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Real members of myHSteam have posted questions and answers that support our community guidelines, and should not be taken as medical advice. Looking for the latest medically reviewed content by doctors and experts? Visit our resource section.

Swimming With HS

A myHSteam Member asked a question 💭
Alberta Canada

What’s everyone’s experience swimming in a pool, hot tub, lake, or ocean with HS? Active flare or not? Tunnel lesion or not? Open sores or closed?

January 19
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A myHSteam Member

The problem I have always had swimming is that I have HS in my groin, and any bathing suit bottom cuts right where HS is. I am going to get some black spandex shorts and they will be my bathing suit bottoms!

January 20
A myHSteam Member

All are good.....but that might depend on the lesion(s) you have and how bad they are. I go south in the winter and swim in the ocean and I'm convinced the salt water helps to get rid of HS.....usually when I come home I have no HS flares! Zits are in the first layer of skin, HS goes into the 2nd layer apparently, so realistically similar to zits!

January 19
A myHSteam Member

Swimming can be a beneficial activity for people with hidradenitis suppurativa (HS), but there are several considerations to keep in mind:

1. Assess Your Lesions:
- Check if your lesions are healing or if you are experiencing a flare-up. Swimming might not be advisable if you have open wounds or severe lesions.

2 Show Full Answer

Swimming can be a beneficial activity for people with hidradenitis suppurativa (HS), but there are several considerations to keep in mind:

1. Assess Your Lesions:
- Check if your lesions are healing or if you are experiencing a flare-up. Swimming might not be advisable if you have open wounds or severe lesions.

2. Water Quality:
- Public pools, hot tubs, and water parks can sometimes be contaminated. Over 10% of public pools fail routine testing. Consider using test strips to check the water quality, especially in private pools.

3. Type of Water:
- Some people with HS find that chlorine pools can irritate their skin, while others have no issues with natural bodies of water like lakes or oceans. However, natural waters can also contain bacteria, so be cautious if you have open wounds.

4. Swimming Benefits:
- Swimming is a low-intensity activity that can help you stay cool and avoid sweating or overheating, which can be beneficial for managing HS symptoms.

5. Personal Experiences:
- Some individuals report relief from pain while swimming in pools, although the pain may return afterward. It's important to find what works best for you.

6. Safety Precautions:
- Avoid swimming in crowded pools to reduce the risk of infection. If you have an open wound, be extra cautious to prevent secondary infections.

By considering these factors, you can make informed decisions about swimming with HS.

July 17
A myHSteam Member

@A myHSteam Member I have some tunnels that have broken skin but seem to be healed over now but they are fragile - these are my main concern.
As for sores they seem to be okay I get injections if they appear as often as I can ( every 6 weeks) so they are not as much of a concern cause I can do them myself when I need it.

January 19

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