People with hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) often wonder what’s safe for their skin and what’s not. Hair removal can be a particularly tricky topic, as HS symptoms usually appear in areas with hair follicles. Unfortunately, there’s no clear answer on whether depilatories (hair removal creams) are a good option for those with HS. Even members of myHSteam have different opinions.

“I have used hair removal creams (Nair) while having HS,” one member wrote. “It worked well, but I washed it off well and exfoliated afterward. I didn’t experience any flare-ups while using this product.” However, they added, “I would take extra caution if you’re having active flare-ups. Avoid those areas, because the creams can burn your skin.”

Another member disagreed: “I wouldn’t advise doing that,” they said. “You could get a chemical burn. This is just my opinion, and I have severe HS. Instead, I suggest using a beard trimmer or something similar.”

There are many methods of hair removal. Waxing and shaving can cause micro-tears, which might trigger inflammation in some people. Depilatory creams are not typically recommended for people with skin conditions. However, there’s not enough research on how they affect people with HS specifically. Not everyone with HS reacts the same way to different products. Here’s how you can decide whether hair removal creams are worth a try.

How Does Depilatory Cream Work?

Depilatory creams, also known as hair removal creams, are nothing new. In fact, humans have been using them for almost 100 years. These self-care products remove unwanted hair without the common side effects of shaving, like nicks and cuts. They also keep hair gone for longer than shaving (but not as long as waxing or threading, which remove hair from the root).

The active ingredient in hair removal creams is thioglycolic acid. It breaks down keratin, the protein in hair. These creams also contain other ingredients that make the thioglycolic acid more effective at breaking down hair.

After applying depilatory cream to your skin for a short time, you rinse it off, and the hair on the skin’s surface is washed away. However, it’s important to note that depilatory creams can penetrate the skin and cause damage. While these creams are generally not painful when used as directed, they can have a strong smell.

It’s important to choose a product that’s specifically designed for the area you’re treating. Facial hair removal creams differ from those made for legs or armpits. It’s also essential to wash the cream off completely. Leaving the residue on your skin isn’t safe. Rinse your skin gently with cool water and avoid rubbing it with a washcloth. Failing to remove the hair removal cream properly can even lead to chemical burns, which can be severe depending on your skin’s sensitivity.

Is Hair Removal Cream Good for HS?

While it’s important to be cautious with hair removal creams, they may not necessarily be bad for people with HS. The main ingredient is an acid. Some acids, including salicylic acid and glycolic acid, are believed to help with HS. Dermatologists (skin specialistis) recommend these acids to reduce whiteheads, blackheads, inflammation, and scarring. Benzoyl peroxide, another acid, is commonly recommended for both HS and acne treatment. However, there’s not enough evidence to say whether thioglycolic acid offers similar benefits for HS.

In addition, anything that causes friction or trauma to the skin is a potential trigger for HS flares. This includes shaving and waxing. Depilatory creams might be less damaging than these hair removal methods.

For some people, avoiding hair removal altogether is the best option to prevent triggering HS flare-ups. For others, body hair can be uncomfortable or cause embarrassment, and removing it is part of their personal hygiene. If you are having an HS flare-up, it’s best to avoid depilatory creams, as they can irritate already inflamed skin and worsen symptoms.

If the depilatory cream doesn’t cause HS flare-ups (and isn’t applied to abscesses or lesions), the benefits of removing body hair might outweigh the risks for you.

Members’ Thoughts on Hair Removal Creams

“Using a razor or hair removal cream is a sure way to aggravate the area. Def NOT👍,” shared one myHSteam member.

Another said, “I’ve been doing hair removal cream instead of shaving to reduce the amount of infected ingrown hair. I find that process is better for me.”

Opinions on hair removal creams can vary, but several members of myHSteam seem to prefer laser treatment for hair removal, saying it helps reduce their HS symptoms. The American Academy of Dermatology also supports laser hair removal for HS. One member shared, “I have issues with my bikini line, but when the area is clear with no inflammation, I use Nair for three minutes only.

These mixed feelings on hair removal creams show how HS can be different for everyone. While hair removal creams can be damaging if left on for too long or used during HS flare-ups, some people find them less irritating than other methods, like shaving or waxing.

Should You Use a Hair Removal Cream?

There’s no clear answer on whether hair removal creams are beneficial or harmful for people with HS. Unfortunately, it’s not always possible to predict how your skin will react to something without trying it yourself. That said, HS is a painful condition that significantly impacts quality of life. Risking a flare-up for hair removal may not be worth it, especially if your condition is poorly controlled.

Ask your dermatologist whether hair removal creams are a safe option for you. Dermatologists generally advise people with HS to avoid anything that irritates the skin. Your dermatologist may recommend staying away from hair removal creams on sensitive or affected areas. If you have an HS flare, it is absolutely not recommended to use a depilatory cream, as it can make the flare worse. Your dermatologist may even advise you to avoid these creams altogether.

Before trying any new product, it’s a good idea to do a test on a small area of skin first. Be sure to follow the instructions for depilatory creams carefully, and avoid leaving them on your skin for too long, as this can lead to chemical burns.

Consider other hair removal options, like laser hair removal. Although this treatment option can be expensive, it may be worth it if it helps with both unwanted hair and the treatment of hidradenitis suppurativa. Dermatologists often recommend laser hair removal because it’s safe and can reduce the number of hair follicles that might become blocked.

One member shared, “My HS has been getting better because of laser hair removal in my groin. It’s expensive but totally worth every penny. Treatments are every two months, and I’ve had seven so far. Almost all the hair is gone. … It’s great. I would suggest it to anyone. … It also helps boils go away.”

Talk to your healthcare provider, preferably a dermatologist, to see if hair removal cream or other options are right for you.

Talk With Others Who Understand

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

Have you tried hair removal creams? Did you notice any improvement or worsening of your HS symptoms? Share your experience in the comments below, start a conversation by posting on your Activities page, or connect with like-minded members in Groups.