Did you know that benzocaine — the numbing agent found in many over-the-counter (OTC) pain relief products such as Boil Ease — has been around for over a century? It’s been a go-to remedy for everything from mouth pain to skin irritations. But can it relieve the painful boils caused by hidradenitis suppurativa (HS)?

HS is a long-term skin condition marked by deep, recurring nodules that can develop in sensitive areas like the armpits, buttocks, and groin. Some people with HS turn to OTC treatments containing benzocaine in hopes of soothing their pain. Let’s take a closer look at benzocaine and whether it’s a good option for managing HS symptoms.

What Is Boil Ease?

Boil Ease is an OTC topical analgesic (numbing agent) that temporarily relieves pain from boils and other skin irritations by blocking nerve signals. While it may ease discomfort, it won’t reduce swelling or prevent new boils from forming.

Can Benzocaine Help HS Boils?

As mentioned, benzocaine can provide temporary relief from pain and discomfort. However, it’s unclear how well benzocaine works for HS-related pain.

Treatment guidelines, including those from the Hidradenitis Suppurativa Foundation and Cleveland Clinic, often recommend lidocaine skin creams as part of a pain management plan for HS. Some myHSteam members report using lidocaine for relief, with one sharing, “I use lidocaine under my armpits when I have really bad inflammation. It helps me so much.” In some cases, oral medications like acetaminophen (Tylenol) and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen, may also help relieve HS-related pain.

Are There Risks in Using Benzocaine?

While benzocaine-based products may reduce pain, they can cause skin reactions such as redness or discoloration, stinging, swelling, or irritation.

A more serious concern is methemoglobinemia, a rare condition in which oxygen delivery in the blood is impaired. Symptoms include bluish skin, headache, fatigue, and shortness of breath. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has highlighted this risk, especially with benzocaine-containing products.

Reports From myHSteam Members

HS causes severe pain that can make daily activities difficult and take a toll on mental health. “It’s so painful at times and knowing that it will just come back is discouraging,” one myHSteam member wrote. “The pain never gets any easier and walking is a pain,” another member shared. As a result, many members turn to benzocaine-based products like Boil Ease for pain relief:

• “This flare is on day four, and it’s very angry. I can barely walk my dogs. I started using Boil Ease for the pain.”
• “The boil I have on my stomach was super painful. I couldn’t even wear jeans, mostly track pants or sweats only. Finally cleaned it and used Boil Ease and a bandage, so it’s not as bad.”
• “Boil Ease is my savior.”
• “Try Boil Ease for instant pain relief🙌🙌🙌.”

However, others find it less effective or only mildly helpful:

• “There is some stuff called Boil Ease that you have to ask the pharmacy for. You just put it on, and it sort of numbs the area. It works part of the time.”
• “I have a huge one on my thigh, and it won’t pop. I’m waddling like a duck even though I’ve used Boil Ease.”
• “Tried Boil Ease, but it didn’t help.”

Ask Your Healthcare Provider

Because HS is a complicated condition, talk to your dermatologist about long-term pain relief options. Benzocaine can help for a short time, but other treatments may work better. Finding the right approach may take time, but your doctor can help create a plan that fits your needs.

Talk With Others Who Understand

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

Are you wondering if benzocaine would help your HS boils? Have you given OTC products a try? Share your experience in the comments below, or start a conversation by posting on your Activities page.