Table of Contents
Hidradenitis Suppurativa Remedies
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DISCLAIMER
Our readers offer information and opinions on Earth Clinic, not as a substitute for professional medical prevention, diagnosis, or treatment. Please consult with your physician, pharmacist, or health care provider before taking any home remedies or supplements or following any treatment suggested by anyone on this site. Only your health care provider, personal physician, or pharmacist can provide you with advice on what is safe and effective for your unique needs or diagnose your particular medical history.
2 YEA
[YEA] 01/17/2007: Anonymous from South Orange, NJ writes: "Hi, As I have been reading the comments on your site regarding boils it seems to me that alot of these people, especially those suffering from boils in the armpit, groin area, or breast area that are recurrent actually may have a condition called hidradentis supperitiva or acne inversa. This is also known as an orphan illness because it is forgotten and alot of people don't really know about it. For many like me it is misdiagnosed and antibiotics may or may not help. At present I am taking antibiotics to help control my acne but it is also helping out my recurrent boils which come up every now and then."
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10/12/2009: Jeanne from Houston, Texas writes: "I am trying to get the word out to people with HS to try a gluten free diet. Some people might also have to give up dairy. I have several threads with information and people that have success with their HS that try the gluten free diet. Please feel free to email me. Here are the links to the information that I have gathered.
http://glutenfreeandbeyond.org/forum/viewtopic.php?t=3729
http://brain.hastypastry.net/forums/showthread.php?t=13543
http://www.skincell.org/community/index.php/topic,24751.0.html
Please help me get this information to the people that need it! thank you"
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1 BETTER BUT NOT CURED
[BETTER BUT NOT CURED] 03/02/2009: Chris from Ballarat, Australia writes: "What a wonderful site! I have suffered with HS for 35 years now. Doctors are useless in treating this condition, its just antibiotics or very scary medication that I refused to take, because it was just too damaging (anything that causes massive birth defects in babies should you fall pregnant within 2 years of just taking 1 tablet can't be good!!)
I have them under my armpits where I've had 4 operations over the years to get the rotten things removed, but they always come back. I also have them in the groin and buttocks. Mine have recently changed form however, they have decided to come out as small boils all over my body now, naturally of course, doctors put me on antibiotics (I think its high time somebody out there in the medical world did some research on this condition, more and more people are developing it, yet nobody knows anything about it or how to cure it).
Anyhow, I thought I'd mention a product that I've used on my pustules for draining them. It may help someone out there, I've found it very effective for drawing the contents of them out once they burst. The name of the dressing is Allevyn. It comes in an adhesive and non adhesive variety. It can be awkward at times to cover a boil, depending on where it is (if its a groin one in the crease, I usually find the non adhesive handy, they can be placed over it and undies hold it in place). The adhesive is good if you get them on flat areas, like thighs or tummies. A GP put me onto this product, they use it to dress ulcers on the legs to drain out the infection.
Experimentation is the key, I sometimes use the non adhesive with some sticking plaster to hold it in place. Anyhow, if you tend to suffer when they break open with that awful smelly gunk that comes out of them, these dressings will drain all that awful muck out, which I find makes me feel alot better. These dressings are designed to be left in place for 2 or 3 days though, so you don't have to replace them daily, unless necessary. But I'm definitely going to try this turmeric remedy, it sounds marvellous.
My prayers to you all fellow HS sufferers. Its a rotten disease, a life destroying disease and its about time somebody did some research on HS. We need to know why we have it and what can cure it. In my 35 years of suffering from it, surgery is still the only option and its anything but permanent!!! That's just plain sad..."
04/15/2009: Sara from Cardiff, UK replies: "Hia saw your post and thought I'd try the dressings you mentioned. I use chlorhexidine wash before I enter the shower/bath which helps keep some of them under control."
10/05/2009: Vanessa Lattin from Corvallis, Or replies: "i did my own food tests for the past 4 years and i notice that i only have outbreaks when i eat any corn, corn starch, corn meal, maltodextrin"
11/19/2009: Legendfalls from Austin, Tx, usa replies: "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."
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HIDRADENITIS SUPPURATIVA AND STRESS
[SIDE EFFECTS] 11/15/2009: Lillian from Durham, England writes: "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."
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1 YEA
[YEA] 05/16/2008: DIANNE from WAIKOLOA, USA writes: "HI, I HAD HIDRADENITIS SUPPURATIVA. I CURED THIS DISEASE BY GOING TO A HOMEOPATHIC DOCTOR AND BEING PRESCRIBED ELAPSE CORRALINEOUS. I HAD BOILS ALL OVER MY BUTTOCK, UNDER MY ARMPITS, CHEST ETC. IN 10 DAYS IT CLEARED UP AND NEVER RETURNED. I HOPE THIS HELPS. "
EC: When we searched for Elapse Corralineous on the web just now we could find no mention of it, so we emailed Dianne for more information. We will post her response as soon as we hear back!
06/05/2008: Rebecca from woodbridge, VA replies: "IN REFERENCE TO Hidradenitis Suppurativa Remedies HAVE YOU FOUND OUT THE RESOURCE FOR (Elapse Corralineous) YET? Thanks so much!"
EC: No, sorry. She never wrote us back!
07/14/2008: Nicole from Concord, NH replies: "Check this link for an explanation of the Elapse remedy. http://www.homeoint.org/books/boericmm/e/elaps.htm Sorry I do not know where you can find it, except that I purchase unusual remedies from my naturopath's clinic. A homeopath's and or naturopath's office should have it or be able to order it for you. Good luck!"
07/17/2008: Karen from Vancouver, Canada replies: "I have to say that I agree with Jessy from Sarasota. The tomatoes or citrus cause me to break out. I have been in recession and I ate a tomatoes every day for a week...and suddenly I had a massive breakout like never before. Beware of the TOMATOES for sure!! Hope this helps."
07/31/2008: Becky from Woodbridge, VA replies: "I originally wrote: 06/05/2008: Rebecca from woodbridge, VA replies: "IN REFERENCE TO Hidradenitis Suppurativa Remedies HAVE YOU FOUND OUT THE RESOURCE FOR (Elapse Corralineous) YET? Thanks so much!"
I am sorry it took awhile to follow up, have you found out any further information as of yet? Thanks so much!"
09/08/2008: Kate from Dayton, Ohio replies: "The reason (I think) that no one could find Elapse Corralineous is because it is spelled incorrectly. I believe it's Elaps Corallinus, which can be bought online at hmedicine.com. A direct link is: http://www.hmedicine.com/homeopathic/dilutions/D-E/Elaps_CorallinusI haven't tried this yet (I'm still just new to the turmeric and the ACV/Epsom salt treatments) but I'm going to order some of this stuff off hmedicine and see how it works. I think 200cc a day is what it should take, but you might want to ask a homeopathic doctor to make sure.
Hope this helps!"
EC: At long last! Thank you so much!
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1 WORKED TEMPORARILY
[WORKED TEMPORARILY] 02/06/2009: Reena from East Hanover, NJ writes: "antibiotics and cortisone shots to the infected area only help somewhat - no cure exists (had it 46 years) I've been cut and had drains on and off for 46 years - I have found that washing with TRIAZ (a prescription liquid soap) works in fighting the bacteria that flourishes in the groin and armpit areas - the only natural remedy that helps me is the ocean and sun - thanks for all the info in this website."
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1 NAY
1 QUESTION
[QUESTION] 02/19/2009: Ana from Las Vegas, NV writes: "Mercurius Vivus as a HS remedy:
I was diagnosed with HS about 5 years ago. I've tried just about everything you could imagine to keep it "in check" since there is supposedly no cure. I've had them lanced, surgically removed, month after month of antibiotics, special soaps and salt baths, etc...I recently found a homeopathic site that mentioned the use of Mercurius Vivus as a remedy. Has anyone heard of this? I've gone to several sites looking for infomation on this but they all seem to say the exact same thing. Nothing about side effects (since we all know mercury can be toxic). I know most homeopathic treatments use such small amounts of these compounds that there is very little chance of adverse reactions but...
It sounds like it could work. I bought the pills from the Seacoast Vitamin site; they are very inexpensive, but I would still like to know the pros or cons of taking them before I start the interesting regimen. (dissolve 5 pills under your tongue 3 times a day until condition resolves) I thought that was different. :) Thanks in advance for any help. Everyone hang in there; we are definitely not alone in this."
EC: Interesting article about Mercurius Vivus here: http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_g2603/is_0005/ai_2603000520
[NAY] 04/09/2009: Ana from Las Vegas, NV replies: "Well I tried the Mercurius Vivus that I spoke of earlier. I took the pills as instructed on the bottle; 5 tablets 3 times a day, so the bottle only lasts about 7 days. I didn't purchase more because there was no real effect on the HS. Also I had a dull aching headache that interestingly went away when I stopped taking the pills. So in short; it didn't work for me. I am now trying the Turmeric. Hopefully I will get some relief. Next step is surgery so I'm praying something will help soon."
09/23/2009: Mp from Phoenix, Az replies: "I am a Naturopathic Doctor and a Homeopath. Homeopathy is prescribed according to unique symptoms and is very specific and individualized. You cannot take a remedy prescribed to another person and expect it to work the same way. There are hundreds of remedies and several people with the same diagnosis could express their disease differently and each be given a different remedy that works. Therefore, I recommend going to a homeopath if you are interested in trying homeopathy and let them do the prescribing."
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6 YEA
2 NAY
2 BETTER BUT NOT CURED
03/17/2009: Danielle from Santa Maria, CA writes: "I have been suffering with H.S. for 9 years. I have tried accutane, prednisone, all acne medications. I have tried enbryl wich is primarily used for rhuematoid arthritis. I have had 2 surgeries in ucla under my arms and it worked excellent.I yet to have surgery on my groin. Some natural remedies I can suggest are: 6 drops of tea tree oil in hot bath water. Also for women I suggest you use a birth control that does not let you menstruate. I only use lever 2000 and it helps with the smell.One thing I haven't heard addressed was how to hide the drainage from going through your clothes, this may sound weird but i put bounty folded in four in my underwear front and back. If anyone has other suggestions let me know."
[BETTER BUT NOT CURED] 07/13/2009: Jen from Dover, DE replies: "I read every post on this link and tried what seemed to be most common for my mild case of HS (compared to some of you--how in the world do you do it?). I am taking a tumeric supplement becuase I couldn't find tea, using the yellow bar soap, switched to the spray on crystal deodorant and use acne spot treatment for breakouts as soon as they start. I had a spot that was about the size of a half dollar, swollen out about an inch and within 1 day of trying the combo listed above, it had reduced by half. I had no faith that this stuff would work, but I've noticed that what is appearing are minor spots that I can get rid of in a couple of days. I don't know what is the driving force behind them but I will continue to use/take all of the remedies above if they continue working for me. I just thought I'd share and tell you all thanks for the info--it has really helped me. All of you who are suffering so terribly, I'm so sorry that you can't find relief. One last thing, I was only diagnosed in December after my first break out and immediately, I was referred for surgery. I didn't find this site until after I had both underarms excised. I wish I had found it befor--the areas covered by the surgery do not breakout anymore, but all the areas around the surgical area are now breaking out. Anyway, the remedies above are helping me. I hope they help others too..."
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[BETTER BUT NOT CURED] 02/23/2009: Deb from Alexandria, MN USA writes: "For years I have gone to doctors to cure what they finaliy have determined as HS about 6 or so years ago. I have been poked, cut, drained, soaked, rubbed, pinched, lanced, stiched, stapled, druged and talked to by some of the best doctors and plastic surgeons in MN!! NOTHING has given me lasting relief from this awful hell with a name that sounds almost as painful as it feels. I have had surgery on both armpits, both breasts, bottom of my stomach, between both butt cheeks and both sides of my groin..twice in the groin. I have had boils lanced from behind my ears, my tailbone and the outside and inside ridge of the opening of my vagina.With the sugery to my groin being the most painful I have ever lived through,and I refuse to do it again. I have been on so many medications that I know I will never need to "clense my colon" thanks to the strong doses of Augmentin, yep, clean as a whistle!
My sores as I call them get sometimes as big as a golf ball then drain leaving behind an open wound the diamiter of a dime or a quarter and never heel. For any one I do recommend the scooping of the sweat glans surgery under armpits, mine was done about 9 years ago and it has been the best, not one lump or bump has come back and no hair grows and I need no deoderant, yes I have scars but what a small price to pay to be pain and sore free in that area. but in the other areas it just does not work. I have finally turned to the internet and reading natural cures that have worked for others.
I have not tried the turmeric but am going to the store in the morning. I have purchased the HIDRATAB and have been taking Iceland Fishoil 1000 mg a day. it seems to bring some relief also nystatin cream (presciption) with neosporin seems to numb the pain and make the openings less oozee, the tea tree oil really stings on open wounds! also I have found that going into the tanning bed seems to dry things up quicker and also helps my mood in the winter. Stress is a BIG trigger. I do not always like the side affects (feeling tired) but when the pain is so bad during a flair up I do take hydrocodone from the doctor to take the edge off for a day. I too do not have health insurance so yes going to the doctor for expensive antibiotics that do not work is not a good option. I am also going to try the ACV/Sea salt thing. I do want to thank everyone for their input information on this painful, embarassing, sex life killer illness. It is good to know I am not alone."
[NAY] 03/28/2009: Wendy from Gorham, Maine, USA replies: "I am 33 years old and have suffered from Hidradenitis since i was about 9 years old, in the beginning it was a boil here and a boil there, not fun but i could deal with it. For about the last 6 years it has been relentless and now i have "permenant" lesions in my armpits with sinus tracts that run to my abdomin, groin (pubic area and vulva) running into the buttuck/anal area. I went through about 2 years of it being pretty much disabling and the last 2 years have been tolerable and now i am headed back into an extreme flare up. I can barely move my arms or sit down it is so painful. I have to shower twice a day using antibacterial body wash (any brand) or hibclens or phisoderm soap, the only thing any of these do is maybe help with the odor produces by the oozing fluid. i have taken several antibiotics over the years i have been on clarithromycin for 2 years straight with no effect what so ever now the dermatologists has me trying minocycline, i have taken so many i cant remember all of them. One medication that seems to help control HS for me is Spiranolactone, it seems to help prevent huge boils from forming. My dermatologist is supposed to try Photodynamic light therapy on me next month, maybe!! I can say that HS is a very debilitating condition that wreaks havoc with your emotions. Some days i have all i can do to get up and go to work, most days i would rather just stay in bed. i constantly worry about the pain the oozing the smell of it (which can be horrible) and no one you talk to about it can understand exactly what you are experiencing, i have just stopped talking about it i just keep it to myself...but the one thing i can say that i hate the most about HS is it is definetely a SEX LIFE KILLER,,,, i only had a couple years of having sex before my body was ravaged by HS and it has never been the same since.... i constantly search the internet to find any other treatments to try...."
03/28/2009: Joyce from Joelton, Tn replies: "For Wendy, Deb and others with HS:
Hello to all with this problem:
Thank God I have never had this problem, but recalling the dermatologist's rule of thumb (if it's dry, wet it and if it's wet, dry it), and remembering that magnesium in the form of epsom salts is very drying, as well as very healing (hot compress use) and that we are said to be very deficient in magnesium these days, I would be keeping a few 2 lb boxes of epsom salts (available around here in Dollar Tree Stores for $l.00) on hand. I would be putting about half of one box in a tub of very warm (but not hot enough to harm oneself) and soaking myself in it until water felt cool every night. If you find every night is too drying then do those baths every other night. You can also use a good olive oil or coconut oil after the baths is desired. Magnesium is also absorbed through the skin, which is said to be a better method for reaching normal levels faster than by oral administration because it is hard to get enough orally without the unwanted laxative action that just flushes the magnesium right out of the body. If you look up the benefits of magnesium you will find that it has several functions in the body (along with calming the nervous system down, which should also calm the stress this HS causes) and probably other functions we don't know about just yet.
I think Deb said that she was going to try the turmeric already, which IMHO is wise. Another thing that I would probably try along with both the epsom salts (magnesium sulfate) baths and turmeric orally is MSM (methylsulfonylmethane) which is great for joint pain and may also work for other pains and is often used to keep down inflammation, which seems to be a big problem in HS. You aren't likely to be harmed by either of these, which is why I would be trying them, if I had the problem. I often luxuriate in a very warm epsom salts bath when feeling tired or achy, just for comfort. I always leave those baths feeling very relaxed and better than before the bath. Hope this works to cure the problem for you. Keep us posted on the outcome!"
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[NAY] 02/18/2009: Sarah from Brisbane, Qld Australia writes: "Hi, my name is Sarah and I've been an HS sufferer since I was about 20.
At about 15 I started getting acne, of course, there was a lot of it about then in high school so I didn't really notice that my skin was different to other girls. I asked doctors for medications, wasn't given anything. They told me to use Sapoderm soap which is a triclosan based medication sold in Australia - I am wondering if it is similar to the Dial soap talked about here.
I kind of just got used to living with acne.
When I was about 23 I waxed my legs one hot day - what a mistake! My legs broke out in pustules everywhere a hair had come out. It took months to heal, and when it did, I would still get isolated eruptions on my legs every now and then. I know you're not supposed to get acne inversa on your legs, but I have the scars to prove it. I also have a deep sinus hole on my upper arm, just above my elbow.
I've had lesions on my FACE that I am sure are the same as the acne inversa (apart from their location). On my neck, on my HEAD. On my butt. On my back. I have a huge scar and sinus drains on one side of my FACE. It IS the same thing, just in a different place.
This is not like normal acne as you all know. This is acne gone crazy. My friends would get a zit, pop it, and it would vanish, over a few days. My acne and my acne inversa, both don't do that, they LINGER.
About a year after the leg disaster, I got one on my bikini line (also where I had removed hair). It took ages and ages to heal - more than a year. This has become the pattern for me with lesions appearing as small bumps like cysts under the skin. They itch but if I so much as touch them, let alone try and squeeze or remove them, I get a huge painful boil. The boil then lasts for years, draining and healing, tunneling and spreading.
I think I caused the tunnelling to start and spread myself from picking and squeezing - if anyone knows how gross these things are and the pain relief you get from bursting them, you'd understand. The trauma to the skin is unimaginable. The build up of scar tissue is ongoing.
When I had my first daughter, the doctor stopped in the middle of everything to point out a 'healed' sore. He thought it was amazing that the sore had healed and scarred over the top of the infection leaving a purple bubbly thing. I told him, these things heal across the top FAST, too fast to allow the stuff to drain.
That's the only thing fast about the healing though I know when I see one that I've got it for YEARS.
By the way, that 'completely healed' lesion the doctor saw, erupted again after a good six years and is spreading.
I've at various times in the past tried hormone tablets (various forms of the pill like Diane 35) with NO success.
I've also tried antibiotics but they don't seem to help either.
I think the doctors know there is nothing that will cure it, and don't want to give me the news that I am just going to get covered in lesions and abscesses gradually until I'm incapacitated. Jeez, it's a bit like a stephen king novel or something. Maybe I got cursed by a gypsy.
At age 32 I discovered glycolic acid and my face has been a lot better, though not acne free, since my realisation that I was packing on too many dead skin cells. Now I peel at least once a week and the difference is noticeable. I buy 50% concentrations off of eBay - $20 for six months of treatments versus $750 a pop from a dermatologist. You can easily chemical peel yourself, I've used Jessner's Peel too. Ignore the scary pics, you don't get that much burn from the medium peels, I think that's just the beauticians trying to corner the market. I have not tried a TCA burn yet, which is considerably more dramatic with oozing and weeping, but I might. The Jessners smoothed out a lot of imperfections but didn't help on pits and sinus drains.
Currently I am just trying to control the disease as much as I can. I am using Sapoderm religiously, doing as I recall the doctor told me all those years ago - which was to work up a really thick lather, then leave it for a few minutes before rinsing. He also recommended I Sapoderm my hair, but I bleach so soap is really not great for my hair. I try and make sure I wash it really really well though. Bleaching my hair helps the one on my head, nearly disappeared it last time!
Washing compulsively doesn't stop these things from appearing, but it does control the spread of any secondary infection.
I've also starting applying tea tree oil to my wounds after reading here. I never got much relief from tea tree oil in the past but this time it does seem to be helping. Maybe because I am also scrubbing, exfoliating, and taking vitamin supplements (zinc, fish oil, and turmeric). There is no healing, but no new lesions since I started this regimen.
My diet has varied a lot over the whole disease. I was a vegetarian for the first ten years of it, then switched to meat eating when I married. As a teenager my diet was Pritikin as my parents were on it, which is pretty strict. Now my diet has much more processed foods. I got the lesions before the diet change and it didn't get worse after - the whole diseases just progresses relentlessly anyway. So I don't really think diet is much of a cause.
One of my friends has put me onto a solution with borax, zinc and salicylic acid in it, Schweitzer Formula, which I am trying to make up and use, but they have stopped selling borax in Australia so it's hard to find.
I have big hopes that the formula with it's oxygenising action (like peroxide) and salicylic acid (that I've already found is excellent) will work some miracles on my horrible skin.
Sometimes I forget but most of the time I really feel like a leper. People treat you so bad when you have bad skin, and my love life is totally in the toilet. It limits me in ways you can't even imagine. It's just hard when you get a hug off a stranger and they linger staring at your face just a little bit too long, or you'd like to make a move on a guy but you can't because well, just because. :(
My scars aren't as bad as many of the photos I've found so I won't get too sad yet, I'd guess I'm at stage 1 - 2. I really worry about the disease progressing. I've had lesions under my arms in the past but they are gone now, since I stopped removing hair and using aluminium-free deodorants. The thought of eventually having skin grafts in my old age is terrifying to me. I think the graft scars look worse than the lesions.
At this stage of the disease it is more the physical look of it that is disabling for me personally, although there is MUCH pain I have a fairly high tolerance. Some days I just don't want to leave the house and if I do I'm looking at everyone I see to admire their 'normal' skin. It amazes me that other people can be so smooth and scar free, when it seems every time I touch my skin I erupt. Some of these people eat way worse than me, drink, smoke, and take drugs and they STILL have gorgeous skin. It's so unfair. I don't have a skin, I have a lumpy, oozing membrane with holes all over it.
I'll report back with results of the vitamin and tea tree oil routine and the Schweitzer Formula if and when I can get hold of some. In the meantime if any of you Americans who can buy the formula at health stores or online want to try it and let me know how it works, that would be truly excellent. :)
In the meantime remember to send your private hurty parts lots of loving thoughts, I've heard it helps. :)"
04/30/2009: S from Alpharetta, GA replies: "I have been struggling with HS for quite a few years, but recently I had BOTOX injectections in my armpits that has provided me releief eversince. My doctor told me that the effect will last for around a year and then i might need another round. Initial results are very good. Good luck."
08/09/2009: Christy from Sydney, Nsw replies: "To Sarah from Brisbane (and any other Aussie sufferers). Regarding your question about soap like Dial, I have been using Gamophen Medicated Soap, which I believe does contain triclosan. I get it at Woolworths, but it's widely available at most chemists too.
I don't seem to suffer as badly as most on this site from HS, but I did have two surgeries last year, which seem to have cleared it up - thank goodness! One other remedy I read on this site was to give up caffeine, which I have done and I'm wondering if that is why my HS has never returned.... Christy"
09/18/2009: Norma from Sanford, Fl replies: "To Sara from Brisbane, Australia: Hi! I am 51 years old and I too was an acne sufferer for years until approx. 3 or 4 years ago. I found something that really helped me a lot with my acne. I had tried everything but acutane. I wish I had found this when I was a teenager coping with this problem. I know what it is to feel so conscious of your face. Anyway I cannot tell you the name of the website because I know they will not print it. But ask EC for my e mail address and I'll be glad to share it with you and every acne victim. I don't want to write my e mail because I don't want to get all the junk mail. Hope to be of help."
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[YEA] 01/16/2009: Sylvie from Ottawa, Canada writes: "I came to your site for info. again this autumn for alternative treatments for HS. For 32 yrs I tried every thing with NO long term success.At that point I was considering a 5th operation, for a year or two of relief. But now I can be hopeful!! For 0ne month now I 've been taking: TURMERIC (in # 2caplets /4 to 6 a day/ also in foods I eat ) TEA TREE OIL ( apply twice a day ) and DIAL soap BAR Gold (wash 2x a day). The improvement is amazing!
Thanks to sufferers coming on line and sharing with others, I can start to feel hopeful again...
Other things that help me but are not a "cure " Epson salts to soak, drinking lots of water, staying away from processed foods, chocolate, cafeine,alcool...But for me, stress/ sweating and tight clothes are the 3 main triggers.
Hope I can help someone ...
PS If anyone can tell me where in CANADA I can buy Dial Gold BARS I would appreciate this info./ had to order from US."
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[YEA] 07/08/2008: Jessy from sarasota, usa writes: "Hidradenitis Suppurativa Remedies: Please beware of any suggestion to try ACCUTANE, if it is still being scripted. The side effects can be immediate & devastating. Please notice if summer's heat aggravates your HS. There's already an internal body heat issue, coupled with the external heat of the season. There are several Chinese herbal formulas that may be helpful, but they must be given professionally, because each person's constitution is different. PLEASE CONSULT A TRADITIONAL CHINESE MEDICAL PRACTITIONER WHENEVER YOU CAN, as there are a variety of herbal washes, tablets, & foods, that may be effective. I am trying a remedy called Coptis Detox that seems to have been of great relief in reducing the internal heat that adds to the pain of breakouts. Will report more as results develop.
Also, for the Lady & the colonics - YES/YES/YES, they are helpful too, but not without a change in intake of foods that could be aggravating the condition. Notice your intake & break-out routine, so that you can capture what triggers an outbreak. For me, for example, BEER-CITRUS-TOMATOES, much as I love all those things are guarenteed break-out starters, AS WELL AS STRESS & WT. GAIN. In fact if there's any goodness to this, it is that breakouts tell me that a weight gain of at least 10 lbs has happened...Jessy"
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[YEA] 05/29/2008: Jessy from St. Pete, Fla writes: "For more than 1/2 my life...Re: Post-surgery of the right armpit and beyond. In 2000 I had a cyst removed from my right pit. It was benign, the size of a grapefruit, & was an outpt procedure, Was sent home with drains & Oxy-contin. Detoxed self off that, & came through well with the drains meaning little scarring. 6 mos. later I was to return for the same procedure on the left arm, but refused as the right was beginning to swell again. Hence, SURGERY DOESN'T WORK FOR A SYSTEMIC CONDITION. What does?? Every thing mentioned in this blessed site so far! Especially the ACV-Epsom Salt, & Kosher/Sea Salt. Messy as hell, but very healing. Paper tape as well when draining, as it took me years to find a solution to ripped-off skin. Also, Curry powder which contains Turmeric, at night, but it can stain so be careful. Then, Campho-Phenique after bathing can catch new erupts early and stop them, especially in the groin area. Hot compresses of Golden Seal/Burdock/Slippery Elm herbal tea are also effective, but on thin skin they are indeed painful - had to take several shots of liquor before applying - BUT, 30 YEARS LATER THERE'S BEEN NO RECURRANCE TO THE AREA AT THE TIP OF MY COCCYX BONE. Good luck all, will write back soon...Jessy"
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[YEA] 05/11/2008: JERIKA from CHARLOTTE, NC writes: "RE: HIDRADENITIS SUPPURATIVA. I'VE HAD THE DISORDER SINCE I WAS 22 AND I'M 30 NOW. I WAS JUST OFFICIALLY DIAGNOSED LAST YEAR. LONG STORY SHORT I'VE HAD AN AREA THE SIZE OF A MINI GOLF BALL NEAR MY LABIA, YOU CAN IMAGINE THE PAIN, THEY HAVE BEEN LANCED AND DRAINED ONLY TO RETURN. IT'S GOTTON WORSE OVER THE YEARS, IT STARTED OUT AS ONE LARGE AREA ON THE LEFT LABIA AND NOW I HAVE AREAS THAT AFFECT BOTH SIDES OF MY ENTIRE GROIN. LATELY I'VE BEEN CLEASING THE AREA WITH DIAL ANTIBACTERIAL SOAP, OLD FASHIONED YELLOW BAR. 2 TIMES/DAY, FOLLWED BY A FEW DROPS OF TEA TREE OIL, I ALSO TAKE 2 300MG TUMERIC TABLETS DAILY. WHEN I FEEL A FLARE-UP COMING I TAKE ONE ALLEVE WHICH PREVENTS A FULL BLOWN FLARE UP. I SUGGEST TRYING A VARIETY OF TREATMENTS AND WOULD ADVISE STAYING AWAY FROM ANTIBIOTICS, THEY DON'T WORK.THERE ARE SITES WHICH I'M NOT ALLOWED TO NAME THAT GUARANTEE A CURE THAT ARE ALL NATURAL, I WOULD SUGGEST CHOOSING THE ONE THAT GIVES YOU THE INGREDIENTS OF THEIR PRODUCT ONLY. DON'T LET THIS DISORDER DISCOURAGE YOU. IT CAN BE MAINTAINED. I CAN'T STRESS THIS ENOUGH SURGERY AND ANTIBIOTIC THERAPY DON'T WORK, USE NATURAL HERBAL REMEDIES FOR THIS DISORDER. I'VE HAD SURGERY ONLY FOR THE BOIL TO RETURN IN THE EXACT SAME SPOT. I'M A RN AND I SEE SO MANY OF MY PATIENTS THINK THAT SURGERY AND ANTIBIOTICS ARE THE ONLY ANSWER. PLEASE CONTINUE TO RESEARCH AND FIND NATURAL CURES AND LIFESTYLE CHANGES THAT CAN MANAGE THIS ANNOYING SKIN DISORDER. "
05/13/2008: Joyce from Joelton, Tn replies: "re: Hidradenitis Suppurativa: Hello Jerika, Eight years is a long time to put up with that stuff. Maybe its time to try a saturated solution of ACV/epsom salts. I use this anytime I want both an antibiotic & drying effect. You are not likely to have any adverse side effects beyond a little stinging or burning sensation when you dunk a washcloth in it and squeezing it just enough to keep it from dripping while you apply it as a cold compress. Do this about 4times a day for awhile and let us know how it comes out? You make a saturated solution by (I wouldn't mix more than l cup of vinegar at a time)start with l tsp epsom salts and keep adding by l/2 - l tsp at a time until no more will dissolve in the ACV."
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[YEA] 04/14/2007: Darlene from Berea, KY,usa writes: "I suffered from Hidradenitis Suppurativa about 3 years ago, in fact one sore under my arm got to the size of a baseball and my physician did an in office procedure to open it up, and if that did not work I would have had to go to a surgeon for the final draining, fortunately that worked. I swore I would not have that happen again, so I did some research. The problem seems to be linked with a skin surface yeast infection, occurring in the areas that tend to stay moist ( underarms , under the breasts, and around the groin area) so I have taken steps to treat it like a yeast infection with perfect success.
1. Stop using roll on, or stick antiperspirant. the repeated contact while infected only serves to reinfect you when you get clear, plus antiperspirant tends to clog the pores trapping the infection inside. So using a pump spray deodorant such as FDS is much more effective during the treatment.
2. Do not use antibacterial soap it actually kills the naturally occurring good bacteria that helps keep yeast infections in check.
3.Twice daily massage natural live bacteria yogurt on these areas like you would a lotion. (note: use unsweetened,unflavored natural yogurt for this, otherwise it is a sticky mess.)(you can also use an over the counter yeast infection vaginal cream for this if you prefer.)
4. Shower Daily taking care to thoroughly wash, and dry prone areas.
5. start a regimen of turmeric to help cleanse from the inside out.
Do this for 10 days and you can virtually say goodbye to Hidradenitis Suppurativa. I did all this myself and have been clear for 2 years, I have also recommended this to others with the same problem and they have also had excellent results. Even after they have repeatedly had doctors draining their sores and putting them on massive antibiotics for years.They are finally clearing up the problem."
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[YEA] 03/16/2007: John from Corpus Christi , Texas, USA writes: "Hiradenitis Suppurativa 1) Stop using any form of Spray on or Roll on Deoderant. Clean with soap and water in Shower (Not Bath). Use a Stick -Type of Deoderant ( and Make Sure No One Else Uses It). Make Sure that you Dry Off very good Before you apply anything and use a Different Towel after Each Shower. If Redness Persists after you have done this, Use Hydrogen Peroxide on the Affected Areas after Shower. Then use Corn Starch on them to keep them Dry. If the condition does not fade or disappear within one week, Go Directly to your Doctor. "
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1 BETTER BUT NOT CURED
[BETTER BUT NOT CURED] 10/12/2009: Wellsprings from Tarboro, Nc, Usa writes: "Hidradenitis Suppurativa
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."
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OREGANO AND COCONUT OILS, ADRENAL SUPPORT
[YEA] 11/13/2009: Goodforyou from Sweetwater, Tn, USA writes: "I am a self diagnosed case of Hidradenitis. My MD took a culture and it came back Strep, but she never used the medical term Hidradenitis; I'm sure she is unfamiliar with it. To the woman (or anyone ) who soaks in bleach water, please don't do that: Bleach suppresses the endocrine system; not safe at all especially when sick!
My MD prescribed a short round of Penicillin which helped me, but not for long. I then switched to coconut oil (medium chain fatty acids in coconut oil kill many viruses and bacteria). I also used oregano oil, (super Strength P-73). If it doesn't say P-73 on the bottle, it may not be the right oil. I also took adaptogens (Rhodiola, schizandra, etc.) to support my adrenal glands.
OREGANO: I filled two 00 gelatin capsules twice a day for 2 days with food, then backed down to one 2x a day. I also rubbed it on the skin as much as I could tolerate throughout the day.
COCONUT OIL: I took 4-6 coconut oil gelcaps 2x a day and also rubbed it on the skin constantly. Be aware that oregano oil can cause a temporary burning sensation. After all this; there is no evidence that I ever had a boil. Praying helped too, I'm sure.
What a horrible, HORRIBLE PAIN!!!"
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1 YEA
[YEA] 12/26/2008: Kiki from Baltimore, MD writes: "After a lot of ineffective medical intervention and trying things that didn't work (Dial soap, Epsom salt soaks, losing weight, etc.), an herbalist finally gave me a simple remedy that has proven incredibly effective for my HS. I have had the condition in mild form for 17 years, but with my first pregnancy, progressed into a more severe stage that left me with debilitating pain, multiple legions that wouldn't stop draining, and nothing that seemed to make a difference. I lost about 60 pounds after the birth of my daughter and started eating healthy, which also didn't help. Once I stopped breastfeeding (you cannot take these herbs while pregnant or breastfeeding), I take one cup of Pau D'Arco and one cup of Red Clover tea daily. Use about 6 oz. of water for each and steep for at least 10 minutes. I saw definite results in about 2 weeks. Daily soaks in dead sea salt baths and Neosporin 3X daily on legions helps them to heal with less scarring, and the teas keep the legions from coming back. Cutting out sugar and white foods cleared it up completely. This has absolutely stymied the condition when nothing else worked and everyone swore nothing would. Give it a try! You can find both teas at your local herbalist or Whole Foods."
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2 QUESTIONS
[QUESTION] 11/17/2009: Dmp from Wynantskill , New York writes: "I have been suffering from Hidradenitis Suppurativa for the past 20 years or so and was only recently diagnosed two years ago. Since August I have been on Bactrim three different times. It helps while I am taking it but after about a week of stopping my lovely groin cyst returns as does the pain. The only thing that seems to dull the pain is applying heat directly to the area...not easy to do escpecially at work. I decided to try using a disposable heat wrap. I attach it to my underware, tape a gauze pad on top and it does seem to dull the pain. It also seems to
decrease the swelling of cyst.
I am wondering if anyone knows of a connection between HS and other auto immune diseases? I have Psoriasis and was diagnosed with Psoriatic Arthritis this past summer.
I am so glad I found this site."
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[QUESTION] 11/11/2009: Lola from Selangor, Malaysia writes: "hi im 23 and i have hs. After reading and seeing what other people have gone through and looking at some of the state that their HS have developed into, im really really upset and sad and i just need to know from everyone who is suffering from HS does HS get worse and worse as i age? please someone help answer this. Its really stressing me out. Im heartbroken. PS i really dont know where to post my questions. im so sorry, im new."
11/12/2009: Dolly from Cairo, Egypt replies: "Hi Lola, I read your post and really feel for you as I have HS myself and it is a heartbreaking, depressing and stressful condition. Everywhere I read says its a progressive illness meaning to most people it starts with the 1st stage and by time gets worse, the good thing is by taking your remedies (found on earthclinic)and keeping a clean diet it could be controlled. I read in many HS forums that there are people who have been boil free for 2 years since they kept taking their remedies religiously.
I got this for the first time in 2008 under my arm and been very depressed since, I was in constant terrible pain it was the size of a golf ball until I lanced it, I am taking Turmeric 2 to 3 times daily, cayenne every other day, burdock root powder in times I feel pain and tingling under my arm (I add to the turmeric powder)and I take metformin 500g and Zinc 50g one pill each daily.
It is very important to stay away from sugar its really bad for HS, caffeine and stress, focus on vegy's and fruits, also avoid fats it is bad, for some people there are other foods that trigger their HS you will have to be aware of what you eat to know what to avoid.
I hope this helps, always pray for healing.
Good Luck, Dolly"
11/16/2009: Bill from San Fernando, Philippines replies: "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 !!"
11/18/2009: Dolly from Cairo, Egypt replies: "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."
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05/15/2009: Terry from Spring Valley, New York writes: "My daughter has Downs Syndrome and has been suffering from Hydradenitis Suppurativa since she was 9 years old. She is now 25 years old and in fact she is home today with breakouts under both arms. It seems to flair-up just a few days before her menstual starts. Apparently for her it may be a hormonal deficiency. We have been to numerous physicians but not one has offered any kind of support for this condition. She has been on the Omega 3 after every meal but it does not seem to help. I find that soaks in Epson salt and warm water hastens it to a head. At night I apply Ichthammol ointment 20% to the area (which really damages your clothes - stain will never come out), however it does bring it to a head. Since my daughter has hyperthyroidism and is on Synthroid daily, I am afraid to try different remedies that may compromise the effects of the Synthroid. So if anyone out there who may be in the situation my daughter is in, I am so very excited to hear from you."
05/16/2009: Tina from Nova Scotia replies: "i take Synthroid as well i am hypo and what helps my HS is tumeric i take a tsp of tumeric and mix it with a tsp of peanut butter or another nut butter to make a paste and swallow it down that way. depending on the flare up i may do this morning and evening. most times it is just once a day. this does not contradict my Synthroid at all and really helps my HS.
good luck, tina"
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05/15/2009: Terry from Spring Valley, NY writes: "This condition is world-wide and not enough studies are being done for those who are suffering. I receive calls and correspondence for every other condition/disease that's affecting people for monetary contributions but not for those who are suffering from Hydradenitis Suppurativa/Boils. There has to be a reason or cure for this condition but we are not being told - nothing seems to be concrete. Thanks for this web-site.
There is a new President in Washington and he seems to care very much about people's health. Write your Congressman, Senators and even the President if needed - we truly need their help at this point. This suffering has to end."
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05/06/2009: 32 female from Lakeland, GA writes: "Im 32 and has suffered with HS for about 17 yrs, I have tried everything from antibiotics to steroid treatments. Oh did I mention Nothing worked I am more saddend by the psycological affect that it has. I have been with the same guy for 15 years he is now my husband and Im still ashamed to show him my outbreaks. I try all that I can do to not let him see my armpits, and times that he wants to be intimate I have to turn him down because I have an outbreak in my private area. Very stressful but I have been dealing with a very long time, I just want some relief because no one I know can understand my pain."
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04/23/2009: Matt from Memphis, TN writes: "Thank God for this site! I have been an HS sufferer for over twenty years. The third dermatoligist I have seen over the years accurately diagnosed my condition six years ago. As a teenager I was told I had cystic acne, and that I would grow out of it. I was prescribed creams that only made my skin red and irritated, and antibiotics that didn't seem to do anything. As the HS progressed I developed a baseball sized absess at the base of my spine. I had it drained several times, but it always came back. I was then put on Acutane, which was a horrible experience, getting shots directly into affected areas. I was now in my twenties and had the lumps, for lack of a better term, covering my shoulders, my back, behind my ears, in my earlobes, on my neck, on my face at the temples, between my eyes, on my cheeks, on my buttocks, in my pubic area, on my inner thighs, and in my armpits. I then changed derms, still not properly diagnosed. The next derm deemed the lump at the base of my spine to be a polynidal cyst, caused by an ingrown hair. At least he did the right thing by surgically removing it. The next derm I saw finally got it right. He diagnosed me with HS, then basically said there was nothing he could do that hadn't already been done. That meant more antibiotics, more skin irritating soaps and creams, and more cut-and-drain. When I found out that I had been misdiagnosed for almost fifteen years by two reputible derms and that now surgery may not be an option because of the progressed nature of severely affected areas, I was angry. I stopped taking the antibiotics and only go to the doctor if the lumps are too painfull to open up myself. I had almost given up and resigned myself to the fact that HS was just my cross to bear. Then I found Earth Clinic. Now I have hope again.
HS is more prevalent in women than men, but as a man, I can tell you that it does not discriminate based on gender. Being a man, and a quite hairy one, I have many affected areas. It seems like almost everywhere I have a hair follicle, I have problems. The only areas of my body that remain unaffected are my scalp, arms and lower legs. I even have started to develop tiny puss pockets on my eyelids, which my derm said would happen eventually. I hate this disease. At times I can relate to the story of Job, and wonder, "Is this some kind of test? How long do I have to suffer to prove myself?" I pray for God to heal me, Jesus to be with me in my suffering, and Mother Mary to pray for me.
I litterally came to tears after reading a few articles posted by other sufferers of HS on this site. This disease makes you feel so isolated and hopeless. No one understands what your going through. The lumps under my arms have been so bad that I could not put my arms down by my sides. A couple of co-workers thought it was funny and made jokes about me looking like a puppet dangling from strings. I didn't go to work for the next three days. As a teenager, I could not wear light colored clothing or take my shirt off at the pool because of the embarrasing draining sores on my back. I even had a flare up on my face the same week I had to get my driver's license renewed. Great picture, not. We all have suffered the physical and emotional aspects of HS. It is good to know that I am not alone.
I plan to try the turmeric, green tea tree oil, ACV, and epsom salt. God I hope it works. I am out of options. Thank you all for your contributions to this site. It gives me hope again that maybe my prayers will be answered. God be with you all."
06/18/2009: Lisa from Memphis, TN replies: "I have been suffering with this for about the past 10 - 12 years too. The most significant surgery I've had was to remove golfball sized lesions from my armpits. I have had no problems there since the surgery about 2 years ago.I have certainly found one thing that DEFINITELY works. When the boil forms, the fastest way to bring it to a head and have it drain itself without having to prick it yourself or go to the doctor is this: Take a regular brown paper bag (a lunch bag), cut it into squares just large enough to cover the boil. Cut 3 squares. Place these in a bowl and pour just enough White Vinegar to cover them. Allow them to soak about 30 minutes. Get a box of Tegaderm dressings (2 3/8" X 2 3/4") Place the soaked paper bag squares on the Tegaderm and put it over the boil. If you put it on at night, by the time you take it off the next morning, the boil will have come to the surface and burst. Sometimes, for the really bad ones, you may have the repeat the procedure once or twice more."
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