following a hidradenitis-friendly nutritional plan with foods low in IFG can provide many benefits.

In general, following a well-balanced nutritional plan full of colorful, healthy foods can help set your body up for success whenever it needs to fight off or prevent a flare-up.

Wear loose-fitting clothing

Because hidradenitis cysts tend to pop up in hard-to-reach places like your armpits, groin and buttocks, you want to try and reduce as much friction in these areas as possible. Wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing until your flare-up is treated. Otherwise, you run the risk of irritating your skin further and causing your cysts to burst in these areas. And if that happens, you could end up creating more cysts or causing a worse infection.

At-home remedies to avoid if you have hidradenitis suppurativa

Not every at-home treatment shows promising results. Here are a few things you should never do because they could worsen your condition:

Don’t use tea tree oil

Tea tree oil has been shown to have anti-inflammatory and antifungal properties, but you should avoid using this at-home remedy if you have hidradenitis.

“Oils can clog pores, and you don’t want your pores to get more clogged,” says Dr. Bullock. Clogged pores could lead to a buildup of sebum, which can be painful and cause further infection.

Don’t use rubbing alcohol

Where aloe vera moisturizes, rubbing alcohol does the opposite by drying out your skin. You should not use rubbing alcohol routinely as a form of treatment. Dry skin can lead to worsening problems in the future and cause other cysts to rupture when your skin gets too dry.

Bleach baths aren’t a good idea

If you have eczema, a condition that makes your skin red and itchy all over, a bleach bath can be effective because it kills bacteria associated with skin infections. However, the bacteria associated with hidradenitis is different and so deeply embedded in your skin that a bleach bath actually never reaches the infection. It’s like putting a band-aid on a bullet wound — it’s not as helpful as it appears.

“While you can soothe your symptoms with these at-home remedies, they won’t cure the condition,” stresses Dr. Bullock. “The best thing you can do for hidradenitis suppurativa is see your doctor as soon as possible. They’ll get you on the right course of treatment.”