Castor oil has been used for over 4,000 years in traditional medicine. Derived from the seeds of the Ricinus communis plant, this thick, nutrient-rich oil is known for its anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties. It’s popular as a natural remedy for various skin conditions. But can it help you manage life with hidradenitis suppurativa (HS)?

With limited options available, many people with HS explore over-the-counter HS remedies such as castor oil. “Castor oil has helped me so much when I feel a bump coming on,” one myHSteam member wrote. “Castor oil makes it go away before it gets to the point where the only option is for it to burst.”

Before you try castor oil, read on to explore what current research says about whether it may be effective for HS.

Research on Castor Oil and Hidradenitis Suppurativa

Research on the use of castor oil for managing HS nodules or boils is limited. Most information comes from anecdotal reports rather than scientific studies. But some research suggests castor oil could be beneficial in helping manage skin symptoms.

The primary component of castor oil is ricinoleic acid. One study noted that this ingredient can be applied topically (on your skin) to reduce inflammation and control pain. This may be beneficial for conditions that involve chronic inflammation. Keep in mind, however, that the researchers didn’t test it specifically as a topical treatment for HS. So, it could be helpful to use it alongside other treatments, but it shouldn’t be the main option or the only solution.

Another study found that castor oil is effective against many bacterial strains. The study authors said potassium salt within castor oil may help control wounds and other symptoms caused by staph infections. Staph infections are often linked to abscesses, which are common among those with HS. This study looked at the link between castor oil and wound healing, but not among individuals with HS. However, certain individuals might be allergic to castor oil, and if they apply it, they may experience skin irritation, discoloration, and itching. These individuals should avoid caster oil.

What Do myHSteam Members Say About Castor Oil?

Members of myHSteam have found that castor oil may help soothe and heal skin. “I have been using cold-pressed castor oil (applied topically) for pain and inflammation,” one member wrote. “It kind of tingles at first, but the itching stops for a bit and the swelling goes down.” Another member wrote, “Feeling so much better. I was able to use castor oil on the boil I had on my face. It took me two days, three times a day, and castor oil did its job.”

Others apply castor oil directly to bandages. “Heading to urgent care for antibiotics today, but [I’m] extremely thankful my flare started to drain last night. I used castor oil yesterday on a bandage, so it looks like that did the trick,” one member said. Another replied, “I’ve been doing OK managing my symptoms. If I do have flare-ups, I just slap my castor oil and Band-Aids on and go about my day.”

Three Steps To Minimize the Risks of Using Castor Oil

If you have HS, you might be interested in the anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties of castor oil. But before you slather it on, consider these three steps to make sure castor oil is a good addition to your skin care regimen.

1. Consult With Your Dermatologist

Because research on the effect of castor oil in treating HS is limited, it’s important to talk to your doctor, preferably a dermatologist, before adding it to your skin care routine. They’ll be able to take you through best practices to make sure that isn’t worsening your condition. They can also suggest whether to use it with certain soaps for HS or other products.

2. Perform a Patch Test.

Some individuals can experience skin irritation or allergic reactions to castor oil. If your doctor approves you trying castor oil on HS lesions, you should first test it on a small area unaffected by HS before widespread application.

3. Watch for Contact Dermatitis

Even if your patch test shows no signs of irritation, it’s still important to be careful. This is especially true when using castor oil on HS-affected skin. If you notice discoloration, itching, or rashes, these might be a sign of contact dermatitis. This means you might have developed an allergic reaction to castor oil.

Contact dermatitis can worsen HS symptoms. So if you notice any redness, discoloration, or itching, it’s important to stop using castor oil immediately.

Castor oil use in HS management is not supported by scientific evidence. Medical guidance from your dermatologist or healthcare provider is crucial to ensure safe and effective treatment strategies for HS. You may find castor oil beneficial as a remedy to reduce inflammation and temporarily address pain, but medical intervention is usually necessary to treat HS effectively.

Find Your Team

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

What are your thoughts on natural remedies to HS? Have you tried castor oil for your symptoms? Share your experience and tips in the comments below or by posting on your Activities page.