An embarrassing skin condition known as hidradenitis suppurativa can cause you years of pain as you search for a cure. You may often find yourself traveling far and wide, to various doctors and treatment centers to relieve the discomfort.
We have discovered several lifestyle tips and hidradenitis suppurativa natural treatment options that may help with your symptoms. What is hidradenitis suppurativa? Let’s understand this chronic condition before learning how to treat it.
Hidradenitis suppurativa is a rare and chronic skin condition that presents as lumps under the skin’s surface. These small bumps are usually located in the apocrine sweat glands, which are found in natural folds of the skin such as the breasts, the buttocks, the groin region, and the armpits. Their appearance may be quite unappealing, and they can be painful as they become irritated and burst open. These characteristics generate an emotional response in sufferers, as the condition can play on the mind as well as the body.
If you think you may have the hidradenitis suppurativa condition, early diagnosis and treatment is key to prevent further complications. Depending on the source of your outbreaks, your doctor (frequently a dermatologist) may offer medicated treatments such as antibiotics, corticosteroid injections, or hormone therapy. Severe cases may even require surgery. These methods could help clear up existing breakouts, reduce the appearance of scars, and possibly prevent new bumps from forming.
How to Treat Hidradenitis Suppurativa Naturally
Less serious instances of the skin disease may clear with home remedies. Try one or more of the following hidradenitis suppurativa natural home treatments.
1. Turmeric
Considered to be one of the more successful natural treatments for hidradenitis suppurativa, turmeric is a powerful spice typically used to boost your overall health and any abscesses. For an oral treatment, add one teaspoon of turmeric powder to a glass of milk or water and drink twice each day.
2. Hot Compress
Any discomfort, pain, and inflammation may be alleviated with the use of a hot compress. Heat a compress or rinse a cloth in hot water and apply to the affected region once it has cooled a bit. Leave on the area for 10 minutes.
3. Tea Bags
Tea bags are used to reduce inflammation and swelling of various cysts and abscesses, including those of the hidradenitis suppurativa skin condition. Boil a tea bag and allow it to steep for one minute before applying hot (but not scalding) to the affected region for a 10-minute treatment. This remedy may also reduce any pain.
4. Rubbing Alcohol
Rubbing alcohol is considered to be one of the better hidradenitis suppurativa natural cures. However, this method is not to be used on open sores. Soak a cotton ball or swab in rubbing alcohol and apply to the affected regions throughout the day as needed for relief.
5. Aloe Vera Gel
The natural anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties of the aloe vera plant may help to prevent further complications, especially those caused by fungal and staph infections. Apply the cool gel of the plant directly onto the areas affected by hidradenitis suppurativa.
6. Oil Bath
A bath can help ease the emotional and physical pain we feel at any time, particularly with this condition. Certain essential oils may give an added boost to the healing and calming process such as tea tree oil or olive oil.
Additional inexpensive and natural options for treating hidradenitis suppurativa include:
- Epsom salts
- Witch hazel
- Iodine (topical use)
As with any natural remedy, it is important to discuss the risk of allergic reactions and possible drug interactions with your physician before beginning treatment.
Hidradenitis Suppurativa Dietary Changes
One of the contributing factors to hidradenitis suppurativa may relate to the connection between the food you eat and the biochemical processes within your body. A diet that includes consuming whole foods while avoiding triggers of your condition could aide in both treatment and prevention of flare-ups.
- Consume lots of fruits and vegetables, avoiding tomatoes, peppers, and eggplant.
- Eat organic, lean meats, and avoid beef when possible.
- Avoid processed foods and grains.
- Limit your intake of sugar, caffeine, gluten, flour, and chocolate.
- Drink green juices daily.
Lifestyle Changes for Hidradenitis Suppurativa
In addition to the dietary changes, your hidradenitis suppurativa may also benefit from a few simple lifestyle changes. Actions such as avoiding stress and getting plenty of rest may help your condition.
1. Don’t Shave
Avoid shaving during outbreaks of the lumps. The razor blade can force the sores to open and be susceptible to further infections. Research other hair removal options if you need to shave the affected areas.
2. Avoid Tight Clothing
Wear loose clothing to prevent friction of the cloth on the area. The hidradenitis suppurativa condition becomes exacerbated with sweat and tight clothing can bind the moisture into the folds of the skin.
3. Practice Proper Hygiene
Maintain good hygiene by carefully cleaning and washing the affected areas with mild soap and water. Use a crystal deodorant.
4. Maintain Ideal Weight
Lose any excess weight as it can create skin folds that can become effected with hidradenitis suppurativa.
5. Don’t Smoke
Stop smoking as the chemical components as well as the smoke itself can trigger outbreaks of the small sores.
6. Use Mild Soaps/Cleaners
Be aware of the harsh ingredients of laundry detergent, deodorants, perfumes, lotions, and cleaning products.
Hidradenitis suppurativa is a rare skin condition that can cause physical and emotional harm to a person. Small lumps can develop in the apocrine sweat gland areas of our body giving way to pain and possible open wounds. While there is no cure, you may find relief of the irritation and pain with natural remedies. By making a few changes to your current diet and lifestyle, you also may be able to prevent outbreaks while healing old wounds.
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Sources:
“Top Remedies for Hidradenitis Suppurativa,” Earth Clinic; https://www.earthclinic.com/cures/hidradenitis_suppurativa.html, last accessed July 12, 2017.
Sherwood, C., “12 Home Remedies for a Hidradenitis Suppurativa Cure,” Home Remedy Shop, October 23, 2015; https://homeremedyshop.com/12-home-remedies-for-a-hidradenitis-suppurativa-cure/, last accessed July 12, 2017.
“Hidradenitis Suppurativa,” Mayo Clinic; http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/hidradenitis-suppurativa/home/ovc-20200012, last accessed July 12, 2017.
“Hidradenitis suppurativa,” American Academy of Dermatology; https://www.aad.org/public/diseases/painful-skin-joints/hidradenitis-suppurativa#overview, last accessed July 12, 2017.