So I'm 21 and I've been suffering with HS since I was 17. I only got diagnosed 3 months ago after spending 3 years at my old GP just getting palmed off with different sorts of antibiotics and dermo cream. I suffer with HS in my armpits where I can get up to 3-4 abscess the size of golf balls. eventually when the do burst it can take hours before it stops weeping. Since being diagnosed I'm still on antibiotics and some sort of cream. But I was wondering if anyone could help with some home remedies to help me prevent the flares or things to help with the pain when it does flare up!
I've done loads of the suggested things such as change my deodorant and shower gel for me not shaving seems to irritate me and make it worse. I've lost 5st in weight (nearly the ideal bmi). I don't wear tight clothes or high bras.
Really hope you guys could give me some advice and help as like many others I thought I was alone for a long time
Hi, have you tried epsom salt baths. You can pick it up from most retailer. Or try vicks vapor rub before they pop it brings them to a head and also sooths the pain. I hope you find relief soon there is nothing worse then being in pain. Xx
Hi Shannon! I'm 22 and have been in a similar position to you before so atleast know it will get better! Firstly, have you been referred to a dermatologist? Mine are amazing and have really helped me to get to remission from symptoms through high strength antibiotics, blood tests, steroid injections and now a constant course of lymecycline which is working wonders
As for home remedies, I used to take ibuprofen for the pain and swelling, a hot flannel on the infected area works well at bringing out the pus and infection quicker, and regular dressing of the wound helps too when I have really bad lumps that burst, often a patch of my skin is left open and almost refuses to heal, if you have a similar thing, I used iodine dressings for a while which help to keep the wound clean and fight infection, and salt water was almost a miracle worker for me and I would highly recommend trying that - mix a teaspoon of salt with boiling water and let it cool then apply to the affected areas for as long as you can manage as it will keep the area clean and also draw out infection also, if you have scars like me and they are bothering you, ask your gp/dermatologist for steroid tape, it's a clear tape that you put over scars to reduce their appearance - sounds superficial but I have fairly bad ones and it's massively helping mine
All the best and hope you feel better soon! Hope this is helpful xxx
Thank you amyf1992. Every time I see my GP I ask him when can I be referred he keeps telling me the same thing that I have to wait a little bit longer to see if the cream and another course of antibiotics will work. Even though I've been admitted twice in 2 and half months to hospital to have them lanced! But at my next appointment I will try and push. And yes the scaring is really bad and deep with me.
Again thank you for all the information and home remedies I will certainly be trying them soon. Thank you xxx
definitely push for it as the dermatologist will be able to empathise in an entirely different way and for me that was a massive help.
I've also read some things online about avoiding certain foods and trying to see if it's caused by an allergy.. There is no medical proof of it working so gps and doctors are always dubious but it might be worth a read anyway, and there're some interesting success stories
Just want to say also, that everything will get better, just keep being strong, and rely on your friends and family, I didn't tell anyone for a long time and I wish now that I had told the people I love and trust most xxx
