Don't overdo summertime activity or sun exposure so that you work up a terrible sweat, of course. Also for years I've been wearing thinner and somewhat looser fitting fabrics so keep from getting too hot and also to allow better evaporation of sweat... It's one of few things that the doctor suggested early on that I think may have consistently helped me to have improved HS management.

It has its limitations - bad flareups are still possible no matter what I wear of course - but it really might have helped at least a little . I finally signed on to the idea when it truly stated to seem like I had a bad flare about every time I put on a pair of jeans. Haven't worn a pair in at least 5 years now but can't say I miss them that much.

I haven't had heat or sweat affect my HS.

Sweat can be a big trigger for sure. I find keeping any hair trimmed (if you get them in your groin or armpits) helps. Shaving or waxing completely seems to irritate the bumps, so I don't shave, but I do keep the hair trimmed (I can't believe I am saying this, TMI! At least it's not my real name!) with a clippers, kind of a buzz cut. Anything longer kind of traps the sweat in that area and leads to an increase in breakouts.

Obviously if you do any strenuous activity, wash off right away.

I don't like the creams and powders you can use to keep sweat off your skin. Like anti-chafing kind of things. I find they make things worse.

What does help is spending time after every shower to just lay under a fan in the summer and make sure every crease in my skin is super, super dry. The drier the better. The breakouts seem to thrive in areas where they don't get a lot of oxygen, so I fight them by keeping the skin aired out as much as possible. It does help!

The summer time heat can really encourage breakouts. I agree with the other comments posted. Friction and sweat needs to be avoided as much as possible. It took me a long time to feel comfortable wearing tank tops or camisoles but it makes a world of difference to not constrict heat in my underarms which have been a chronic flare up spot. Tight fitting clothing is a no no as well. Like Tulip said, being able to air out is very important and I think wearing as little as possible while at home helps. It takes awhile to find a comfort level with your HS and find ways to tolerate your condition. Good luck.

Hello, I totally agree with tulip and chronic ad it seems you are taking all the right measures from my perspective. Many people also shower with Hibiclense. Heat is my trigger also. Who would've thought we would ever have dreaded summer :( Best to you and wishing you a pain free day!

Hello, I totally agree with tulip, starry, and chronic ad it seems you are taking all the right measures from my perspective. Many people also shower with Hibiclense. Heat is my trigger also. Who would've thought we would ever have dreaded summer :( Best to you and wishing you a pain free day!

I'm not looking forward to summer either. I have a double wammy coming up. Between going through the change and summer is horrible on the sweat. Leggings help and so does loose shorts. No underwear if you can do it. I do wear boy shorts and they help a bit. Staying inside with the cool air helps of course. I hope everyone has a flareup free summer :-)