New to HS.. Tips, relief, advice please

Hi,  I’ve suffered for over 20 years. For the last 6 weeks I’ve not had one boil. I stopped shaving and use a hair removal cream now instead. I also found sweating made them worse so bought a antiperspirant which stops sweating which is working. I use an antibacterial soap too. I too take turmeric but it’s only been a week. I’m also taking 1 tablet a day. An antibiotic especially for spots/boils. This is to be used for 3 months. So far I’ve been on them for 3 weeks, too early to say if they will keep them at bay. I think it’s the soap and antiperspirant that has helped me. I know they say you shouldn’t smoke, but to be honest Hs makes you feel so down, depressed and in pain I haven’t given up smoking. Hope things get better for you.

Hi Abbie,

So sorry to hear your going through this. I know it's really scary especially if your not familiar with it. 

I have had HS for 14 years. I've seen many specialists and Doctors. I've been on probably 10 different combinations of antibiotics, all which never worked. So I've stopped using them because they can be really hard on your body and organs, without seeing any improvement.  Plus they are only active for 6 months before your body becomes used to the medication. 

Unfortunately HS is not brought on by just shaving, it is only irritated by shaving. 

I am in a few support groups on facebook, and from what I have seen and been told by doctors, HS is either hereditary (passed to you by your DNA), triggered by food (nightshades: includes tobacco, dairy, sugar), Stress, and/or hormones. 

For me, my grandfather, dad, and myself all have HS. I am not triggered by any type of food (check out the AIP Elimination diet, they explain how you can figure out if you have food triggers). My HS is hereditary, and triggered by Stress and Hormones. 

Every case of HS is different. Some remedies that help some, don't help others. 

A LOT of people in the support groups rave about ZOTE soap. It is sold in the laundry isle at your local walmart for about a buck. I have been using it on only flare areas, and it has significantly lowered my inflammation of that area and does help your sores heal faster.  Clear unscented antibacterial soap is helpful as well. Basically just keep the areas as clean and dry as possible. 

Also, definitely don't squeeze any of the cysts. Squeezing actually causes stress on the tissue and creates more tunneling. This is something I wish someone told me many years ago. 

Hope this helps. 

Katelyn 

Hi, I was diagnosed in February even though I long suspected it was HS that I had. Even though the doc said it was mild, I too have anxiety and fear over it. Currently im battling a never healing cyst in my bum region and am schedule for surgery soon.

A few years ago I got laser hair removal for under my arms. I would get bumps and rashes galore and my skin had become so dark. Since getting laser removal I have no more bumps. I also stopped using anti perspirant. I can only use natural deodorants now. Yes, you need to reapply often and keep cleansing wipes on hand since natural deodorants don't provide as much protection.

Also, I have been using castor oil and coconut oil on my bum. That is where I am getting my breakouts. I have seen alot of improvement in number of break outs since using the oil. Perhaps it creates a barrier prevent friction, which I think is a big problem for me. Doc also gave me some antibiotics. While I am not cured, I do see an improvement in my skin.

Also, look into diet changes. I think you mentioned that already. I read "The Hidden Plague" it's a good read for anyone who suffers with HS.

Hi abbie,

I was diagnosed with HS about a year ago. My situation was basically similar to yours in how i was diagnosed. Whats worked for me is not wearing deodorant and going the natural route. I found a natural spray thats not irritating but doesnt last very long. I also invested in laser hair removal, which has really helped. Also, whenever i even felt a boil coming on i would put a hot rag on that area for like 15 minutes every night or morning for however long its needed. Doing this softens the boil and made sure it wouldnt get so big and it eventually subsided. Early on in my diagnoses i also did some research and found that this could also be tied to your lymph nodes hence why they come up in the armpits and groin area. I ordered neem tablets from organicindia. its good for skin, digestion and can act as a blood cleanser. Ever since i included it in my routine my flareups have been next to none. I would say its worth looking into plus their website includes powerpoint presentations for their products if you wanted more info. At first i took the neem tablets twice a day for a month but cut it down to a couple times a month because neem can act as natural birth control.

I hope this helps

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