Living with hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) often means exploring home remedies or over-the-counter products to complement the treatments prescribed by your dermatologist.

“I use this topical called Gotucream,” one myHSteam member wrote. “It’s a bit expensive but instantly helps with drainage, inflammation, and pain.” Another member said, “I’ve been using it for a week, and so far I don’t see much improvement yet.”

Here’s what you need to know about Gotucream to decide if it might be an option for you.

What Is Gotucream?

Gotucream is a topical cream marketed to relieve skin lumps, pain, and scarring caused by HS. The manufacturer claims it can reduce HS symptoms in three days, with more noticeable relief after a week.

Gotucream contains six main ingredients:

• Gotu kola — Also known as centella asiatica, Indian pennywort, wild violet, tiger herb, and Indian water navelwort
• Aloe vera — Sometimes called aloe barbadensis Miller
• Tea tree oil — Made from the melaleuca alternifolia plant
• Neem — Also called azadirachta indica or margosa oil
• Grape seed oil — Also called vitis vinifera
• Cedarwood — May be called junipernis virgininiana, red cedar, or Eastern red cedar

Gotucream is sold exclusively on Gotucream.com and is not available on other sites or in stores. Keep in mind that Gotucream is considered a home remedy and hasn’t been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for safety or effectiveness.

To use Gotucream, wash the affected area with water and let it dry. Then, gently apply Gotucream to the lesion, and leave it on your skin for eight hours. After that, repeat those steps again three times daily.

Always check with your doctor or dermatology team before using Gotucream or any other home remedies.

Is Gotucream Effective?

Researchers haven’t performed clinical studies to determine whether Gotucream is effective for HS or other skin conditions. However, some studies have looked at the effectiveness of individual ingredients in Gotucream for people with skin conditions.

Gotu Kola

Gotu kola is a plant related to parsley. It has been used for thousands of years in China, India, and other countries to treat conditions like varicose veins and to aid wound healing. While it hasn’t been studied specifically for HS, studies in a laboratory setting have shown it can activate wound-healing signals in the body.

Aloe Vera

Aloe vera comes from a plant and has been used for more than 2,000 years, both as a supplement and a topical treatment (rubbed on the skin). While it hasn’t been proven to heal wounds or abscesses, it may temporarily relieve discomfort from HS. One myHSteam member shared, “When I felt flares under my arm, I immediately put some aloe vera oil on them, and after a week, they were gone.”

Tea Tree Oil

Tea tree oil comes from a plant native to Australia, and it has been used for nearly 100 years. While anecdotal evidence suggests it may reduce inflammation, its skin-healing properties are still being studied in animals and humans. It hasn’t been thoroughly researched specifically for HS.

Tea tree oil may cause reactions in some people with HS, but others find it helpful. One myHSteam member said, “Tea tree oil is good for mild HS and small flare-ups. I used to use it, and it helped tremendously.” Another added, “I have a mild form of HS, and tea tree oil has been a game changer for me! I HIGHLY recommend it. When I have a flare-up that itches, it’s the ONLY thing that helps. It dries the flare-up faster, too, so it starts to heal.” Tea tree oil should always be diluted in a carrier oil when applied to the skin to avoid irritation.

Neem

Neem is a tree native to Myanmar and India. It’s believed to help with wound healing, reduce inflammation, and fight bacteria. One study found that neem, combined with a material called silk fibroin, helped manage chronic wounds. However, it hasn’t been tested specifically for HS.

Grape Seed Oil

Natural products made from grapes, including ointments, have been used for thousands of years. Applying grape leaves to the skin may reduce inflammation and bacteria. Grape seed oil has been shown to improve skin elasticity and hydration, but it hasn’t been studied specifically for hidradenitis suppurativa.

Cedarwood

Cedarwood is an evergreen tree in the cypress family. Oil from this tree is believed to have antibacterial and antiinflammatory effects, but it hasn’t been studied in people with hidradenitis suppurativa.

Use Caution With Home Remedies

All treatments for HS — whether home remedies or prescription medications — can have side effects. Be cautious when trying over-the-counter products, and always test them on a small area of skin first. If you notice new or worsening lumps or bumps on your skin after trying a new product, contact your doctor right away.

If you’re allergic to any of the ingredients in Gotucream, avoid using it. For example, people with a grape allergy should avoid products containing grape seed oil.

Reach Out to Your Dermatologist

Talk to your doctor if you’re interested in trying Gotucream. They can tell you whether it might interact negatively with your other treatments, and whether it’s safe to use on open or draining abscesses.

Your dermatology team can also recommend safe home remedies and other products that are safe to use with HS. For instance, your doctor may suggest using soaps or other skin cleansers without fragrances, preservatives, or dyes to avoid irritating your skin.

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 tried Gotucream for hidradenitis suppurativa or other skin issues? Did it help ease symptoms, trigger a flare-up, or have another effect? Is there another remedy you’ve found helpful? Share your experience in the comments below, or start a conversation by posting on your Activities page.