Top Remedies for Hidradenitis Suppurativa

I have had no luck with anything my doctor/dermotoligist has suggested, mostly long term antibiotics. I have has some luck with A&D with Zinc (it is a diaper rash ointment). It makes the swelling go down over night (warning: it does drain quite a bit) and makes them much less painful. I have also had good results with red and blue led lights under my arms for 15 minutes a day.

I don't even know where to began but I know that seeing others post on this site has been soo helpful and encouraging for me. I have had HS for 15 plus years now and have been through many of things mentioned on this page. I have draining from openings in the groin & armpits areas for years now. I have had many surgeries but decided I didn't want to be cut anymore as they always returned. I have been on antibiotic regimines/antibiotic topical creams/hibiclens/tea tree oil/turmeric/probiotics/multi vitamins/omega 3 oils/turmeric topical cream/espon salt baths/800mg ibuprofen for the pain the list goes on. I also played ginea pig for the drug Humira in a trial study... NOTHING has worked for me as of yet.. I am currently in the process of changing my diet to a more veggie/fruit/fish adding some exercise into my life as well... I am at my wits end so I hope the diet change along with my current regime of vitamin b-12 stress complex, omega 3 2000mg daily, clyndamycin antibiotic 2x a day(I hope to take out of my regime), washin with hibiclens/tea tree oil on new boils & tea tree antiseptic cream on existing draining boils, probiotic. I will be adding turmeric back into my daily regime. I will keep all posted.

Thanks

I've suffered with HS for about 6 years now and I've tried everything from Accutane to tumeric and nothing had worked until about 3 weeks ago I went to my gynecologist for my yearly check-up and during my breast exam he check my under arms.... I was so embarrased because I had band aids under my arms for the drainage. He asked me what was going on and I told him and I also explained how I had gone to several dermatologist and had paid out so much money and tried several different harsh medicines, he told me to get some salt crystal deodorant and to try that and that it would not only keep me smelling fresh, but that it will clear it up.

I tell you that my HS has cleared up 80%.... I no longer have to have all the band aids because it is drying up and there is no foul smell under my arms. I just had to share this and hope that it will help someone else that is dealing with this terrible disease. And remember GOD can heal you of this because he has healed me and I thank GOD for healing me.

I do too have the HS on my scalp. Then it spread. I have been diagnosed for about 6 months but I am decreasing the outbreaks by using Melaleuca shampoo, Selenium sulfate 2.5 (alternated), rarely ever use hair products, I take bleach baths when it gets really bad (once a month or so). I do my own drains and compresses and have not had surgery yet although there are a few times before I got diagnosed I probably should have. Good luck.

Does anyone know if HS is a form of candida?

I've had HS since high school and I'm in my 30s now. It's pretty much all over my body, face, neck upper and lower back, thighs, armpits and back of arms. It gets worse when I'm stressed or I eat sugar or drink alcohol. I have been diagnosed with Candida. I know that sugar and alcohol both make Candida grow. While I was on the Candida diet my abscesses got better but as soon as I got off the diet they got worse.

Somethings that work for me but are by no means a cure are as follows:

• exfoliating regularly
• apply ACV topically - ingesting is good too
• probiotics
• soaking in a hot bathtub when the cyst is infected/painful will help open it
• apply a paste of garlic topically as well as ingesting raw garlic
• Surgical removal
• Antibiotics don't work and if this is a form of Candida the antibiotics will just make the candida worse since they eat the good bacteria with the bad.

HI been suffering from HS for about 15 years got totally ripped off by the medical profession for ten of those years. Diagnosed myself from the internet. Been using a broad based anti fungel cream under my arms each morning(cheap) has kept HS at bay but not cured. I havent had a boil once while on treatment but when I stop HS returns am now going to try tumeric as well. Will let you know how it go's thanx Glenn.

Hello all--

I can't believe it--after years of suffering and MANY hours of my own research, I found something that WORKS!!! I put the pieces together after doing my own research because docs kept putting me on antibiotics and I didn't want that. The meds cleared up the "bumps" (really bad under my breasts and in my armpits) for two weeks, then they'd come back with a vengeance. Also, I've tried collodial silver,

For the first time in 3 years, my bumps are gone and the scars are healing. I am 100% convinced that HS is related to yeast overgrowth in the body, which is aggravated by antibiotics and other things. Some symptoms are yeast infections (including under the finger or toe nails), vaginal yeast infections, chronic sinus problems, affected lymph nodes, and a white film on the tongue or a cracked tongue.

I've always had problems with vaginal yeast infections--very sensitive to sugar, though I eat my fair share of chocolate, of course. One beer makes me feel like that purple chick in the original Willy Wonka. On these HS support forums, many people swear by a gluten-free and dairy free diet... This is directly connected to the "yeast (candida)-free diet" which advises people with candida overgrowth to avoid fermented dairy products, pretzels, chips, bread, beer, wine, etc. Pretty much everything but veggies and meat. However, what's great is that it doesn't have to be a PERMANENT diet. Clear out your body for 3 or so months, then really monitor what is going into your body and how it makes you feel.

Sorry for the length of this post, but I feel compelled to pass this on to other sufferers!!! What finally cleared up my suffering is this:

NYSTATIN 100,000/g POWDER: prescription only (ask for the larger sized bottle), but not a controlled substance. Clean the area well, then put this in the groin area, under the armpits, and under the breasts (in your affected areas). I also had to use Nystatin cream on a small section of my groin and a little under my breasts, until I got it under control.

I am currently also taking (available from Vitamin or health stores):

Candidase Enzymatic supplement (to inhibit yeast growth)

Kyolic odorless garlic supplement (anti-candida formula)

Acidophilus Pearls (anti-yeast)

Turmeric one-a-day pills

(all of the above I plan to be on for one month, then try and monitor my yeast intake to keep levels under control).

Vitamin A

Vitamin D3

B-vitamin complex

Prenatal vitamins (always take them as my multi because I like the effect on my skin and nails)

I only use IVORY bar soap under my breasts and in my armpits and groin. I use a new razor every time I shave under my arms. Now that the bumps have gone down, I try to exfoliate under my armpits with a loofah to remove dead skin. I also do NOT use anti-persperant, but rather spray Crystal deodorant in the clear bottle with a purple label.

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When you are in a breakout--use pure tea tree oil on your bumps that haven't come to a head. It works wonders. If you get a bump behind your ear, don't mess with it, and the lymph node will eventually go back to normal. Take ibuprofen 800mg to reduce swelling in the deap-seated large abscesses.

The nystatin will help you! GO GET IT! I can't urge it enough. The anti-candida supplements helped too! There is another article I read that said people have had luck on long term anti-fungal prescription medication, but this can be damaging to the liver, so I opted to try the supplement route first.

I also gave up dairy a few months ago, and still severely limit my intake. I know that until I get the candida under control, I'll have to keep using the nystatin powder, but I am making an effort to try and cut out the yeast foods. Avoid sugar/sugary drinks at all costs if you can.

I have been in severe pain, spent hundreds of dollars for surgeons to drain and pack cysts, and been depressed and shameful. Please try this, I think it may help many people.

Im so amazed at what ive read. Im so happy to know that im not alone. All these stories have motivated me to eat better try harder and not give up. I have had HS or been diagnois since I was 15. Im embarassed at times too about my scars. Ive had several surgeries and still they come back. My last surgrey left me with open wounds under my arm for almost 3yrs now. I keep them cealn and I dont take any more antibotics. I know that God can heal me if I put the effort to heal myself. Im going try so of the things ive read and see what happens. Im so happy to share this because like Liam I have not been able to maintain a healthy relationship for several reasons but not having anyone to relate makes the stress more stressful. Im so determined now to just accept the dis-ease and make it my everyday goal to do something to better my HS. One thing that helps is in the bible Job was one of the most faithful men of God and he got boils and God blessed him. So I know that we are all blessed and highly favored in his eyes.

I've been dealing with HS for 12 years now. I usually tell my boyfriends that I have an issue with my sweat glands... That they get infected and don't function properly. That is usually sufficient and they always understand : )

For me, all of these things help:turmeric, topical antibiotics (evoclin), and using antibacterial soap. In addition, I'm mindful of the fabrics I wear (cotton almost always), the personal hygiene products I use (natural deodorants), and usually go "commando. " Lol. However, nothing has "cured" my HS yet.

I've quit smoking cigarettes and am working on losing weight. I am specifically focusing on having a clean and healthy body from the inside out. Eventually, I will do a comprehensive detox like a raw food cleanse for a few weeks this summer. It makes sense that this will be the best option because it has worked for others and these types of regimens have healed cancer and other vile diseases.

I'll keep you all posted <3
Samantha

Hidradenitis: It is great to find this web page to read what is and is not working for different people. I've been diagnosed with HS for three years now. Tried most of the things on this page and some would ease the pain and make HS bearable, but no remission for me. I pray and hope for all of us, that a "cure" is found sooner than later. Just wanted everyone suffering with this currently incurrable disease to keep your head up. BTW as a single female, how do you explain this to your boyfriend or potential boyfriend? It looks horrible to me, especiallly when there's drainage, much less someone else. I have been tested for MRSA and Staph infections and they came back negative. I've been told it's not contagious, but tell that to someone you want to be intimate with. Anyone have any suggestions on how to discuss HS with potential mates?

While I'm sure weight can be a contribiting factor, I have had HS since puberty and have no weight issue, but my father had HS all his life too.

I have kept HS at bay for 8 years now with the following: 1. Wash with Lever 2000 original (Dial does not work for me). 2. Apply hand sanitizer with Aloe Vera "Germ-X" after every shower, and any time you feel sweaty. 3. I wear "Under Armour" compression shorts almost every day as they keep my groin area dry and prevent my thighs from rubbing. After your used to this, it feels comfortable and I feel undressed without them. 4. I think losing weight helped. If you Google images of HS, all the images are of overweight folks, so there is obviously a weight connections.

Hi When I first started having thes things before it was diagnosed 19 years ago, they started out on my scalp. Doctors thought it was a cyst. They covered my whole head and I lost a lot of hair. Then in the places where they healed, they healed with a keloid so they never went flat down and the dermatologist says hair will never grow there again because the follicles are dead. Then progresses to my armpits, my groin and my buttocks. I think it's fair to say I have a severe case of it.

The thing is I never hear anyone say they have had it on their scalp but me and I am female so you know how devastating that must be. Is there anyone out there who has had it on their scalp or know someone who does? I feel very isolated in this. All I want is for something to flattent these keloids on my head or recommend something to grow my hair back in these areas. I used to have thivk abundant hair and now this disease has destroyed it. It makes me sad to look in the mirror and see what a evastating affect this thing has had on me and that I probably will have to live the rest of my life with these raised scars on my head and thr hair loss that comes with it. If anyone know of anything, please let me know. Thx.

Hi. I am so glad that I found this site! :) I really thought I was alone with this terrible disease. I have had HS since I was around 10yrs old. I am now 38yrs. Like many of you every doctor that I went to for many years gave me a different answer and a different treatment. I have been on so many different treatments that it makes me sick just to think of it. What I did notice though is that both times I was pregnant that I hardly had any flare ups. I also notice that when my hormones are going bonkers the boils will subside or act up depending on what my hormones are doing. I always have at least two going at a time if not more. Because certain areas are now numb (i believe because of the boils) sometimes I don't know that they are there until I notice them draining.

I had surgery about 5 years ago under the breast to try and remove some lesions that would not quit draining. What the doctor did was "an upper tummy tuck". I scarred miserably and they were back within two years. I now take magnesium tablets and that seems to help some. I also have found that prescription strength Silica and Hehp Sulph works great at the onset of a boil. It speeds the process up for me. I also use a salve called RID. You can buy it at the pharmacy. This helps with the pain to a degree. I plan to try some of the suggestions that I have read today.

Thanks for listening.

Hi
i have been suffering from HS for more than 20 years. I did homeopathic medicine which resulted in reduced occuring of boils but it started again. I have notice lack of sleep creates more of infections in the armpit. If any one has permanent remedy for this please let me know...

Liam you could also try one drop pure tea tree oil on the boils to draw out the toxins.

I have read that boils can be caused by an acidic body. It may help you to look at your diet and eat more alkaline foods so that your body has the proper pH level. Green smoothies, pineapple juice, water are mostly alkaline while coke, milk, meats, are acidic. Bathing in bicarb soda is also good as it is alkalising to the skin. There are some good books you could read which list which foods are acidic and which are alkaline. Disease and toxins apparently can't exist in an alkaline body. Cheers

Hi there, my name is Liam and I am from Sydney Australia. I am a 30yo male.

I have had HS from the age of 15 roughly. I have even had a Dermatologist take a biopsy off me in 2000 and not tell me I had HS, all he said was it was a Follicle issue.

After breaking down several weeks ago at the local doctors is when the Doctor told I had "Hidradenitis Suppurativa".

At this point in time I am in severe pain as I have multiple boils under my armpit, and several on my bottom, oh, should I mention that I am sitting sideways! They have been there for about 8 months now and they go and come back. There are some days when I am in so much pain that I cannot go to work. The other worse thing is, I love tennis and coach the game also, due to this illness, I am no longer able to play & coach.

This disease has stopped me from maintaining a relationship and has made me so depressed.

Today I googled "Hidradenitis Suppurativa" and read as much as I could until I went cross-eyed, and I think on the 5th page in the search I clicked on this link.

I have now been reading everyones testimonials on this site for the last 2 hours and have not stopped crying . Snot everywhere, sadly pus later.. It is so much different hearing from others who have the same problem.. I honestly thought I was alone.

I can't even believe that I am writing this up to be posted, I have never been compelled to do anything like this on the net.

Whoever has taken time to maintain & create this site, thank you.

I will try the Turmeric Remedy and keep all posted.

Regards, Liam

I tried 15mg of zinc gluconate 6 times per day for 2 months and it made the boils ALOT worse! However, I now take ZINC PICOLINATE (50 mg 2x/day) and it is AMAZING.... Less than a week and I am in almost complete remission! Run, don't walk to the supplement store for Zinc Picolinate.... Wish I found this years ago! Plus, 2x/day is much nicer than 6x!

I am 39 years old and have had HS for over 30 years. I've tried Retin A and Accutane, neither of which worked. I've also tried Bactrim (Sulpha) which worked until it killed all the good bacteria in my gut and I ended up in the hospital with clostridium difficile toxin. I also have Ulcerative Colitis and Vasculitis (both of which are autoimmune). For these, I take an immunosuppressant called Imuran. In search of something to take that would not greatly boost my immune system (counterintuitive with the imuran) I am currently using Native Remedies' Boil-RX. It is a homeopathic tincture and it is really working well for me. It has softened some of my most tenacious "boils" (that I thought were just remnants (scars) of old boils), has allowed them to drain and now they are drying up nicely. I got good results from Turmeric.... But it gives some pretty bad breath. I am currently trying the zinc gluconate 15mg x 6/day. However, it seems to have made things ALOT worse. I'm hoping it starts that way and then calms down. So, in an attempt to calm down what the zinc may have flared up, I'm using the Boil Rx and all seems well now. It's tasteless, just put 10-15 drops in some water and sip. I believe that homeopathic tinctures only actually contain a very VERY small amount of the thing they claim to be the active ingredient. Because of this, I am not worried about it mounting a huge immune boost and wiping out the effects of the Imuran.

I suspect many of you with HS also suffer from autoimmune disorders as well as pilonidal cyst/sinus. I've had a couple of surgeries to remove a pilonidal sinus. I believe it's all part of online you will find some interesting info. Symptoms these remedies treat and personality traits seem to go hand in hand. These remedies treat both for mind/body wellness. An interesting way to go. I don't completely understand how it all works. However, it seems to be doing the trick for me.

I went to my surgeon yesterday who says there's nothing else he can do for me. If that wasn't a big enough blow to my mental state after suffering with HS for years, he also prescribed me some antibiotics that I am weary about taking. The first is Cleocin and the other is Rifampicin. I have read the literature on both and the side effects are scary to say the least. Does anyone have any information about these drugs and their use for HS? I am already suffering with depression from everything I've been through over the years with this disease so I'm wondering if I am needlessly worried about these drugs. Can anyone help?

I have posted on this site several times now. I had a visit to my derm July 1st and was admitted to the hospital for another blood infection. They did a CT and found that the abscess had made it all the way to my thigh muscle. The next morning I had surgery. I have had 3 surgeries since July 2nd. As horrible as the surgery is, the pain afterwards is far less painful than the HS itself. All he did was open every boil and tunnel, left them open and had me start taking Vitamin A. I am due for a 4th surgery but I am putting it off for a bit so I can recoup from the other 3 surgeries. Don't get me wrong, it is far from anything I would willingly do to myself but it's a necessary evil. I will eventually have to have reconstructive surgery to get things back to "normal" but that is still way out in the future. The surgeon thinks it may take up to a year of surgeries to get all of them taken care of before a plastic surgeon will take over. Again, not a fun surgery and it is disfiguring but a lot less painful than the disease itself and the surgeries are working. Air and vitamin A seem to be the best result I have had so far and I have tried everything imaginable. My prayers go out to everyone suffering with HS.

My health took a turn for the worst after an especially stressful 2008 and quitting Birth Control after 10 years to remedy the situation. That may have sent me in a tail-spin, but I'm sure it's healthier in the long run. I got HS about 6 months later. I did have a few isolated boils in my teen years.... Strange. Before BC, hmmmm. I had one bad one tested last year, and it was just regular good skin bacteria. Autoimmmune.... I have had a multitude of other problems in the past year, but one is Adrenal Exhaustion. I think that was the orignal problem. I had mine in remission for about 3 months earlier this year... Until I had surgery and couldn't exercise anymore.... I have been taking L-Tyrosine daily for over a year. And 5-Htp. I love my Yoga Booty Ballet exercise. I shower after I exercise while still hot and sweaty. I had it in remission this way. I haven't exercised really in about 4 months. I prayed when I pressed a boil in a sitz bath and it came loose and drained instantly. I know this is the best thing to do. I want to try oregano and coconut and tumeric for secondary bronchitis from a virus right now, anyways. Curious how the treatments for Bronchitis and HS are so similar. I started taking ACV with the Mother yesterday and ate about 3 tbsps of Cayenne Pepper in a drink yester. Didn't help the HS yet.... Curious I had it in remission before..... I've always smoked additive free organic tobacco and love coffee as well. I don't drink, though, maybe I should. I eat at natural as possible always. NATURAL and organic if I can afford it. ALWAYS.

Hi - I have been a mis-dagnosed Hidradenitis Suppurativa sufferer for over 10 yrs old and I am now 33 yrs old. I am so grateful that I found this site - I had almost given up and thought I will just stay single, as I can't imagine getting undressed in front of someone new... But now I have some hope, and that's what makes the world go round! I cannot offer any more tips, but I consolidated all / most of the ideas I saw on the forum for my own benefit, and have posted it below as I thought it might help someone else... Note these are not my suggestions but just a single posting with all of the suggestions with the most positive feedback.....

Things to consider eliminating from your diet:
Wheat / flour / gluten / dairy / caffeine / cigarettes

Daily:

3 times a day:
Turmeric mixture (the fat is important for absorpotion, as it water temperature)
1 tsp of turmeric; 1/16 of a tsp of black pepper; 1/2 to 1 tsp of coconut oil in 8 oz hot soup; broth or water (when an infection is severe it must be taken 4 times a day and it does miracles in two to three days)

Also:
Apple Cider vinegar - 2 tea-spoon full in glass of water (sip slowly throughout the day - also good for weight loss)

Omega Oils - Follow dose

Burdock Root (tablets) - Follow dose

Once a day
Bring 1 tsp of black onion seeds to a boil in one glass of water keep it boiling until the white part of the seed shows, let cool off and drink it

Topical: Tea tree oil, Epsom bath salts, Witch Hazel, Iodine, antibacterial soap (bar not liquid)

Less common Suggestions:
- Bacitracin Ointment to be taken up / in the nose twice a day
- Bee Propolis (a wood supplement)

Note: Make sure you get a bacterial swab to ensure it is HS and not MRSA as there are similar symptoms