HS Symptoms? Here’s How to Feel Your Best No Matter What

They say to ‘love the skin you’re in,’ but what if that skin is causing serious problems?

While we all deal with skin problems from time to time – whether due to seasonal changes or personal sensitivities – not all skin issues are created equal. In the case of Hidradenitis Suppurativa (HS), it goes well beyond a skin issue—it’s a journey that demands resilience.

It doesn’t matter if you’re just recently diagnosed with HS or have been fighting the battle for years; the symptoms are hard to ignore. The truth is, painful, inflamed lumps or scars in areas like the armpits or groin can leave anyone feeling vulnerable or down.

Fortunately, with practical steps, confidence can shine through.

Are you ready to get your condition under control and get back to living life?

Ready to take the dive and take back ownership of your body, look, and feel?

When it comes to HS, you’ve got options you never knew existed. Let’s explore some of the top ways to address this unsightly condition, day in and day out, no matter what…

Understand the Causes

Before you can develop a personalized treatment plan with your dermatologist, it’s important to understand what exactly HS is and why it happens. HS develops when hair follicles or sweat glands clog, triggering inflammation and tender nodules, usually marked by scarring.

Now, while you may feel particularly unlucky, and while it’s true that the condition only impacts one to four percent of people, here’s the double-edged sword: it typically starts early. We’re talking in the teenage years or early 20s.

In other words, you start experiencing it sooner rather than later, both a burden and an advantage.

After all, this means you have plenty of time to try new remedies, make lifestyle adjustments, and learn to control nasty flare-ups. In many cases, simply recognizing your triggers – stress, hormonal changes, heat, or tight clothing – gives you a tremendous head-start in treating HS symptoms.

Although no cure exists, combining lifestyle tweaks with medicine can help many people thrive.

Let’s discuss what you can do.

Consider the Clothing

As you may guess, a wardrobe can make a big difference. It’s not uncommon for many tight or synthetic fabrics to irritate, trapping sweat and worsening HS.

So keep your skin calm! Whenever possible, opt for breathable fabrics such as cotton, linen, or bamboo. For women, loose tops or flowing skirts minimize rubbing, while men can opt for an equally loose shirt or sweatshirt.

Another thing to remember is to avoid irritants. Scratchy seams or tags can aggravate sores, whereas seamless clothing and apparel do not. If you’re layering, be smart about which layers go where. For instance, a cotton shirt under a loose cardigan adjusts to temperature shifts almost perfectly, keeping you cool when heat sparks flare.

If these adjustments still aren’t cutting it, consider wearing specialized clothing like moisture-wicking or anti-microbial gear. Although pricier, these options can be a lifesaver for active days.

And finally, do you. Clothing isn’t just about practical solutions, it’s about expressing your style. Whether you’re looking laid-back or sharp and dressed to the nines, boosting your mood and feeling good can also reduce stress, thereby reducing HS triggers!

Soothe the Skin

Fundamentally, the best way to treat HS symptoms is by addressing your skin directly. There are many ways to do this, and it all starts with smart hygiene. In other words, proper cleansing and hydrating (without irritating).

For starters, consider fragrance-free, non-comedogenic cleansers. Non-comedogenic simply means they’re particularly formulated to keep your pores from blocking. Remember: harsh soaps inflame, so skip them. And when you dry off, pat dry – but don’t rub – with a soft towel.

Ready to moisturize? Just ensure that you’re using moisturizers that can help seal in hydration, especially following a shower. The best for these are lotions with aloe or ceramides, as they can calm and protect your flesh.

You may also consider antibacterial washes like chlorhexidine or benzoyl peroxide that reduce bacteria for many people. And speaking of bacteria, never neglect to rinse after exercise or really anything that leaves you sweaty. Hopping in the shower for a quick rinse is the best method for this.

Just don’t overdo it. Be mindful, listen to your body, and adjust whenever necessary. If you feel your skin is drying out due to over-washing, consult your dermatologist for other ways to address your needs.

Makeup Touch Ups

Even for men, sometimes a little makeup on an affected area can make all the difference. If you have scars or redness that are highly visible, add a touch of mineral-based concealer or light foundation. Hydrating primers are also useful, making it easier to apply other products as well.

Just don’t go overboard on the concealer. Stick to dabbing it, and always make sure your fingers are clean or you’re using a sponge.

As a rule of thumb with makeup, keep it light. Because heavy makeup traps sweat and clogs the pores, many HS sufferers opt for tinted moisturizers with SPF. This keeps you looking fresh while also providing your body’s largest organ with the protection it needs.

And if you still find yourself having severe issues, or worse yet, psychologically struggling due to your condition, don’t be afraid to seek mental health services.

Mental Health Priorities

HS can weigh heavily. Pain, unpredictability, and scars hit hard emotionally, sometimes more than physically. For this reason, there’s no shame in feeling isolated or down on yourself at times.

What matters is how you pick yourself back up!

If you find your mood has dampened, you’re detaching from things you once enjoyed, or you’re losing hope in the face of HS, know that help is out there. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is one way to do it, as it reframes negative thoughts and eases stress, a major HS trigger.

You can also join local communities and support groups – you’d be surprised how many are just a click away on social media. The message board r/Hidradenitis on Reddit is a popular one that many people love. You’ll find similar experiences, innovative treatments, and other remedies and lifestyle adjustments you may never have considered.

For instance, many people find that cutting dairy and sugar helps. Others swear by gentle movements through swimming, walking, or yoga. Some sufferers may even offer you sound advice on antibacterial creams, oral meds, and more powerful medications like biologics.

At the end of the day, it’s all about understanding and compassion. Take your ‘wins’ one at a time and don’t be embarrassed or broken by ‘losses.’ Talk to friends, share your struggles, and embrace support wherever it may manifest.

By working with a trusted dermatologist and having a trusted emotional health network, you can start managing your HS symptoms better than ever today!