Q: I was recently diagnosed with a skin disease called Hidradenitis Suppurativa. Do they have any home remedies that may help with it? – L. P.
A: Hidradenitis suppurativa (hi-drad-uh-NIE-tis sup-yoo-ruh-TIE-vuh) is a chronic skin condition that features pea-sized to marble-sized lumps under the skin. Some people think they are boils when they appear. They appear along the sweat glands (where skin rubs together) — such as the armpits, groin, between the buttocks and under the breasts.
The lumps associated with hidradenitis suppurativa are usually painful and may break open and drain foul-smelling pus. In many cases, tunnels connecting the lumps will form under the skin.
Hidradenitis suppurativa tends to start after puberty, persist for years and worsen over time. Early diagnosis and treatment of hidradenitis suppurativa can help manage the symptoms and prevent new lesions from developing. Here are some lifestyle and home remedies that will help relieve the pain, speed up recovery and prevent the spread of infection:
- Apply warm compresses. A warm washcloth or compress can help reduce swelling.
- Keep the affected area clean. Gently wash the affected areas with antibacterial soap. After washing, apply an over-the-counter antibiotic.
- Wear loose-fitting clothes. Loose clothes and underwear can help prevent skin irritation, while tight, synthetic clothes may irritate your skin.
- Lose weight. Excess weight increases the number of areas where skin rubs together — for example, between skin folds — causing friction, increased perspiration and bacterial growth. Though weight loss won’t cure the disease, it may improve symptoms.
Please see a dermatologist and discuss a treatment plan with them. Most recently, laser treatments have been very effective.
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