Have you ever heard of using potatoes to treat boils or skin infections? This home remedy is often mentioned by people with skin conditions such as hidradenitis suppurativa (HS). But does it work?

Read on to explore whether potatoes can truly help with boils, including those related to bacterial infections or HS symptoms.

Potatoes for Skin Issues

For centuries, people have turned to their pantries for natural remedies. Potatoes have often been a go-to solution for various skin conditions, including minor wounds and inflammation. The idea of using potatoes for boils comes from their perceived anti-inflammatory and soothing properties.

Here are three ways people use potatoes for skin issues:

• Sliced — Applying a slice of raw potato directly to the affected area
• Poultice — Creating a potato poultice by grating raw potato and applying it to the skin
• Peels — Wrapping potato peels around the skin to leave overnight and rinsing them off in the morning

These methods are popular in folk medicine and social media trends. But does scientific research support their effectiveness for boils and HS?

Does Science Support Potato-Based Topical Treatment?

Some properties of potatoes may be beneficial for the skin, but there is no clinical evidence that they treat boils or HS lesions. Below are some general skin-related properties of potatoes:

• Anti-inflammatory properties — Potatoes contain resistant starch, fiber, phenolic acids, and anthocyanins, which may help reduce inflammation. This could theoretically help with swelling and discomfort from skin conditions, but it has not been studied specifically in HS.
• “Drawing” effect — Some believe that the starch in potatoes can help absorb moisture or draw out pus from boils, but this is based on anecdotal claims rather than scientific evidence.
• Cooling sensation — The coolness of a raw potato slice may provide temporary relief from the heat and pain of inflamed skin.

One study found that Yukon Gold potato skins contain antioxidant compounds, which might be useful as natural preservatives or for potential health benefits in food. However, the study did not examine whether these compounds are effective for treating skin conditions like boils or HS. Further research is needed before potatoes can be considered a safe or effective remedy for HS-related skin issues.

Concerns About Potato-Based Treatment for Hidradenitis Suppurativa

If you’re living with HS, it’s important to be cautious with unproven home remedies. There are no clinical studies supporting potatoes as a treatment for HS-related boils or chronic wounds.

Even organizations that promote natural remedies do not recommend using raw potatoes on open wounds. Applying raw potatoes to broken skin could introduce bacteria, increasing the risk of infection or worsening inflammation. Additionally, some people are allergic to potatoes or other nightshade vegetables (such as tomatoes, eggplants, and peppers), which could lead to skin irritation or an allergic reaction.

This is particularly important for people with HS. Some individuals with HS report that eating nightshade vegetables trigger HS flare-ups (periods of new or worse symptoms). Foods like potatoes, tomatoes, and peppers may increase inflammation for certain people, though responses vary from person to person. If eating potatoes worsens your HS, applying them to your skin could potentially have a similar effect.

Members of myHSteam have shared experiences about how nightshade vegetables affect their condition:

• “I stay away from nightshade vegetables.”
• “Getting rid of white potatoes was hard! But it definitely helped my HS.”
• “For two months, I eliminated nightshades and most of my bumps and lesions went away. But I had a weekend of weakness and I had to have potatoes and peppers. Now I have three painful lumps.”

If consuming potatoes triggers your HS flares, applying them topically may not be worth the risk. It’s best to avoid untested home remedies and focus on evidence-based treatments.

Speak With Your Doctor

If you’re experiencing boils, HS lesions, or recurrent skin infections, consult a healthcare provider, preferably a dermatologist (skin specialist). They can provide an accurate diagnosis, medical guidance, and personalized treatment options.

If you’re interested in home remedies for HS, your provider may recommend safer alternatives such as:

• Warm compresses to encourage drainage and relieve pain
• Epsom salt baths to soothe inflammation and promote healing
• Over-the-counter antiseptic washes to help prevent bacterial infections

Your doctor can ensure that any home remedies you try won’t interfere with your HS treatment plan. Always seek medical advice before experimenting with unverified natural treatments.

Talk to Others Who Understand

MyHSTeam is the social network for people with heart disease 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 HS.

Have you tried at-home remedies for HS? What have you found successful? Share your experience in the comments below, start a conversation by posting on your Activities page, or connect with like-minded members in Groups.