Hidradenitis Suppurativa Support Group
Hidradenitis suppurativa (hi-drad-uh-NIE-tis sup-yoo-ruh-TIE-vuh) is rare, long-term skin condition that features small, painful lumps under the skin. The disease manifests as clusters of chronic abscesses or boils, sometimes as large as baseballs, that are extremely painful to the touch and may persist for years with occasional to frequent periods of inflammation,...
I think you are the only ones who will understand what a huge day I had. My HS was diagnosed this summer after years of wondering what the hell was wrong. Today I participated in the Tour de Fat ( a bike parade, town party, huge event) wearing a sleeveless dress!!!
My HS is hit or miss on the upper thighs/ groin area and scarring and active tracts in both armpits. I have been unable to wear anything sleeveless for years. Reading through all of the posts and discussing with my doctor since June, here is what I have done....
Tumeric 500-1000mg a day
Fish oil, multivitamin and magnesium zinc combo
Washing areas with hibiclens ( after normal soaping in shower, let it sit a few minutes and rinse)
Drying all area's completly and using a hair dryer on creased areas, low heat.
NO Deoderant!!!!
For draining areas I massage any ick out and clean well, I use an otc triple antibiotic ointment on any " wet" areas. I will do hot wet compresses to help aid the draining twice a day, and hibiclens wash before bed.
If not activly draining I leave them uncovered and put a few drops of blue tansy oil ( tea tree works too) and apply like lotion in the whole area, this really has helped with the chaffing.
I find once they are smaller and dry ( and usually flatter and more dark red). If I apply benzoyl peroxide 10% to the area this seems to help fade and shrink them.
I am female, 39, smoker but otherwise great nutrition, moderate exercise ( though that has become more difficult with the breakouts.)
I am tall with about 20 extra pounds, damn kids!
I strated keeping track of any days where I was flaring of what I ate.
Fresh tomatoes for me! Though spaghetti sauce or salsa does not seem to make it worse.
Three months of this. ( plus years of trial and error with only worsening)
Today my armpits were clear enough I could wear a sleeveless dress in a huge costume bike parade and NOT be worried about how the HS looked! I am NOT cured, I am having a good day. My upper thighs hurt and I think I probably will have to baby that area because of all the sweating and bike riding..on and off the seat, ouch. I just needed to share that we still can have good days, it may be a struggle, remember to celebrate the good days!
My HS is hit or miss on the upper thighs/ groin area and scarring and active tracts in both armpits. I have been unable to wear anything sleeveless for years. Reading through all of the posts and discussing with my doctor since June, here is what I have done....
Tumeric 500-1000mg a day
Fish oil, multivitamin and magnesium zinc combo
Washing areas with hibiclens ( after normal soaping in shower, let it sit a few minutes and rinse)
Drying all area's completly and using a hair dryer on creased areas, low heat.
NO Deoderant!!!!
For draining areas I massage any ick out and clean well, I use an otc triple antibiotic ointment on any " wet" areas. I will do hot wet compresses to help aid the draining twice a day, and hibiclens wash before bed.
If not activly draining I leave them uncovered and put a few drops of blue tansy oil ( tea tree works too) and apply like lotion in the whole area, this really has helped with the chaffing.
I find once they are smaller and dry ( and usually flatter and more dark red). If I apply benzoyl peroxide 10% to the area this seems to help fade and shrink them.
I am female, 39, smoker but otherwise great nutrition, moderate exercise ( though that has become more difficult with the breakouts.)
I am tall with about 20 extra pounds, damn kids!
I strated keeping track of any days where I was flaring of what I ate.
Fresh tomatoes for me! Though spaghetti sauce or salsa does not seem to make it worse.
Three months of this. ( plus years of trial and error with only worsening)
Today my armpits were clear enough I could wear a sleeveless dress in a huge costume bike parade and NOT be worried about how the HS looked! I am NOT cured, I am having a good day. My upper thighs hurt and I think I probably will have to baby that area because of all the sweating and bike riding..on and off the seat, ouch. I just needed to share that we still can have good days, it may be a struggle, remember to celebrate the good days!
My truly victorious day will come when I can wear a bathing suit. Until then, it's baby steps for me.
May you always feel as victorious as you did during that parade!! Congrats!!! :)