Top Remedies for Hidradenitis Suppurativa

I've had a love long struggle with HS, and all good stuff here, to help remedy this painful incurable ailment.

I'd like to add, the ladies at my local health food store recommended an adrenaline gland flush, I used a capsule form, every two weeks. It was amazing. Since HS only happens in the skin near these glands, there is some kind between the two.

All natural, no bad side effects, except for... Ladies, um, overproduction of vaginal moisture which, let's be honest, isn't the worst thing in the world.

I'm on a mission to find a cure, but in the meantime... Let's stick together and help each other suffer less.

There is so little research on this, and many dermatologists are stumped, because it does not behave like a skin condition. This is why I strongly feel that the skin is just a symptom, and rather HS is actually a SYSTEMIC condition.

With that, I just want to add that though it may seem like pressure would be relieved if you try to manually open the bump or boil... this does not help, it actually makes it worse, by allowing foreign bacteria into the sight, causing for a prolonged infection.

Good luck everyone!

Hi Laurie, great news that frankincense heals your HS sores. But if you are still getting these outbreaks, I suggest taking internally the boswellia serrata powder or capsules. Boswellia serrata is the tree from which frankincense essential oil is extracted. The resin internally has rather recently been studied and lauded for it's anti inflammatory benefits, with ibs, joints and auto immune diseases. Since you have proven it works for you topically, taken internally it may stop your outbreaks entirely. As always, research for yourself, I am merely cheering your good health. Best

Hidratinosis Supperativa is an auto-immune disease. What works for me is to use a 1 percent dilution of either Frankincense or Lemongrass in fractionated coconut oil. You can apply this to existing cysts 1-3 times a day and they will drain, then heal. Manuka essential oils is another good one, but I prefer the Frankincense as I must put this in delicate places.

Using a one-percent dilution (about 2-3 DROPS into 10 ml - 2 teaspoons) of fractionated coconut oil or jojoba oil will allow you to use this continuously. You should continue to use it after the cyst has cleared to ensure all inflammation is gone. Oil of oregano can be used, but it is a HOT oil and you need to be careful around tender tissues. I would not use more than 2 DROPS of oil of oregano in 2 tsps carrier oil, but it IS effective.

So you sit in the bleach water?

Hi Fellow HS Sufferers! I am here to tell you firsthand that neem leaf oil is the next best thing to a cure for HS. What was once a cluster of boils about the size of a kid's bouncy ball has managed to rupture, drain, flatten, and partially heal in less than 3 days. No exaggeration!!!

I've suffered with HS for almost 20 years with outbreaks occurring in my younger days almost every other week to every 3-4 months, presently. Don't suffer another minute. Give it a try. It works!!!

I have this issue in my groin, around my vaginal area. Here are a few remedies that worked for me:

Try to get rid of as much hair as possible in the area of your frequent breakouts. I use a hair removal lotion around my bikini area (don't get any of this on the bumps! ) that seems to work well and not cause further irritation. Shaving is the worse-I usually got a bump afterwards. I've never waxed my bikini area so can't comment on that. I've heard laser hair removal may work.

The TURMERIC really works. I simply mix a few dashes of it in a small cup of hot/warm water and drink it straight with a straw. The turmeric really stains so you may want to do this right before eating or gargle before brushing your teeth. It will stain your toothbrush. I try to do this at least once a day when I have a bad breakout but it you can do it more often I'm sure that is better. I actually like the taste of the turmeric so I'm thinking I must have a mineral deficiency or something.

I had a large boil right along my belt line that really hurt! I bought those large square band-aids and soaked the gauze part in straight TEA TREE OIL. It was large enough to completely cover the boil and was discreet enough for me to wear all day. In a few days it became flat and eventually went away. It did leave a dark spot that does eventually fade, after several weeks...

VICKS VAPOR RUB-even the generic kind-did give me some relief. It is soothing and did relieve some of the itching that happens as the boils go away and heal. It was best for me to use this at night.

Ladies-use TAMPONS instead of pads if at all possible. I usually get these breakouts around the time of my cycle. Using the pads causes more moisture in my vaginal/anal area and I start to sweat, which causes the bumps! Change your pads often. There is one particular brand-that starts with an "A"-that is the absolute worse and I always feel the moisture a few minutes after using them. Choose wisely!

Using ZINC SUPPLEMENTS seemed to work also. I read that taking 90 ml a day is the trick, but the brand I had is only 50 ml, so I had to take it twice a day. You MUST take this with plenty of water or with a meal, otherwise you will get nauseous or you may throw up.

This last breakout I had was the worse-I had about 4 small boils in my vaginal/anal area at the same time. As they heal, the itching is intense! Scratching seems to make itchiness spread. To combat this, I used ANTI-ITCH VAGINAL WIPES, (in my vaginal area) ANTI ITCH CREAM and ANTIBIOTIC OINTMENT outside of my vaginal area.

I don't currently have any boils now, but on a daily basis I use TEA TREE OIL mixed with COCONUT OIL around the area where I've had past breakouts.

Mind you-my boils never burst, they just went away. Draw your own conclusions with that...

This is a really embarrassing ailment. I truly hope that some of these things I've tried helps someone.

I would have to agree HS is not contagious. My first relationship was 19 yrs in that time I gave birth naturally to two children neither of my children contracted this nor my ex. Current partner for nearly 8 years and he's safe too.

I too use tea tree oil for HS. If I get a boil I simply drop 3 to 4 drops of tea tree oil on the pad of a large band aid and then adhere it to my skin over the boil. It has an immediate effect. I generally do this once a day after showering until its gone (2 or 3 days). Doing so helps prevent scaring as well.

Anne, I know its been over two years since you posted about your supposed HS, but I thought I'd comment anyway. I do not believe you had or have HS. HS is a chronic, debilitating skin disease that has no cure. You had a few cysts pop up overnight and suddenly with a cleansing and antiseptic regimen for a few days they were gone. HS is definitely not that simple. You have this for your entire life at this point due to no cure. I am 55 and have had HS for 35 years. It is carried through the blood and there is just recent research stating that HS is an auto immune disease. It is also genetic. My daughter has had it since she was 14 and she has it worse than I. I'm glad for you that your cyst cleared up, but know that HS would not appear and then clear up like that. Oh how I wish it did.

Hi, coralineous refers to coral dwelling species.

Hi Mark,

I noticed you wrote here years ago. Are you still in remission? Of everything I have read I am most intrigued by the cinnamon and honey treatment. I just started it. I am grateful to have found your post and would love to hear an update if you get this!

Nicole

Cut out gluten first of all and go on a paleo diet until your gut heals, now that you've been taking antibiotics for so long, your gut's pH levels will be off and your body is now probably very acidic. I take baking soda and ACV with lemon water to balance my pH, after trying everything under the sun, this is the only thing that works. Once your gut bacteria's pH is back to normal, 7.5, you can then try to add gluten little by little back into your diet, try it and see

I have been taking baking soda internally every morning with lemon juice, why this helps is because it balances the pH levels in your body. Infection can't thrive in a non acidic body, so this helps balance your pH and help the body become more alkaline. What doctors also MISDIAGNOSE about HS is the fact that a lot of times the staph bacteria is what turns HS from a minor issue to a debilitating condition. Ask your doctor to check for Staph and then if Doxycycline or Bactrim does not work, try the baking soda with lemon juice. I have tried everything under the sun and this is the only thing that works for me. It's not only hormones, it's an actual infection.

Bri,

Since you started doing the avocado bark, have you had any breakouts?

I couldn't help but laugh when I read your comment because I have been doing the same thing for about 8 years. I have HS in the same area and the "outbreak" is always the same spot. It has left me with a tiny spot that when I flare up that's where it drains. I keep a bandaid over it ALL the time and is really does help with the friction. It's just a part of my normal routine now.

Puja, read up on turmeric (haldi, I think) for this.

Hi Alicia,

Since 4 years I have been suffering from HS, it has affected my both the underarms.It is worst in my left hand under arms.I have consulted many doctors regarding this but nobody has given me solution for it.I have taken 4 to 6 steroids injections and still taking antibiotic. Tomorrow I will go through ultrasound of my armpits based on that doctors will decide whether I should go for surgery or not.

Could you please help me out of this situation and can provide me some suggestions?Please advice me on the following questions:

1)should I go for surgery?

2)Do you know any home remedy?IF yes then please share

3) As the wound has opened in my right arms can I use alcohol there..or I can used it once it get closed...and which alcohol did you used(Vodka, Scotch etc)?

This is really urgent please reply as soon as possi

Hi Diane

My daughter also has DS and HS. You mentioned that you know of other girls with DS who also have this HS condition - I'm interested to hear more if you know anything further of the correlation etc.

We have found HS is definitely a hormonal response to adolescence. Recently, her cycle has been all over the place together with those horrible emotional outbursts. We have removed all Gluten, Dairy, Sugar and Nightshades (tomatoes, capsicum, paprika, potatoes, eggplant etc). We have a daily protocol of organic turmeric capsules - 2 daily, VitC with Zinc, Fish Oils, Probiotics, tea tree oil on lesions twice daily and homeopathic remedies. We have reduced her outbreaks significantly now with only small lumps appearing during/prior to her cycle. These are reasonably manageable when seen early. But were looking to better this if not prevent.

I'm currently looking at a herbal mix here in Australia called Happy Hormones which helps regulate the androgen hormones - which we feel may be a large contributing factor in our situation.

I will definitely add Colloidal Silver to our mix . We can get it here in Australia in our Health Food Shops.

Thank you

Do you just apply the tea tree oil directly to the boil?

I must tell you my findings for HS. I have been taking a pro-biotic and now a pre-biotic which helps good bacteria grow in your gut. HS is a manifestation of your gut being off. Its not about hygiene, hormones or whatever the doctors want you to believe. They don't know. I'm telling you get a good probiotic take it 3 times a day if you are having issues with this terrible HS. I've cured myself. I decided it had to be something we all do. Antibiotics, for kids the elderly who never had HS, women, Men doing surgery which didn't help! UGG. Please get a probiotic that will start righting the very low good bacteria you have in your gut. It helps and a prebiotic is even better it helps proliferate the good bacteria and as it grows you have less HS. Don't take my word for it just start ingesting a good one. I am cured, and I live in a hot desert where I sweat. Nothing to do with HS just an easy way for the strep to get out.

Physician heal thyself. Take a responsible step to your own health. God Bless

Chronic Hidradenitis Suppurativa:

In the Ted's Q&A I found a reference to MAGNESIUM CHLORIDE and BLACK TEA. This is the most effective combo I have found for HS but I do not see it referred often.

Magnesium Oil is available at health stores and online. It can be painful, but it works for me esp early in a breakout.

Black tea, applied via cotton round pad after the oil, with frequent applications, is soothing for the pain and seems to remove the heat and pressure.

Turmeric ( drink with black pepper for absorbtion), tea tree oil, and diet changes also help.

A note on gluten: there are different types of wheat with different protiens all of which are gluten. It gets complicated. I found some breads are ok, but pasta and pretzels are not ok for me.

Depending on hormone levels some "safe" foods turn into trigger foods.

Nightshades effect me * depending on the freshness of the nightshade*. I can eat potatoes that are not sprouting yet, but old potatoes are triggers. I don't eat chips for this reason.

Short version: Black Tea and Magnesium oil (same as magnesium chloride), see Ted's Q&A.

Since I was about 13 I started badly suffering from Hidradenitis. I get it in my groin, only in 2 spots however. After extreme pain every day and attempting what I thought was every natural remedy and antibiotic, I realised that my flare ups were merely due to stress and hormones. At age 17 I got surgery to remove the 2 bad cysts. STAPH was found in the wounds and months later, the condition was back and worse. Things I began to realise were that when I was on my period, it got a whole lot worse.

When I am stressed, the pain often rises to a 9-10/10 every moment of the day.
However, I have started to take a few herbs and change a few things up.
- Ginseng ( Relives stress)
- Turmeric capsules (Anti-inflammatory)
- Baking soda and tea tree oil baths 1-2 times a day.
- Anti-bacterial soap.

I also often use Bactroban (prescription) directly to the wound, however I have not found this to help any more than tea-tree oil.

I used to be so self conscious of my body and what people would think of the cysts if they were to see them, now, more than anything I just want the pain to go. If you receive nerve pain (I do all down my legs) this is very normal. Epsom salt baths do help a little bit.

Something I found was that trying to squeeze the cysts or pop them myself was a bad idea, though, sometimes when the pressure is soo terrible, it will be a way to relieve pain. You MUST ensure that the needle or pin you use is one-use only and completely sterile, though, if you have a nurse or doctor who can assist you I would ask for help as you do not want to increase scaring by hitting the wrong area.

As of last week I began to cut out Added sugars, grains, gluten, red peppers, red meat and dairy which seemly does help after about a week. Though you really do need to stick to this. At this point I have been to around 15 doctors and specialists for the issue, no one with a cure of course. But all I can really say here is if you have any way to reduce stress and maintain a happy wellbeing, do try. Meditation works for some, more sleep, exercise (Often hard when you are in pain) and eating well all contribute directly.

However, I realised that since I went overseas and became sexually in-active it worsened. I have a boyfriend back home and it has been around 4 months, for me, the hormones released during sex with a close partner was my best cure so far. Although it can sometimes be painful, the hormones kick in relatively quick and really do help. Though, 'Helping myself out' does not actually do anything for me in terms of pain relief or release of such hormones. For me, when progesterone and oestrogen levels are slightly higher (When ovulating) I am at my best. Taking a contraceptive pill did help but, only when you are on the active pills.

Good luck, please do let me know if you have any natural cures or thoughts towards this. Also, if you know any good herbs for hormone regulation I would love to hear!

Best of wishes,
Jess.

Thank Alicia, I never used rubbing alcohol on them before but am trying it now! Seems to have lessen the pain for me and kinda made them smaller. I had thought that maybe the birth control made them worse too so I stopped taking it and I've gotten a lot of them, but at same time when I was on birth control I'd have periods where I'd get a lot of boils or extremely bad ones. So I'm not sure what to believe any more. It took me almost ten years to find out a name to what I had and then when I did found there was no cure! And drs and dermatologist just want to give antibiotics! It sucks and some days it's hard! I haven't found anything to add to maybe making things better for someone out there with it! Just wanted to say thanks for the alcohol idea.

That is terrible to hear, I'm sorry about that. It is very debilitating and definitely affects your self-esteem. It sounds like you already do support her and encourage her to look beyond this, and that's great. I too live with HS. I've had it for 4 years now and can relate to the feeling. I hope she continues with counseling. Best wishes to her and God bless.

Hi Karen,

Just a tip for the BO. I also suffer from it. I wash my armpits thoroughly in the morning, dry them and then apply apple cider vinegar to the entire arm pit. Once it dries the odor of the vinegar disappears. Then I use my deo over that. I only discovered this at the age of 37 and have been wearing sleeveless clothing all my life until now. I can finally wear cute t-shirts :-)

As for the HS, my daughter started with it very recently. We have been to see a homeopath. She has advised to cut out gluten as the issue stems from a leaky gut. She has given us two homeopathic remedies as well as Lymphomyosot (manufactured by Heel). We are also dosing her with Zinc, Turmeric and Tissue Salts (nr 12 - Silicea).

Apparently stress and holding in feelings of hurt in the past has also contributed to the condition.

I'm hoping this all clears up and that we can heal her system.

I tried humira and it did nothing but send my liver function key high. I am willing to try anything to get relief from HS

I was doing research on this site for autoimmune disease and mycoplasma treatment and decided to try borax protocol. I took 1/4 TSP borax dissolved in one liter distilled water for 5 days a week for months. I never got a new HS boil after taking the first drink the first day! It took me about six weeks to heal the ones I already had, but it's been 18 months with no more boils, not a single one. I still drink maintenance dose of borax, but only because I feel all around better when I do. Good luck!

I was reading your comment about HS. What is a sulfur cream?

I have had this HS disease for about 16 years including a pilonidal cyst .The pilonidal cyst was treated 5 yrs ago with some herbs from a herbalist.The hidradenitis superetiva has gotten 95 % better because of the use of the Avocado bark. Avocado leaves and bark are used to kill streplococous bacteria. I poured boiled water in a water jar rand put a small piece of bark, I always used fresh bark. After the mixture has cooled l drank it. I drank it five times a month during my period for about 3 mnths, mybe it might differ in people.

I hope someone will be healed by this too. I also tried turmeric but for me it made a little change. l also had one of the worst Hidradenitis suppurativa.If anyone wants to hear more just ask. Sorry for my English its a second language to me.

My mother had HS as a young woman. Back then they actually removed her glands. This was a permanent solution. Now I have HS and they don't remove the glands, which I believe is "the cure".

I am suffering from HS since last 4 years after two excised cyst (didn't break out again at same place) but my thighs and one side of groan is affected I have like it cycle of boils breakout from one to another, what helps me keep the size reduced of boils and inflammation is I regularly wash affected twice a day with Betadine skin cleanser and apply hirudoid gel 2 times for 3 days during breakouts and Fucidin 3 times as prescribed by My Dr, I have noted that Life style change helps specially in reducing weight as I am on Protein Diet 100% cut all Carbohydrates helps reducing size of boils.

and whenever it gets worst by mean of pain inflamation and size I use one brufen 600mg twice a day almost it takes 3 tablets to get busted.

wish u all goood luck, cheers

I am 43 and first started seeing outbreaks in my early 20's, mostly on my inner thighs, then buttocks and I have had 1 on my face and 1 in my armpit, 1 under my breast and 1 by my belly button. My thighs and butt are mostly prone and I have scarring and pits on my thighs from this and tracks. I was diagnosed about 4 years ago and told it was a mild case. Honestly? I was thinking MILD? but then I did research on this and yes in comparison it is. I am sorry for folks who have it worse then I as it is a terrible thing to have to deal with. I have had them as big as an orange I guess on my inner thighs (my Dr. was sure it was MERSA when she saw it - but tested negative) and when they flare up I have managed them myself with heat compresses, onion/garlic compresses, tea tree oil, hot epsom salt baths. They do cycle around my period, which suggests hormones, no doubt. I have also had cysts on occasion. I had a barthelone (sp?) Cyst flare up 3 times and had it removed and a cyst gone wild in my ear lobe. Cysts are a sign for needing blood cleansing, purifying. I knew I had a problem with Sugar and Bread (was not sure if it was white flour or yeast) and tested negative for gluten intolerance. I had known this for a couple of years, because when I at sugar or ate like crap, it would affect my mind, mood and depression and fatigue would set in. Now, about 1 year ago I tested positive for systematic candida...AHA! The more I researched it and thought about it, well my inner awareness is screaming at me that this is a very large part of HS, if not the issue all together. I am at 44 days of NO sugar, carbs, No Starch, No Dairy, only meat, veg and fruit. I have had two menstrual cycles during this time and the second seemed better than the first. I just ordered a full on treatment program (4months) for cleansing candida. As soon as this program arrives I will be starting it. I also am going to to a parasite cleanse at the 2 month mark. I will report back on my progress and outcome after the 4 month treatment and let you all know. I just scrolled down and started reading LRGold's reply. Folks I really do feel this is one of if not the underlying issue Systematic Candida...I will post back.

Hi, all, I am 54 years old and was diagnosed with HS around 6 or 7 years ago. My case was basically contained in my armpits. My doctor drained and excised many boils (he referred to them as "carbuncles") and I have the scars to prove it! Never once, however, did he prescribe antibiotics. He told me to stop shaving and find another method of hair removal, try to find a deodorant alternative and, most importantly in his opinion, he told me to *lose weight*, saying that this condition is largely exacerbated by carrying around extra weight. Over a period of two years I lost 60 pounds and I have not been bothered with HS again, not in the least bit. I am convinced that there is a link. By all means, if turmeric works for your case and gives you relief, go for it! But if you're overweight, I highly encourage you to resolve to slim down (for multiple reasons! ). Even after losing 20 pounds I noticed a huge difference in how this disease presented itself.

Hello everyone,

I just wanted to post my experience with this awful condition disease, I didn't know why I was getting these painful boils in my buttocks that was my teen years I was so embarrassed I couldnt talk to anyone about it. I thought I had hemorrhoids, which was crazy to me, I used Neosporin and magically they went away fast forward to after graduation I got my first of many cyst on my lower back...I continue to get these painful cyst on my upper back as my husband as pointed out my scars are in the shape of my bra I guess I sweat in these areas.

When I was pregnant with my son who is now 8 yrs old, I was finally told of what I have and there's no cure, I've been on antibiotics which to me sometimes helps but if anything they can bring the cyst to a head and I drain it, it's a thick pus that comes out and blood...there's instant relief no more pain, no more pressure. But I don't want to take antibiotics my whole life. I do notice I get one around my cycle, I've have had one under my armpit which sent me to the ER...worst experience ever!! I remember screaming out in pain as it was landed. I've been told I'm a very attractive lady I was married before and now remarried my ex was very supportive of this condition, and my husband now is just as supportive if not more, but I will say this disease has made me feel so ugly, my back is completely scarred from years of cyst, I can't wear certain tops or clothes. I didn't have to deal with the cyst in the groin area until now. I have a peppermint size cyst near the buttocks area it's so painful Imy having trouble walking, I feel hopeless right now. This condition is no joke!! I thought It would be a deal breaker when I found myself single again and I needed to tell my NOW husband what I was diagnosed with.

I truly believe it's connected to my hormones and that can be connected to my diet. I really just have to make some changes in my diet...I will be more disciplined with my apple cider vinegar drinking and really taking all night shade veggies out my diet, I will diligently take my turmeric no more alcohol no sugar or caffeine use my tea tree oil and buy organic protein and fruit and veggies no more gluten...I'm so (*beepin*) sick of this (*beep*) condition oh I plan on getting some zinc today. God please help us all who suffer...I really wanted to vent! I'm 37 and this has been going on since I was 17.

Can anyone tell me what TYPE OF LASER they think the poster from 2011 used as there are many different technologies?

I have had HS for about 12 years now. I have had over 20 surgeries. Doctors have cut the areas open and let them heal by themselves, took out my sweat glands under both armpits and even did skin graphs on areas they could do(In these areas I no longer have problems, bad scars yes, but I'll take it) .

Well, I cannot go in every time it pops up and I am in pain, so what I do is juice ginger and put it on the area with some gauze or sometimes I put aloe, I like to switch them off. Both of those help to pull out the disease and open by itself. This really helps a lot!

So this may be archaic but I found bandaid Tough Strips (not the fabric ones) are a godsend for me. They are waterproof and stay on through showering and sex. I have HS in my groin area and it is triggered by stress and hormones. I can not wear underwear on a regular basis or the friction will cause an abscess. This poses a problem during my periods because I need to wear underwear on at least 2 of the days and hope I do not get one. What I do is put one of those bandages over an existing abscess or budding abscess. It creates a barrier between my groin and the side of my leg so that when I walk there is no friction and I can stop limping. It doesn't hurt and if I leave it on long enough my body will reabsorb what is inside the abscess and it will go away on its own. This has taken up to a couple of weeks before, but that was when I was super stressed so it was trying to get worse not better anyway. Usually less than a week. If the bandage comes off for some reason I just put on another one. It has just been so helpful so I wanted to share.

I have been using colloidal silver for many years and I buy it from my local health food store. You can also buy it online now. Hope this helps.

WOW! This site is nothing short of amazing. Every post I come across is very helpful for I too suffer from HS. I actually just found out the correct name. I've had these ''boils'' since I was a freshman in high school which started as one within my inner thigh. My DR said it was due to wearing ''tight jeans'' and then diagnosed it as MRSA since I was hospitalized a lot as a kid for asthma. As I got older, it spread to in between my breast, under my arms and ALL on my bikini area and inner thighs. I went to every DR I could but still no regime that worked. I now take nothing but an occasional pain pill. I use antibacterial soap and no perfumes. I'm depressed because I'm in pain 90% of the day. Certain pain pills and antibiotics aren't strong enough and it makes me very self conscience to even have a love life. I have tried everything under the sun but JUST came across Turmeric and tea tree oil. I bought it this weekend and will be trying today. Thank you guys so much!