Hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) is a chronic inflammatory skin condition generally managed using various medications including corticosteroids and biologics. However, many people with moderate to severe forms of this illness have benefited from supplementing their medical regimen with natural remedies. If you are dealing with HS, it might be worth it to talk to your doctor about alternative treatments that can help.
8 Natural Remedies for HS
1. Honey
Honey has been used to heal wounds for years because of its antimicrobial properties. Studies show that honey can dehydrate bacteria while its high sugar content prevents them from flourishing. It’s best to use medical-grade honey on your HS wounds as it is specially formulated to be sterile and less likely to cause an allergic reaction. You can apply honey to lesions and small wounds.
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2. Aloe Vera
While aloe vera may not heal your wounds, it can help to soothe itchiness and alleviate the pain associated with HS. If you opt for this treatment, you should use the natural gel from the plant. You can apply it directly to lesions on your skin.
3. Diluted Bleach
Getting in a diluted bleach bath can effectively dry out seeping abscesses and prevent infection. To prepare this bath, add ¼ – ½ cup of five percent bleach to your bath water. You should then soak the affected areas for 10 – 20 minutes no more than three times per week. You should never place undiluted bleach directly on your skin or use the bath if you have open wounds. Additionally, using a bleach bath in combination with topical corticosteroids or prescription blood thinners may cause tears in your skin.
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4. Epsom Salt
Some people with HS have noted that taking Epsom salt baths helps to dry out their lesions. To make this bath, dissolve a cup of Epsom salt in half a tub of hot water. Once the salt dissolves, add more hot water and submerge yourself up to your neck for 20 minutes.
5. Apple Cider Vinegar
Studies show that apple cider vinegar can have antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. For this bath, add 1 – 2 cups of apple cider vinegar to a full bath of hot water. You should soak in it for no more than 20 minutes at a time.
6. Turmeric
The great thing about turmeric is that you can take the supplement or apply it directly to lesions. Supplements should contain piperine as it enhances the absorption of the anti-inflammatory, curcumin. You can also make a paste from turmeric powder and apply it to the affected areas.
7. Vicks Vaporub
This hasn’t been studied but some people with HS claim that Vaporub reduces their pain. Doctors surmise that it may be an effect of the camphor, eucalyptus, and menthol in the balm.
8. A Warm Compress
A warm compress can help to prepare a lesion for further treatment by drawing out pus and soothing inflammation. Place the wrapped compress on the area for 10 minutes then rinse the area with a gentle antibacterial soap. You should then dry the area thoroughly before applying any creams or ointments prescribed by your doctor.
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Why They’re Great for Black People
Not only are the symptoms of HS different for Black Americans, but they can also be more severe. Additionally, a recent study on patients who have accessed emergency care for complications associated with HS showed that 49 percent of them were Black. While the reasons for this occurrence have varied, a few that were discussed include poor access to consistent health care for their condition, a late diagnosis, or a misdiagnosis of HS as a different condition such as psoriasis.
Though the numbers for people dealing with HS often don’t include many Black Americans, studies still show that they’re three times as likely to develop the condition as other ethnicities. If you’re biracial, your risk is still double that of someone who’s white. Given your risk for developing HS and how badly the symptoms usually affect Black people, it’s a good idea to use natural or alternative treatments to maintain your health.
When to see Your Doctor
As helpful as natural treatments can be, they’re not meant to replace a medical regimen. If you haven’t been diagnosed but have the symptoms of HS, it’s best to see a doctor to get a diagnosis as soon as possible. For those who have been diagnosed, it’s important to note that your medication won’t be set in stone. It’s typical to keep modifying the regimen to ensure that the treatment continues to be effective.
You should always let your doctor know if your symptoms aren’t being controlled by your prescribed drugs anymore. For some people, medication isn’t enough and doctors have to recommend surgery or other medical procedures like laser treatment.
Black people have a higher risk of developing HS but they don’t always get the treatment they need promptly. Your best bet for managing the condition is to get a diagnosis and start treatment. However, natural remedies can help to soothe your symptoms while waiting and even when you have a medical regimen in place.
