Living with hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) means finding skin care practices that work well with your medical treatments. Some members of myHSteam have asked about using products like African black soap to manage HS symptoms like itching, nodules, and lesions. You may have heard about this type of soap and wondered if it would help your skin.

Different over-the-counter (nonprescription) products, like soaps, can affect people with HS differently. It’s always a good idea to ask your dermatologist before trying new skin care products. This article explains the basics of African black soap if you’re curious about trying it.

What Is African Black Soap?

African black soap was first made in West Africa hundreds of years ago. Today, this type of soap is made all over the world, with slight differences depending on where it’s made.

African black soap is usually free of lye, which is a common ingredient in other soaps. It also doesn’t usually contain scents, fragrances, dyes, or other additives. Originally, African black soap was made by hand. It is soft, gray, or brown, and may be more crumbly than commercially made soaps.

Most African black soap contains at least one of these ingredients:

• Shea butter
• Palm or palm kernel oil
• Cocoa butter, cocoa pod ash, or cocoa powder
• Plantain leaves, bark, or ash
• Coconut oil

Sometimes, African black soap will have other natural products added to it. These include essential oils, honey, lime, oatmeal, aloe vera, or camwood, a tree native to West Africa. If you’re sensitive to any of these ingredients, be sure to check the label on African black soaps before using them to avoid skin damage or allergic reactions.

Is African Black Soap Good for Hidradenitis Suppurativa?

There’s no evidence that African black soap can treat HS directly. However, it may still be a good option for cleansing, moisturizing, and preventing bacteria from building up.

African black soap has traditionally been known for its antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and exfoliating properties. It can also help treat skin conditions like acne, razor burn, mild skin rashes, and dandruff.

Antibacterial Properties

A 2023 study found that African black soap alone, as well as mixtures of African black soap with aloe vera, lime, or camwood, can prevent the growth of several common forms of bacteria.

HS isn’t caused by bacteria, but studies have shown that bacteria are often present on the skin of people with HS. In addition, open sores and boils from HS can be more vulnerable to bacterial infections. Since antibacterial soaps are often recommended for HS, African black soap could be a good option.

Anti-Inflammatory Properties

African black soap may also help reduce inflammation. In HS, the immune system triggers inflammation in the skin, leading to symptoms like boils. Anti-inflammatory ingredients may help reduce irritation, itching, and pain.

Exfoliating Properties

African black soap also has exfoliating properties, which can help clean the skin and prevent clogged pores and hair follicles. Symptoms of HS are caused by clogged hair follicles deep in the skin. While African black soap can’t reach those deeper layers, it may help exfoliate and soothe the top layer of skin.

Members of myHSteam on African Black Soap for Hidradenitis Suppurativa

Some members of myHSteam have found that African black soap helps their skin. “I also religiously use manuka honey and soak in African black soap when flares get to the point of being unable to walk,” one member said. Another shared, “Just posted an update on black soap — amazing results!”

Another said, “I flare in my groin/thighs, so I use an alternating combo of the Honey Pot pH wash and raw black soap. I find it doesn’t mess with my balance or cause irritation.”

While results may not be the same for everyone, African black soap could be a good option to try.

How To Use African Black Soap for Hidradenitis Suppurativa

African black soap is easy to use, but your skin may need some time to adjust to it. Following a plan can help prevent irritation to your skin.

Test a Small Area of Skin

When you live with HS, you know that a lot of things can trigger flare-ups on your sensitive skin. This includes some skin care products. For that reason, it’s a good idea to test any new products on a small area of skin, like the inside of your elbow, for a few days in a row before you use them on your whole body.

Start by choosing a small area of skin, about the size of a quarter, that isn’t affected by HS. Apply African black soap to that area twice a day for seven to 10 days. Use it just as you would use it on the rest of your body. Watch for any changes like swelling, itching, or changes in color.

If you notice any reactions, wash the area thoroughly with a different kind of soap that you know is safe, and don’t use the African black soap again. If your skin doesn’t react, the soap is probably safe for you to use on the rest of your body.

Using African Black Soap After Testing

Start by using African black soap only a few times a week. To use it, cut or crumble off a small chunk of soap and dissolve it in water. Lather the soapy water in your hands and apply it to your body. Massage the soap into your skin gently, especially on areas affected by HS. Leave it on for about 90 seconds, then rinse it off and follow the skin care routine recommended by your dermatologist.

African black soap is safe to use once or even twice a day if it doesn’t irritate your skin. Since using it too much can make your skin dry or even irritated, it’s best to start slow and gradually increase your usage as your skin adjusts. Dryness and irritation are the only known side effects of African black soap, unless you have a particular sensitivity to an ingredient in the soap.

Talk to Your Doctor

If you’re interested in trying African black soap or any other home remedy for hidradenitis suppurativa, talk to your health care provider or dermatologist for medical advice first. They can offer advice tailored to your skin and health needs. They may also suggest specific brands or sellers of African black soap that would be best for you. Your dermatology team can help you find the best treatment options, both medical and home remedies, to help you manage your HS and improve your quality of life.

Talk With Others Who Understand

At myHSteam, you’ll find the social network for people with hidradenitis suppurativa and their loved ones. On myHSteam, more than 46,000 members come together to ask questions, give advice, and share their stories with others who understand life with hidradenitis suppurativa.

Have you tried African black soap for hidradenitis suppurativa? How did it work for you? Share your experience in the comments below, or start a conversation by posting on your Activities page.