If you’re living with hidradenitis suppurativa (HS), you know the struggle — painful cysts, inflammation, and skin flare-ups that can make daily life frustrating. You may be searching for anything that will bring relief. Some myHSteam members want to try at-home remedies, like essential oils. One myHSteam member shared their experience: “I put tea tree essential oils on [my lesions] every day, and it sure helps.”

But before trying any new treatments, talk to your dermatologist. They can explain the potential risks and benefits and ensure the remedy is safe for your skin condition. Remember that just because something works for one person’s HS flare-ups doesn’t mean it will work for you. Everyone’s treatment plan for HS is unique, so finding relief may take some trial and error.

Are you curious about using essential oils for hidradenitis suppurativa? From the claimed benefits to potential risks and tips for safe use, here’s everything you need to know.

Essential Oils Are Natural

Essential oils occur naturally in plants. They’re extracted from flowers, roots, stems, and leaves through processes like steam distillation or cold pressing. These processes capture the plant’s fragrances and active chemical properties. Essential oils can serve several purposes, including as insect repellents and tools for stress relief.

People have used essential oils in medicine for thousands of years. Some oils have antibacterial properties that can clean scrapes and cuts. Others have soothing effects that can help with burns.

Some Essential Oils May Help Hidradenitis Suppurativa

So, what essential oils work the best for people with HS? A few popular choices include tea tree, black seed, and neem oil, all of which are known to reduce inflammation. Everyone’s skin is different, so there isn’t a one-size-fits-all essential oil blend. It’s also important to note that using essential oils could have adverse effects. For example, some dermatologists (skin doctors) don’t recommend using essential oils on HS because the oil could possibly clog your pores. Make sure to talk to your doctor before using essential oils on your HS.

Tea Tree Oil

Tea tree oil stands out for its antibacterial, antiviral, and antifungal properties. It can be a powerful option for wound care and skin infection prevention. One myHSteam member shared their success: “I’ve had no flares thanks to lavender and tea tree oils.”

Tea tree oil may even reduce wound healing time, though there isn’t specific data about how it affects HS wounds.

Black Seed Oil

Black seed oil is another natural remedy myHSteam members discuss. As one member reported, “Black seed oil shrinks the boils when they start. Quite amazing. No other medicines I’ve tried work as well as it does.”

Black seed oil has antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. There is some evidence that it may help wound healing, as well as some evidence that it may be effective for treating acne and other skin conditions like psoriasis. There isn’t specific evidence about HS.

Neem Oil

Neem oil is known for healing wounds. It can help reduce inflammation. There is clinical trial evidence showing that neem oil can be beneficial for psoriasis, but there is not the same kind of research on neem oil and HS.

Other Essential Oils May Irritate Hidradenitis Suppurativa

Some essential oils can irritate the skin and worsen your HS. Because of their high concentration, they may be too harsh for the skin and could trigger skin reactions, including allergic reactions. You should avoid some essential oils for topical use, especially if you have HS. These include:

• Citrus oils, including lemon, orange, bergamot, grapefruit, tangerine, and lime, which react to light and can cause your skin to burn or blister
• Peppermint oil contains menthol, which can cause skin reactions
• Cinnamon bark oil, which is more prone to cause allergic reactions

It’s important to know that essential oils aren’t regulated in the United States. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) doesn’t oversee their harvest or production. That makes it difficult to know if you’re getting a good product. When purchasing essential oils, always read the ingredient label to understand what the product contains. This practice can help lower your risk of exposure to harmful substances.

There Are Ways To Use Essential Oils Safely

If you decide to try an essential oil remedy for HS, there are a few ways to prevent harmful skin reactions and side effects.

Dilute Before Applying

Because essential oils have a high concentration, you should not apply them directly to the skin. Instead, dilute them with a carrier oil, such as almond or coconut oil. For most topical applications, dermatologists recommend around a 2 percent dilution. That means adding 10 drops of essential oil per ounce of carrier oil. If you have sensitive skin, consider diluting it even more.

Do a Patch Test

Always test essential oils on a small patch of skin first, such as the inside of your wrist or forearm. Wait at least 24 hours to check for any allergic reactions or irritation. Repeat this test for a few more days before using the oils on larger areas of your body.

Use Sparingly

Essential oils are powerful. Only apply them once or twice a day, as needed. Overuse may clog pores and cause skin irritation.

There Are Other Over-the-Counter and Home Remedies

HS presents a variety of symptoms, including itchiness and pain. Therefore, you may need to use a combination of medical treatments, over-the-counter and home remedies, and lifestyle changes to find full relief. Below are some examples.

Pain Medicine

People with HS know how painful lesions can be, especially at night. Members of myHSteam discuss using over-the-counter pain relief medications such as ibuprofen (Motrin or Advil), acetaminophen (Tylenol), and naproxen (Aleve). One member noticed that ibuprofen helped his pain level decrease “from a 10 to a four.”

However, pain medications only offer short-term relief. Long-term use of ibuprofen and naproxen, which are nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), can cause complications, like stomach issues. Always inform your healthcare provider about the over-the-counter medications you take. If pain significantly affects your quality of life, they can refer you to specialists for additional care.

Antiseptic Washes

Your doctor may recommend using antiseptic cleansers when bathing. These washes can be used on areas of skin affected by HS. Many people with HS use washes daily to help prevent infection. Chlorhexidine, zinc pyrithione, and benzoyl peroxide are types of OTC washes that may benefit your skin.

Aloe Vera

Aloe vera gel can soothe pain, itching, and inflammation from HS. You can even refrigerate the gel for an added cooling sensation on your skin. However, never apply aloe vera to open wounds. It may delay healing and cause infection. As with any topical product, do a patch test to check for skin reactions.

Warm Compress

Warm compresses can help drain your cysts and provide soothing relief. Use a soft, gentle material, like a washcloth, and apply it to the affected areas for a few minutes. Make sure the cloth isn’t too hot.

Loose-Fitting Clothes

HS abscesses tend to appear near hair follicles and sweat glands, usually in the armpits or groin. You’ll want to prevent as much friction in these areas as possible. Tight-fitting clothing can rub, trap moisture on your skin, and cause flare-ups. Instead, opt for loose, breathable garments made from natural materials like cotton.

Connect With Others Who Understand

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

Do you use essential oils to manage your HS? What has worked or not worked for you? Share your experience in the comments below, or start a conversation by posting on your Activities page.