If you have hidradenitis suppurativa (HS), you are already aware that the inflammatory lesions it causes in friction-prone areas (such as your underarms, bra line, groin, and anal area) are excruciatingly painful and, at times, devastating. The pus-filled pimples have the ability to spread, leak, and even smell. So, how can you obtain some relief while they drain and heal? We asked leading HS experts and persons with the skin condition for their best ideas for minimising pain in daily life. Follow the link for some skin-calming ideas.
First, let’s look inside an HS bump.
When apocrine sweat glands, which are microscopic glands located at the base of your hair follicles, become inflamed, a red, furious, pus-filled abscess forms. HS is most common in locations where there is a lot of friction and sweat—where your skin rubs together. There are three levels, from ultra mild to severe. More severe occurrences include sinus tracts, which are under-the-skin tunnels that fill with pus and blood when the HS bump ruptures. These wounds eventually heal, but they can leave you with stiff, uncomfortable scar tissue. Here are some pain relief methods that actually work.
Change Things Up
Yes, the evidence is scant. However, there is anecdotal evidence that turmeric, which has significant anti-inflammatory effects, may aid in the treatment of HS, which is why many people with the illness use it orally to help soothe their skin. Its active element, curcumin, is also antibiotic and antibacterial, which may aid in the prevention of illness. Dr Adil, recommends taking 1 teaspoon in 14 cup of liquid three times a day by mouth (turmeric is also available in pill form). According to a JAMA study, nearly 60% of patients with HS utilised turmeric as a complementary alternative medicine (CAM) treatment.
Get the Bleach Out!
A bleach bath may sound frightening, but it is a doctor-approved treatment for lowering the bacterial load on your skin, preventing infection and further breakouts, and removing the odour frequently associated with HS lesions. Before you attempt it, consult your doctor, but the general recommendations are to pour 14 cup of bleach into a full bath of water and soak for 10 to 15 minutes. “Think of it as a homemade swimming pool,” Dr Adil suggests. If you have open wounds, avoid this treatment because it may cause burning and stinging.
Go from hot to cold
Using warm compresses on your HS abscesses, similar to pushing a zit to come to a head, will help them drain faster, according to Dr Adil. And the faster they drain, the quicker they vanish. Cold therapy can also be beneficial, and it is even more effective when paired with heat. “Ice packs can help reduce pain and swelling,” Dr Adil says. “Alternating between hot and cold may help with a lesion that isn’t draining and may help manage pain.” To stimulate draining, apply a warm compress for 10 to 15 minutes first. Then, to relieve pain, use a cold pack.
Avoid the Cocktail
Alcohol may aggravate HS flares. Ms.Blake, a HS patient, has moderate HS flares that are significantly worse when she drinks alcohol. “I had to go to the ER many times to have the abscesses lanced [when a physician makes an incision to promote drainage], but I haven’t needed intervention since I got sober nearly 10 years ago,” she says.
Make the switch to cotton.
Pinnell dresses in light, cotton clothing during flares. Because HS bumps are readily irritated and aggravated by friction, you should avoid wearing tight-fitting clothing in areas prone to outbreaks. Soft cotton is kind on the skin and helps it to breathe. Comfort is especially important when it comes to your underwear. Look for knickers and bras made of soft cotton that are devoid of tight elastic and knickers, which can exert pressure on HS lumps and create pain.
Spill the Tea
A hot tea bag is another approach to offer warmth and relief to a painful lump. Boil water and steep a tea bag in it for about a minute. Then, for at least 10 minutes, press the heated tea bag against the HS bump. The heat promotes drainage, and tea contains anti-inflammatory qualities. Simple black or green tea would suffice. Anything possibly unpleasant, such as cinnamon or other spicy drinks, should be avoided.
Obtain a Body Pillow
When you have HS, sleeping might be difficult. The pain is enough to keep you awake at night, and if you sleep on your side, the rubbing of your thighs might make things worse and raise the chance of fresh outbreaks. Sleeping with a body pillow—or even just a standard pillow—between your thighs can help reduce friction and pain, allowing you to get some shut-eye even during a flare.
Apply some Vick’s
Your mother’s cure for a chest cold may really provide some comfort for unpleasant HS bumps. “Many patients report that Vick’s VapoRub with menthol and camphor can be soothing,” adds Dr Adil. Additionally, the eucalyptus scent can mask any odour related with HS pimples. Caution: Do not apply the ointment to open wounds. It may sting or burn.
Use herbal disinfectants
The reason some herbs can be used to make disinfectants is because they contain Thymol. This ingredient can be found in many culinary herbs such as Thyme, Oregano and Sage. This is not a new use as they have be used as antiseptic agents for thousands of years in Roman, Greek, and Indian medicine.
Use of neem which is readily available as soap helps to a great extent.
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According to Ayurveda, hidradenitis suppurativa is a cause of Kapha and Pitta dosha. When the digestive fire (Agni), or Pitta, is out of balance, the Kapha Dosha becomes vitiated, which slows down metabolism. Due to the disruption of fat molecules, they start to build up in muscles and impede bodily passageways, causing painful, swollen sores in the groin, buttocks, thighs, and armpits.
In Ayurveda, hidradenitis suppurativa Treatment is to restore the body’s natural equilibrium by detoxifying it with potent herbal therapies.
The treatment for Hidradenitis Suppurativa at Elite Ayurveda comprises balancing the Kapha and Pitta doshas, as well as providing harmony to the metabolism. The treatment comprises body detoxification, internal drugs to balance doshas, and external applications to heal scars.
The treatment involves combinations of herbs created based on individual Prakruti and Vikruti analysis. Visit our website to know more
Connect with us to get our patient testimonials and also to speak with our patients directly about their experience in getting their disease treated by us and by Ayurveda as a whole.
Medically reviewed by Dr Adil Moulanchikkal, Lead Ayurveda Specialist at EliteAyurveda Clinics. With over 15 years of experience in treating Neurological, Skin & Autoimmune Diseases.
, you are already aware that the inflammatory lesions it causes in friction-prone areas (such as your underarms, bra line, groin, and anal area) are excruciatingly painful and, at times, devastating.){kind=link}