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Hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) is a lifelong skin condition. Symptoms can come and go and may greatly affect your quality of life and health. If you’ve been diagnosed with HS, it’s important to know your treatment options, including over-the-counter (OTC) products.
Items you can buy at a drugstore may help soothe symptoms, support wound care, and possibly reduce flare-ups as part of your overall treatment plan. Your dermatologist can be your partner in finding the right OTC items to help you feel your best while living with HS. Here are five types of products to consider.
Managing pain is an essential part of HS care. Members of myHSteam have talked about using OTC pain medications to help with pain from HS lesions, especially at night or during recovery after surgery.
Common OTC pain medications include nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), like ibuprofen and naproxen. These are best for short-term relief. Long-term use can lead to side effects like stomach issues.
Acetaminophen is another OTC option for short-term pain relief. “I have found that taking one 500-milligram acetaminophen tablet helps ease the pain after it kicks in,” one member said.
Always inform your doctor about the OTC medications you take. They can help ensure you use these drugs safely based on your medical history. If pain significantly affects your life, your doctor may refer you to specialists for further care.
Topical NSAIDs may not provide as much pain relief as those taken by mouth, but they generally have fewer side effects than oral options. If you’re worried about side effects from pills, topical NSAIDs may be an option to discuss with your dermatologist.
Other topical options available over the counter include:
Ointments may cause skin irritation for some people, which could worsen pain. Always test a small amount of a product on your skin before applying it widely. Don’t apply these ointments on open wounds, and always talk with your doctor before trying a new product.
Since HS affects the skin, bathing can be a helpful OTC treatment option if you have symptoms all over your body. Bleach baths and Epsom salt baths are two types of bath treatments that may help your skin.
Bleach baths can help reduce bacteria on the skin and help with symptoms like itching. While research on the effectiveness of bleach baths for HS is limited, it’s a common treatment option for people with HS, especially during flare-ups. Be sure to consult a healthcare provider before trying bleach baths, and follow their instructions regarding how — and how often — to take a bleach bath.
Epsom salt baths are another common treatment option for people with HS. Epsom salt, also known as magnesium sulfate, may help relax muscles and soothe discomfort.
People with HS may benefit from using antiseptic cleansers on areas of skin affected by HS. If you’ve ever had surgery, your doctor may have advised you to use an antiseptic or antibacterial bodywash the day before your procedure. Many people with HS also use washes daily to help prevent infection. For maximum effectiveness, leave the product on your skin for a few minutes before rinsing.
Chlorhexidine, zinc pyrithione, and benzoyl peroxide are types of OTC washes that may benefit your skin. Although benzoyl peroxide comes as gels, lotions, and creams, most people with HS use it as a wash. In HS, bacteria and oil can get trapped in hair follicles. Benzoyl peroxide helps reduce bacteria on the skin and encourages dead skin cells to slough off, which may help keep hair follicles clear.
Your dermatologist may also recommend a prescription antibiotic, clindamycin, to use along with an antiseptic wash for skin and wound care.
Antiseptic cleansers can dry out your skin, so it’s important to apply a good moisturizing lotion or cream afterward. Scratching dry, itchy skin can lead to inflammation and infection.
Brands such as Aveeno, CeraVe, Cetaphil, and Vanicream are known for being gentle on the skin. Ask your healthcare provider for recommendations for OTC lotions. They might even offer you free samples.
People with HS may develop painful lumps called abscesses, which can sometimes open and leak fluid. Your doctor will recommend ways to care for your wounds. These approaches can vary based on factors like the location of the wounds.
Some people cover their wounds using common household items. Gauze, menstrual pads, and diapers can be absorbent and effective wound dressings. They may feel a little bulky and uncomfortable, but they’re cheap and easy to find at pharmacies and other stores.
Your dermatologist may also suggest putting a washcloth soaked in diluted white vinegar on the wound to help cut down on odor.
Talk with your doctor about HS wound care to make sure you’re treating the affected areas the right way. They can also help you find out if your health insurance will help you cover the cost of wound care supplies.
Here are a few additional at-home strategies to help manage HS symptoms and flare-ups.
Applying a cold or warm compress can be soothing. Use something that is gentle on the skin, like a washcloth, and apply it to the affected areas for a few minutes. Make sure the temperature isn’t too cold or hot — extreme temperatures can damage skin.
Similar to a warm compress, a black tea compress may provide relief. Soak a washcloth in warm black tea and apply it to your skin for 10 minutes at a time.
Many people with HS experience mental health challenges, like anxiety and depression. In addition to talking with a mental health professional, consider practicing mindfulness or yoga to help ease symptoms.
Taking certain supplements may be beneficial for some people with HS. Vitamin D, vitamin B3, vitamin B12, zinc, and magnesium have shown positive effects for people with HS. Always talk with your doctor before starting any new supplements.
Wear breathable, lightweight fabrics to limit sweating, which can trigger flare-ups. Materials like cotton or bamboo are good moisture-repellent options.
HS commonly affects the armpits, so choosing a deodorant that’s safe for your skin is crucial. Look for gentle products, and avoid those with ingredients that can irritate the skin, such as fragrance, alcohol, dyes, or baking soda.
Members of myHSteam share various OTC remedies that help their skin. Always consult your healthcare team before adding a new product to your treatment plan. Even OTC products can interact with your other treatments or cause irritation.
Your dermatologist is your partner to help you treat your HS. It’s important to talk with them about any OTC pain medications, topical products, or supplements that you use. Some OTC remedies you read about online may not be safe in general or may not be a good option for you.
Keeping an open dialogue with your healthcare provider will help you get the relief you need and prevent you from accidentally damaging your skin.
On myHSteam, people share their experiences with hidradenitis suppurativa, get advice, and find support from others who understand.
What over-the-counter products do you use to improve your HS symptoms? Let others know in the comments below.
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Desitin Cream, or baby powder to help stay dry I will sometimes us panni lyners to absorb sweat or puss. My great great gram said bread soaked in milk. Yes exactly how it sounds. Iv never tried it.
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