When hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) flares up, it can be overwhelming. Some people may head to the dermatologist (skin specialist) to get treatment for their skin condition, while others try home remedies to ease their symptoms. The method you choose may also depend on your symptoms, like your pain levels or whether your abscesses (pus-filled lumps) have ruptured.

For many, a warm compress is a go-to remedy during flares. On myHSteam, one member shared, “I just had a flare-up. I was able to catch it with rubbing alcohol on a warm compress. I finally got the soreness out of the way. It’s going down.” Another added, “I use a warm compress twice a day and it works for me.”

If you’d like to try a warm compress for HS flare-ups as part of your self-care, here’s what you need to know to do it safely and effectively. While warm compresses can provide temporary relief in mild cases and improve your quality of life and sense of well being to some extent, severe cases may require medical treatment, such as surgical drainage by a doctor.

How Can Warm Compresses Help With Hidradenitis Suppurativa?

Warm compresses can ease several hidradenitis suppurativa symptoms. They may help with pain relief and even swelling. If you have a cyst or an abscess, a warm compress can help it drain more safely than popping it. One myHSteam member who uses warm compresses this way shared, “I find that hot compresses or standing under a warm shower can help things open.”

In fact, dermatologists often recommend warm compresses for HS flares. They are also one of the most effective home remedies.

If you use warm compresses frequently, the heat can actually change the surface layer of your skin. It helps relax the muscles and ease pain around the inflamed nodules caused by hidradenitis suppurativa. Over time, this may change how your skin looks or feels in that area. It may also make it more likely for you to get skin cancer there, though that is very rare. If you notice any changes to your skin in the area where you’ve applied heat, stop using the compress and talk to your healthcare provider right away.

6 Ways To Make a Warm Compress

There are several ways to make a warm compress to help with hidradenitis suppurativa.

1. Hot Water and a Cloth

The easiest way to make a warm compress is to use hot water and a cloth. Run your faucet until the water is as warm as it gets. Soak a clean washcloth in the water, squeeze out the excess, and apply the cloth to the affected area. You can repeat this several times a day to relieve your hidradenitis suppurativa symptoms.

2. A Sock and Rice

Make yourself a portable heating pad with dry rice and a clean sock. Fill the sock with rice, tie it shut, and microwave it for one to two minutes. Check the temperature before use, and reheat as needed. When it’s warm enough, apply it to the affected skin for soothing warmth.

3. A Hot Water Bottle

It might sound old-fashioned, but a hot water bottle can serve as a great warm compress. You can buy them online or at a pharmacy. Fill the hot water bottle with warm water, secure the stopper, wrap it in a towel, and apply it wherever you need. Smaller sizes work better for flares under your arms or breasts. “I have two hot water bottles,” one myHSteam member wrote. “Because when one side flares up, I know the other side often follows.”

4. Microwavable Heat Packs

You can buy reusable microwavable heat packs, too. Follow the instructions on the packaging carefully for heating times and safety tips. In general, you’ll heat them for a few minutes, then apply them to your skin. These packs are great for targeting smaller areas, like your armpits.

5. Cold Weather Heat Packs

Small heat packs designed for gloves and boots can also work as warm compresses. A few companies also make medical-grade versions, which you can find at pharmacies. Follow the instructions on the packaging. Usually, all you need to do is open the packaging and expose the pack to air or shake it. It will warm up gradually and stay warm for several hours. Place the pack inside a clean cloth or sock to protect your skin and avoid irritation.

6. A Heating Pad

Heating pads can also work as warm compresses. One myHSteam member shared, “Sometimes I even use a heating pad for my underarm flares.” When using a heating pad, always follow the instructions carefully. Heating pads can cause burns if not used properly. To stay safe, place a cloth between the pad and your skin, and don’t leave it on for too long.

How To Stay Safe When Using Warm Compresses

Using warm compresses safely is key to avoiding burns or other skin damage. you may be solving one problem but causing another. Never use a compress so hot that it burns your skin instead of providing relief.

Getting burned is a danger anytime you apply heat to your skin. Burns from these treatments can be serious and can take a long time to heal. To stay safe, don’t use heat while you’re asleep, as you might not notice if it gets too hot. Always place a thin layer of cloth between the heat source and your skin to protect it. Don’t use heat on areas where your skin can’t feel temperature well, and limit heat sessions to 10 to 20 minutes at a time, a few times a day.

You should also know when not to use heat. Avoid using warm compresses if you have open wounds or broken skin. If you’re pregnant, you should also avoid using warm compresses, especially around the stomach area. If you’re unsure whether using heat is safe for you, talk to your dermatology team before trying it.

Finally, good hygiene is important when using warm compresses. If your skin opens and drainage gets on the compress, wash it thoroughly before using it again. When in doubt, wash the compress more rather than less, unless you’re sensitive to soap. This helps prevent bacterial and other infections.

Speak With Your Doctor

If you’re living with hidradenitis suppurativa, it’s important to work with a healthcare professional to get medical advice about your treatment plan. They can help you find the best home remedies and medical treatment options for your needs. In severe cases, hidradenitis suppurativa may require surgical intervention to manage abscesses or other complications.

To get the best care, look for a dermatologist who specializes in hidradenitis suppurativa. They can guide you on which home remedies to try, prescribe medications if needed, and offer specific instructions for using warm compresses safely. If surgical intervention becomes necessary, they may refer you to a plastic surgeon. Always follow your doctor’s advice to ensure you’re taking the best steps for your health and wellness.

Talk With Others Who Understand

At myHSteam, you’ll find the social network for people with hidradenitis suppurativa 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 hidradenitis suppurativa.

Have you used warm compresses on areas affected by hidradenitis suppurativa? What method works best for you? Share your experience in the comments below, start a conversation by posting on your Activities page, or connect with like-minded members in Groups.