Everyday movements — walking, reaching, bending, and even sitting — can be uncomfortable if you have hidradenitis suppurativa (HS). One myHSteam member shared, “As the day goes on, the pain and burning in my armpit gets worse. It hurts to move my arm at all.” That’s why choosing the right bandages is crucial. They can mean the difference between all-day comfort and constant flare-ups.

HS causes painful lesions in areas where the skin rubs together, such as the armpits, inner thighs, breasts, groin, buttocks, and skin folds. These lesions can develop into abscesses that drain and require proper bandaging. Wound dressings provide a protective barrier against bacteria and infection, helping the affected area heal. They also reduce painful friction during movement, making it easier to stay comfortable.

So, which bandages are the best? And how can you use them effectively? Here’s what to look for when choosing wound dressings for HS.

Remember COPE

When selecting bandages, remember the acronym COPE. It stands for colonization, odor, pain, and exudate. These are key factors to consider when making wound care decisions.

Colonization: Balance the Bacteria

All HS lesions contain bacteria. Controlling this bacteria can reduce symptoms like pain and foul odor from wound drainage. One way to manage bacterial colonization (growth) is by using antimicrobial dressings. These dressings contain materials such as silver, honey, copper, or dialkylcarbamoyl chloride (DACC), which fight bacteria and help wounds heal faster.

Many myHSteam members also use antimicrobial soaps and cleansers for relief. “Just remember to apply them gently and wash them off quickly, as they are very strong,” one member advised.

Odor: Keep the Area Clean

People with HS are familiar with its unpleasant odor. This smell usually comes from bacterial overgrowth, pus, and sweat. To reduce odor, one myHSteam member shared, “I keep the area as clean as possible. Sometimes, I clean the area more than once a day.”

Antimicrobial dressings can also help with odor. By reducing bacteria, these bandages address the root cause of the smell instead of just masking it.

Pain: Look for Nonadherent Materials

Removing bandages can be painful. Choose dressings that are nonadherent, so they won’t stick to your skin. This makes removal easier and protects your wounds from further damage during dressing changes. Some myHSteam members use reusable silicone tape to secure dressings. “It doesn’t eat my skin like other tapes,” one member shared.

Here are other nonadherent options:

• Mesh postpartum or postoperative underwear — Made from lightweight, breathable materials like polyester and spandex, it can hold abdominal or hygiene pads in place around the buttocks and groin area.
• HidraWear — This brand specializes in undergarments for people with HS. The underwear, T-shirts, and crop tops help keep dressings secure, making it easier to bandage wounds in areas like the underarm, breasts, inner thigh, and groin wounds.
• Tubular elastic netting — This stretchy material works well for wounds on the legs, arms, or neck. It fits snugly on the body to hold dressings in place.

Exudate: Absorption Is Key

Many HS lesions release exudate (drainage), which can leak onto the skin and stain clothing. One myHSteam member said, “The drainage is awful. I have it constantly. I avoid wearing nice clothes anymore.”

Look for highly absorbent materials to control leakage and keep skin dry. Foam bandages, abdominal pads, and dressings made from calcium alginate or gelling fibers are great options for soaking up fluids. One myHSteam member found relief with hydrocolloid gel adhesive pads: “Nothing I’ve used has been able to drain my infections … until now. I am totally amazed.”

Feminine hygiene pads can be effective for absorbing large amounts of drainage. Some myHSteam members use them on their underarms to protect their shirts from leakage and stains. They’re affordable and easy to find, which makes them a practical option for everyday use.

Insurance Coverage

Wound care supplies can be expensive. When buying bandages and dressings, you might not think about insurance right away. But your insurance plan might help pay for some of these items. They may ask for proof that the supplies are needed for your HS treatment.

Every insurance company has different policies and requirements. Start by calling your insurance provider. Ask which wound care supply companies they cover and what paperwork you need. Your dermatologist or healthcare provider can help make sure you get the coverage you need.

Here are some steps you might follow:

1. Figure out which products you need.
2. Find a wound care supply company covered by your insurance.
3. Give your insurance the paperwork they need.
4. Wait for confirmation that the supplies are covered.
5. Order the supplies and have them delivered.

Guidance From Your Doctor

Finding the right wound care can be tricky. What works for one person might not work for another. That’s why it’s important to talk to your dermatologist or healthcare provider about your wounds. Your care team can offer advice and tips for using bandages with HS.

Think about your experiences and challenges. Are the bandages irritating your skin or making your HS symptoms worse? Do you need something more absorbent? Is the adhesive too sticky? Your doctor can help you find solutions. Remember, it might take some time to figure out what works best for you.

Talk With Others Who Understand

On myHSteam, the social network for people with hidradenitis suppurativa and their loved ones, more than 56,000 members who understand life with hidradenitis suppurativa come together to ask questions, give advice, and share their stories.

Do you have tips for bandaging HS lesions or cysts? What do you do to stay comfortable? Share your experience in the comments below, start a conversation by posting on your Activities page, or connect with like-minded members in Groups.