Treating your Hidradenitis Suppurativa (HS) naturally
Hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) is a chronic skin condition which leads to painful, inflamed boils, abscesses, and scarring in areas where the skin folds or rubs together. Managing hidradenitis suppurativa poses an array of challenges, but incorporating natural remedies and self-care practices into your strategy can aid in symptom relief and reduce the frequency of flare-ups.
In this blog we will cover:
What is hidradenitis suppurativa?
What causes hidradenitis suppurativa?
Can HS be cured?
How to get rid of hidradenitis suppurativa naturally?
How to prevent HS Flare Ups.
Things you should avoid if you have hidradenitis suppurativa.
What is hidradenitis suppurativa?
Hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) is a chronic skin condition characterised by painful lumps, abscesses, and tunnels (sinus tracts) forming under the skin, usually in areas with sweat glands such as:
- Armpits
- Groin
- Buttocks
- Under the breasts
These lesions can become inflamed, rupture, and discharge pus, leading to scarring over time.
What causes hidradenitis suppurativa?
The exact cause of hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) is not fully understood, but it is believed to be linked to inflammation of hair follicles in areas rich in sweat and oil glands. While bacteria can infect lesions, HS is not considered primarily an infection. Instead, genetics, hormones, and immune system dysfunction are thought to play significant roles. Many people with HS have a family history of the condition, suggesting a genetic component. Hormonal changes, especially during puberty, menstruation, and pregnancy, can trigger flare-ups, and certain lifestyle factors like smoking and obesity may worsen the condition.
Can HS be cured?
Hidradenitis suppurativa, currently has no known cure, however lifestyle changes and natural treatments can help manage the symptoms and reduce flare-ups. While HS may not go away completely, with proper care, many people can find relief and better control of their symptoms, greatly improving their quality of life.
How to get rid of hidradenitis suppurativa naturally?
Natural at-home treatment for hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) typically includes the use of antibacterial and anti-inflammatory cleansers and creams to manage symptoms and prevent flare-ups. Gentle, non-irritating cleansers with ingredients like tea tree oil or benchmark thyme oil, known for their antibacterial properties, helps reduce bacteria on the skin. Anti-inflammatory creams containing Aloe Vera and essential oils help soothe inflammation and promote healing.
What is Benchmark Thyme?
Benchmark thyme oil is the result of many years of research and analysis into finding the best combination of different thyme plants for skin application. It is a uniquely formulated blend of thyme oils derived from four thyme cultivars. While certain aroma-chemicals such as terpinen-4-ol are present in tea tree oil and others like linalool can be found in normal thyme oil, it is only in benchmark thyme that these and numerous other aroma-chemicals synergistically converge, making it truly unparalleled. This unique blend is powerful against bacteria but still gentle on the skin.
How to prevent HS flare ups.
Keep the affected area clean: Cleanse your skin using an antibacterial soap or wash, as it help to reduce bacteria on your skin.
Apply an antimicrobial cream with Aloe Vera: Antimicrobial cream can be an effective step in soothing the discomfort associated with HS. These creams are formulated to sooth inflammation, providing relief and promoting healing. You can add a few drops of antimicrobial Benchmark Thyme or Tea Tree essential oil to the matching light moisturiser to increase it's potency.
Warm Compresses: Applying warm, moist compresses to HS-affected areas can help reduce pain and promote drainage of abscesses. Use a clean, warm, damp cloth for this purpose. Adding a few drops of Tea Tree or Benchmark Thyme essential oil to a bowl of warm water to dampen a cloth can help sooth and pacify inflammation.
Ware looser clothing. Tight garments that rub against HS-affected areas can irritate the skin and make symptoms worse.
Opt for a Natural Organic Deodorant: Certain products can be too harsh on sensitive HS-prone skin. Look for an antiperspirant or deodorant that doesn't contain parabens, alcohol, baking soda, or fragrance. These ingredients can irritate the skin and cause hidradenitis suppurativa to flare. I love using this one for my sensitive skin:
Maintain a healthy weight: Excess body weight can worsen HS symptoms. Achieving and maintaining a healthy weight through diet and exercise may help alleviate some of the discomfort.
Change your diet. Adopting a nutritious diet rich in anti-inflammatory and antioxidant foods can help reduce flare-ups and support weight loss.
Stress Management: Stress can exacerbate HS symptoms, so consider incorporating relaxation techniques like deep breathing exercises, yoga, or meditation into your daily routine.
Remember that HS varies from person to person, and what works for one individual may not work for another. Our HS Sample Pack contains both benchmark thyme and tea tree products in sample sizes. Ideal for doing patch tests on your unique skin.
Things you should avoid if you have hidradenitis suppurativa.
Stop scrubbing your skin. Many people with hidradenitis suppurativa mistakenly believe their skin is dirty, but that's not the case. Scrubbing your skin to try and clean it can actually make things worse by causing inflammation, which can aggravate HS. It's important to avoid excessive scrubbing to prevent further irritation.
Be cautious when shaving or avoid shaving altogether. Dermatologists generally advise against waxing, as it can irritate the skin and potentially trigger more HS flare-ups. It's important to choose gentler hair removal methods to avoid further aggravation. Start by washing your skin thoroughly with an antibacterial cleanser, then use a natural antibacterial conditioner with Aloe Vera as a shaving lotion to help protect your skin.
Avoid excessive sweating and overheating, as these can worsen hidradenitis suppurativa symptoms. To minimise sweating, we recommend:
- Limiting physical activity in warm or hot environments, including outdoors.
- Staying in cool indoor spaces or using air conditioning when possible.
- Going outdoors during cooler times, like early morning or late afternoon.
If you smoke, it's important to quit. Stopping smoking not only improves your overall health and longevity, but it can also reduce hidradenitis suppurativa flare-ups and help prevent the condition from worsening.
I hope you found this blog helpful. While managing hidradenitis suppurativa can be challenging, incorporating self-care strategies can indeed make a difference in alleviating symptoms and improving your comfort. Remember, small steps can have a big impact on managing this condition, from gentle skincare routines to lifestyle adjustments that support your health and well-being. Stay patient with yourself as you find what works best for your body. You’re not alone in this, and with the right tools and a proactive approach, you can improve your quality of life and manage HS more effectively.
