if i have open wounds i just use water on thoes areas or a damp wash cloth. but on the rest of my flare-up spots i'll use antibacterial soap then in the unaffected areas of my body i use regular sented soap so i can smell nice.

I use what dermatologist recommended which is Hibiclens (2 bottles and pump on Amazon for $25). I have been using for 2 months now and no flare ups and seems to be helping preexisting sores and scars. You basically rinse off and I do my hair first normally (shampoo & conditioner) and then i turn shower away from me and apply the Hibiclens all over my body except face and private area and let it stay on for 3-5 min. During that time I rinse my hands off and do face, Then rinse off thoroughly. It’s been 2 months with no flares so seems to be working for me. For deodorant I use Mitchum clear gel unscented since teen years and I’m 59 and have never had a problem. I was diagnosed with HS two months ago and have had it since teen years and no other dermatologist had given me a diagnosis. So much incompetence with Drs. and all they want to do is put you in expensive drugs that they get kickbacks for. You need to do your own research and try to figure out what is causing the flare ups. To me it seems hormonal and my next step is to see an endocrinologist cause it is hormonal they should be able to identify what is out of whack and provide next course of action!

I use Dr. Bronner's Tea Tree Castile soap in the shower. I've used both the bar soap and the liquid version and they work the same. As for deodorant, right now I'm using Crystal magnesium deodorant (lavender and rosemary scent). I think it works pretty well and it doesn't bother my underams the way antiperspirant did.

I never use any deodorant as it always make me break out - Instead I wash just with water many times during the day, so I dont stink - As for soap, i use Dove and after my shower I rinse VERY well.