Hidradenitis suppurativa (HS), sometimes called acne inversa, is a skin disease that causes painful, inflamed nodules under the skin, commonly in the underarm area (armpits) and the groin.¹ Unlike ordinary pimples, which appear on the skin’s surface, HS nodules are deeper and can break open into abscesses that leak pus and fluid.¹ “When it flares, it’s so painful and itchy!” one myHSteam member commented.

HS nodules aren’t caused by bad hygiene or a contagious illness but, rather, by blocked hair follicles that become inflamed.¹ HS is a chronic skin condition, and symptoms can frustratingly appear, recede, and flare up again over time.¹ The pain from HS can greatly affect your daily life. “The pain is so intense, with itching at the same time😮‍💨 I’m so tired of pain,” one myHSteam member shared.

Although there’s currently no cure for HS, there are ways to help relieve the pain of HS at home.¹ The following tips may help you manage pain while you work alongside your healthcare provider to determine an appropriate treatment plan for your HS.

1. Create a Gentle Skin Care Routine

One of the most important steps people with HS can take is to practice a regular, gentle skin care routine. Various approaches can help ease symptoms of mild HS. Mayo Clinic suggests at-home measures such as regular cleansing with a soap-free antiseptic cleanser containing benzoyl peroxide or chlorhexidine 4 percent.²

Other tips from Mayo Clinic to incorporate into your skin care routine include the following²:

• Avoid using loofahs, washcloths, or other irritating materials when cleansing skin affected by HS.
• Skip shaving or using hair-removal products on affected areas.
• Pat dry after bathing. Rubbing affected skin may further irritate it.
• Don’t try to extract or squeeze HS nodules, pimples, or bumps.

Members of myHSteam have suggested other home remedies, like warm compresses to help calm flares. “When I have flare-ups, it helps to use a hot wet cloth,” said one member. “Apply it to spots often; it soothes the pain.” The American Academy of Dermatology recommends placing a clean, warm washcloth on lumps for 10 minutes to help reduce pain.³

2. Use a Mild Deodorant

Some products will be too irritating for your skin with HS. However, myHSteam members have discussed using deodorant to help manage symptoms like sweating and itching and keep flares at bay. “I use a natural deodorant. It’s not an antiperspirant and won’t clog pores,” said one member.

The American Academy of Dermatology advises against using products with alcohol, parabens, baking soda, dyes, or fragrances.³ Read the ingredients labels, and look for “fragrance-free” options.

3. Wear Loose-Fitting Clothing

“Avoid tight clothing,” suggested one myHSteam member. Tight or restrictive clothing can rub affected areas of the skin, making pain and other symptoms worse.³

On myHSteam, one item comes up constantly as a problem: underwear. “I’ve stopped wearing underwear as much as I can — less rubbing, less irritation,” said one member.

Another shared, “I have noticed that tight clothing and underwear tend to cause a flare-up.”

One member described their wardrobe: “I mostly wear dark clothing. I have mattress protectors, copious amounts of bedding, and lots of stretchy leggings and loose-fitting baggy clothes to wear.”

4. Protect Your Skin

When you’re dealing with lesions from HS, you should talk with your dermatologist about a wound care plan to promote healing and prevent infections.³ Members of myHSteam have suggested various wraps, skin rubs, and bandages to help manage breakouts, boils, and abscesses.

Your dermatology provider may also recommend bandages to keep topical medications in place. One myHSteam member said, “Bandages are useful in making sure the ointment isn’t rubbed away before it can be absorbed into the area.” Proper wound care and bandaging of sensitive areas will help keep your HS pain in check.

5. Assess Your Diet for HS Flare Triggers

Some diets and foods may trigger HS flares or worsen your symptoms.² One myHSteam member found that dairy products worsened their symptoms: “I really think that dairy causes my flare-ups.”

There’s no one-size-fits-all diet recommended for people with HS, but if foods like dairy and those high in sugar tend to aggravate your HS symptoms, you should talk to your doctor about adjusting your diet to potentially ease your symptoms.²

6. Avoid Overheating

Hot, humid weather and sweating often make HS symptoms worse.³ “Trying to stay out of this heat. It really flares me when I get too hot and sweaty,” one member said.

“The middle of summer is the worst time of year. I can’t escape the heat, and it makes my flare-ups so bad!” said another member. Reduce overheating and sweating by limiting your time in hot, humid environments.³

Talk to Your Doctor About Unmanageable Pain

Talk to your dermatologist about your pain and how it’s affecting you. HS treatments can help reduce the number of painful lesions and flares that you experience. Some of these treatments address painful lesions immediately, while others take several weeks or months to have an effect. Before you start a treatment, make sure you understand when you can expect to see an improvement.⁴

It’s important to stay in touch with your doctor about how your treatment is working. Talk to your doctor if you’re concerned that your treatment plan isn’t helping you to feel better. Your doctor may suggest trying a different treatment or adding another treatment to your care plan.⁴