If you have Hidradenitis Suppurativa (HS), you already know how hard it can be. A chronic skin condition, HS can cause everything from painful lumps to abscesses and tunnels beneath the skin. And it doesn’t discriminate against body parts either. HS can appear all over, whether the armpits, groin, buttocks or under the breasts. In most cases, where the skin rubs together.
Fortunately, with proper care and mindful product choices, you can find the exact products right for you.
However, did you know that many of the skincare treatments used to address HS may actually be worsening it? If you’re unfamiliar with which products to avoid and which to use, you’re not alone.
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Let’s cover five products you should avoid at all costs if you have HS…
1. Exfoliating Scrubs
Although exfoliating scrubs are popular for skin-smoothing, in individuals with HS, they’re far from soothing. The main reason for this is the particles in these products. Many of them are abrasive, such as salt, sugar, and even crushed nuts. If you expose sensitive skin to these, your inflammation and lesions may only get worse.
Because HS involves inflamed and sometimes open wounds, rough exfoliation may actually lead to infections as well.
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So what do you do?
To begin with, make sure you avoid products with gritty textures or that use scrubbers, as these can lead to microtears and inflame your skin. St. Ives Fresh Skin Apricot Scrub and Neutrogena Deep Clean Invigorating Foaming Scrub are two products known to cause such issues.
For an alternative, consider gentle cleansers that are free from fragrances and harsh chemicals. Options include CeraVe Hydrating Cleanser, Vanicream Gentle Facial Cleanser, and Avene Cleanance Gel.
RELATED: Is It HS? 6 Common Misdiagnoses Black Folks Should Look Out For
2. Alcohol-Based Products
Many alcohol-based products strip the skin of its natural oils, which is the last thing you want with HS. These include toners, astringents, and even some cleansers. Because alcohol disrupts the balance of your skin’s microbiome, it may exacerbate bacterial infections and inflammation as well.
Although everybody is different, it’s generally a smart idea to avoid certain products, such as Clinique Clarifying Lotion and the Neutrogena Alcohol-Free Toner. Even though this toner is alcohol-free, it contains other irritating chemicals that can make your issue worse.
Two products to consider instead are Paula’s Choice Enriched Calming Toner and Thayers Witch Hazel Toner. Both of these products replenish the skin in a gentle, non-drying way. When combined with ingredients like aloe vera, they can be especially nourishing.
3. Products with Harsh Chemicals or Fragrances
Many fragranced products contain synthetic chemicals that trigger allergic reactions, particularly in people with HS. If your skin is already highly sensitive, it’s best to avoid any products that have the following:
- Parabens
- Sulfates
- Phthalates
- Artificial fragrances
In many cases, products labeled “unscented” will still contain masking fragrances that can trigger inflammation. A couple of popular products to avoid include Dove Sensitive Skin Body Wash and Olay Complete All Day Moisturizer with SPF. These products contain fragrances and sulfates that can be particularly troublesome for people with HS.
Looking for something better? Consider products that are expressly free of fragrances, parabens, and sulfates, or those that are dermatologist-tested for gentle skin. Several products to try include Vanicream Gentle Body Wash, Eucerin Advanced Cleansing Body and Face Cleanser, and Dr. Jart+ Cicapair Tiger Grass Calming Mist.
4. Heavy Creams or Ointments
Now obviously, you want to moisturize if you have HS. After all, HS can cause severe dryness and irritation, so keeping your skin nourished is a must. However, you can have too much of a good thing.
Some creams and ointments are so thick and heavy that they actually clog your pores.
When pores are blocked, this can lead to blockages in your sweat glands and hair follicles, which is a disastrous recipe for further flare-ups and symptoms.
So be mindful. Avoid products like Vaseline Petroleum Jelly and Aquaphor Healing Ointment. These products are thick and greasy and may trap sweat and bacteria, compounding the breakouts of HS.
Instead, opt for lightweight moisturizers and lotions that are fast-absorbing and non-comedogenic. When a product is non-comedogenic, it is specifically formulated to not clog your pores. Your best bet for products like this are CeraVe Daily Moisturizing Lotion, Eucerin Advanced Repair Lotion, and La Roche-Posay Toleriane Double Repair Face Moisturizer.
Your natural skin barrier will be preserved and you won’t have that feeling of greasiness or heaviness.
RELATED: How Do You Know If You Have Hidradenitis Suppurativa?
5. Certain Anti-Acne Treatments
Acne and HS may both be skin conditions, but they have highly different causes and symptoms. While active ingredients in many acne products are useful for acne, they can do more harm than good for people with HS.
You especially want to avoid ingredients like benzoyl peroxide, salicylic acid, and retinoids, which can be overly harsh. Not to mention, they can severely aggravate open lesions.
Two products you should not use are Clean & Clear Continuous Control Acne Cleanser and Differin Gel (Adapalene). The first cleanser contains 10% benzoyl peroxide, while the second gel may be too aggressive for sensitive skin.
Instead, look into products with active ingredients like niacinamide, and that use low or no concentrations of problematic ingredients. Three products that may be right for you include Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1%, Aveeno Clear Complexion Foaming Cleanser, and Burt’s Bees Natural Acne Solutions Purifying Gel.
These topical treatments use low levels of problematic ingredients and can help reduce inflammation while protecting your skin’s natural barrier.
And at the end of the day, that’s what treating HS is all about. Although everybody’s skin is different, the products described above are generally safe for people with HS. They do not expose your body to harsh synthetic chemicals, and instead provide gentle, nourishing relief.
Speak with your doctor, try various products and treatment plans, and personalize the approach right for you. Although it might take a little bit of time to find the right products, you’ll at least be starting on the right foot.
After all, knowing what not to use is half the battle. In due time, with some perseverance and a little dermatologist guidance, you’ll notice the difference.
Conquering HS has never felt better!
