Hidradenitis Suppurativa, also known as acne inversa, a chronic skin condition characterized by painful, inflamed, and recurrent abscesses or boils in areas of the body, has long been misunderstood and misdiagnosed (Alikhan et al., 2009; Jemec & Kimball, 2015).
Ayurveda always has shed light on its complex nature and opened doors to a more effective treatment methodology (Frawley, 2000; Lad, 2002).
Herbal Approach to Hidradenitis Suppurativa
The Traditional Approach: Control vs. Complete treatment
Patients with Hidradenitis Suppurativa (HS) may experience symptomatic relief with conventional allopathy treatments; however, these treatments are not without inherent risks (Jemec & Kimball, 2015).
It is important to note that continued utilisation of antibiotics can potentially result in dependence and the development of antibiotic resistance (Alikhan et al., 2009).
Potential side effects and chronic complications may also arise from the administration of medications such as immunosuppressants & biologics. These medications often disrupt the regular functioning of the immune system, resulting in a compromised ability of the body to defend itself against various illnesses (Jemec & Kimball, 2015).
Practitioners are focused more on management of the disease than complete treatment of the condition. The medications used usually have high side effects, and the practitioner’s job is now to also cycle or change their medication to different classes of medicines available as the patients plateau or start showing an increase in particular side effects from the medication.
However, this symptom-focused strategy frequently neglects the root-cause treatment, and medicating the symptoms does not result in remission from the disease. Our Treatment for HS is about restoring balance to the body’s underlying systems, not just symptom control (Frawley, 2000).
But by no means are allopathic methods of HS management redundant. We at EliteAyurveda do not completely switch any patient to our ayurvedic medications, but rather we try to reduce the allopathic medications in a sustained manner to our herbal medications. Also, in cases of emergencies, the allopathic system is unparalleled. We are not here to degrade any system of medicine, but rather to guide the patients to make an educated decision towards a complete treatment system that works best for them.
We at EliteAyurveda provide a comprehensive approach to the management of Hidradenitis Suppurativa, focusing on identifying and addressing the underlying or root cause of the condition while simultaneously enhancing the overall state of well-being (Sharma et al., 2007). The treatment regimen centres around achieving equilibrium between the Kapha and Pitta doshas, while concurrently facilitating detoxification of the body and promoting the healing of scars.
The treatment plan involves a blend of our Herbal Ayurveda internal medications, external applications, and lifestyle adjustments that are customised to suit the specific Prakruti (constitution) and Vikruti (imbalance) of each individual.
Revealing a Common Myth about a Possible Cure for HS
This misapprehension likely originated due to numerous individuals incorrectly confusing HS with other dermatological conditions and implementing ineffective remedies, subsequently arriving at an incorrect conclusion that it is untreatable (Alikhan et al., 2009).
Whether HS is ignored or misdiagnosed, the inability to appropriately diagnose this chronic inflammatory skin illness produces a cascade of problems (Jemec & Kimball, 2015).
At EliteAyurveda our treatment for HS has always focused to eradicate the root-cause responsible for the exaggerated immune response, while simultaneously minimising inflammation, alleviating pain arising from nodules and lowering the frequency and severity of flare-ups (Frawley, 2000).
Our Approach: Rediscovering Inner Health with Ayurveda
Addressing the Root Cause: Our Ayurveda treatment delves deep into the root causes of diabetes, which can vary widely among individuals. We consider factors like diet, lifestyle, stress, genetics, prakriti and dosha (constitution) imbalances. By identifying these underlying issues, we can develop a comprehensive plan that includes:
Personalized Vedic Diet: Tailored nutrition plans that promote overall balance and blood sugar regulation.
Proprietary herbal medications: Ayurvedic herbs and supplements that target specific imbalances and support metabolic health.
Detoxification: Ayurvedic detoxification therapies are recommended to eliminate toxins from the body.
Lifestyle Adjustments: Lifestyle adjustments based on an individual’s constitution (Prakriti) and the current imbalances (Vikriti) are also recommended. Maintaining good hygiene, wearing loose-fitting clothing, and avoiding excessive sweating or friction in affected areas are all important considerations.
Regular Follow-Up: Ongoing consultations and adjustments to the treatment plan as the individual progresses on their journey to reversal.
Distinguishing Factors
At Elite Ayurveda, our renowned Ayurvedic approach revolves around tailored treatments that delve deep into the underlying causes of the disease thereby resulting in remission, rather than merely providing relief for symptoms. Personalised treatments tailored to an individual’s unique “prakruti” are essential in providing comprehensive care. Our exclusive Ayurvedic herbal formulations, customised for each patient, are recommended instead of readily available over-the-counter medications. All of our medications are carefully prepared in-house, resulting in the effectiveness of the administered herbs. Due to this, we are able to show better & sustained results.
From the Doctor’s Desk
The optimal treatment for you should improve your overall health rather than burden it with additional adverse effects.
The treatment under consideration should provide results and increase overall well-being within a reasonable time of treatment initiation.
The recurrence rate should be low or the remission period should be properly maintained.
The overall expense of treatment should not be prohibitively expensive.
The treatment should not only cure the symptoms of the sickness but also the underlying cause of the condition in the first place.
The appropriate treatment will assist you in discovering true health by utilizing a unified approach to restoring the body and mind to their natural state.
Medically reviewed by Dr. Adil Moulanchikkal, an internationally recognized Ayurveda doctor, speaker, educator and specialist in the field of Ayurveda.
He has been awarded with “Best Ayurveda Practitioner of the Year 2020” & Our clinic has also had the prestige to receive multiple awards for “Best Ayurveda Centre For Skin Treatments”.
Dr Adil has always embodied the belief in the transformative power of a medicine free life.
His procedures in Ayurveda Treatment are known with ultimate aim to completely reverse the conditions being treated.
He has been the lead consultant at EliteAyurveda Clinics for the past 15 years.
To get started, call Elite Ayurveda Multi-Specialty Clinic at +91 8884722246
Your Journey to Healing Starts Here
At EliteAyurveda Clinics, we offer a compassionate, patient-centric approach to treating Hidradenitis Suppurativa. Our goal is to empower you to rediscover health through natural, side-effect-free methods.
While no system promises an outright cure, Ayurveda emphasizes long-term remission—a state where flare-ups are minimized, and your quality of life improves. Through consistent care and commitment, you can regain control over your health and well-being.
If you’re ready to explore a treatment that focuses on your whole body, mind, and lifestyle, Ayurveda offers a path to sustained remission and improved health. In the hands of a skilled Ayurvedic practitioner, Hidradenitis Suppurativa can be effectively managed, allowing you to live a fuller, healthier life.
📞 Contact us today: +91 8884722246 Take the first step towards complete remission.
Medically reviewed by Dr. Adil Moulanchikkal, Lead Ayurveda Specialist at EliteAyurveda Clinics, with over 15 years of experience in treating neurological, skin, and autoimmune diseases.
Contact Us
At EliteAyurveda Specialist Clinic, we have a panel of specialists in various medical domains, including endocrine, autoimmune & dermatology. We are renowned for our multifaceted and root-cause approach to treating chronic and difficult-to-treat disorders.
Visit our website to learn more about individualized treatment plans based on Ayurvedic principles. Connect with us to get patient testimonials and speak directly with our patients about their experiences with our treatments.
Note: This article is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice.
Goldburg SR, Strober BE, Payette MJ. Hidradenitis suppurativa: epidemiology, clinical presentation, and pathogenesis. J Am Acad Dermatol. 2020;82(5):1045-1058. doi:10.1016/j.jaad.2019.08.090
Garg A, Kirby JS, Lavian J, Lin G, Strunk A. Sex- and Age-Adjusted Population Analysis of Prevalence Estimates for Hidradenitis Suppurativa in the United States. JAMA Dermatol. 2017;153(8):760-764. doi:10.1001/jamadermatol.2017.0201
Yu CC, Cook MG. Hidradenitis suppurativa: a disease of follicular epithelium, rather than apocrine glands. Br J Dermatol. 1990;122(6):763-769. doi:10.1111/j.1365-2133.1990.tb06264.x
Alikhan A, Sayed C, Alavi A, et al. North American clinical management guidelines for hidradenitis suppurativa: a publication from the United States and Canadian Hidradenitis Suppurativa Foundations: Part I: Diagnosis, evaluation, and the use of complementary and procedural management. J Am Acad Dermatol. 2019;81(1):76-90. doi:10.1016/j.jaad.2019.02.067
Alikhan A, Sayed C, Alavi A, et al. North American clinical management guidelines for hidradenitis suppurativa: a publication from the United States and Canadian Hidradenitis Suppurativa Foundations: Part II: Topical, intralesional, and systemic medical management. J Am Acad Dermatol. 2019;81(1):91-101. doi:10.1016/j.jaad.2019.02.068
Deckers IE, Janse IC, van der Zee HH, et al. Hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) is associated with low socioeconomic status (SES): a cross-sectional reference study. J Am Acad Dermatol. 2016;75(4):755-759.e1. doi:10.1016/j.jaad.2016.04.067
Delany E, Gormley G, Hughes R, et al. A cross-sectional epidemiological study of hidradenitis suppurativa in an Irish population (SHIP). J Eur Acad Dermatol Venereol. 2018;32(3):467-473. doi:10.1111/jdv.14686
Price KN, Thompson AM, Rizvi O, et al. Complementary and Alternative Medicine Use in Patients With Hidradenitis Suppurativa. Jama Dermatology. 2020;156(3):345-348. doi:10.1001/jamadermatol.2019.4595
Price KN, Collier EK, Grogan T, et al. Physician perspectives on complementary and alternative medicine in hidradenitis suppurativa. Dermatol Ther. 2021;34(2):e14851. doi:10.1111/dth.14851
Baker A, Young K, Potter J, Madan I. A review of grading systems for evidence-based guidelines produced by medical specialties. Clinical medicine (London, England). 2010;10(4):358-363. doi:10.7861/clinmedicine.10-4-358
Bukvić Mokos Z, Miše J, Balić A, Marinović B. Understanding the Relationship Between Smoking and Hidradenitis Suppurativa. Acta Dermatovenerol Croat. 2020;28(1):9-13.
Acharya P, Mathur M. Hidradenitis suppurativa and smoking: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology. 2020;82(4):1006-1011. doi:10.1016/j.jaad.2019.10.044
Sivanand A, Gulliver WP, Josan CK, Alhusayen R, Fleming PJ. Weight Loss and Dietary Interventions for Hidradenitis Suppurativa: A Systematic Review. J Cutan Med Surg. 2020;24(1):64-72. doi:10.1177/1203475419874412
Barrea L, Fabbrocini G, Annunziata G, et al. Role of nutrition and adherence to the Mediterranean diet in the multidisciplinary approach of hidradenitis suppurativa: evaluation of nutritional status and its association with severity of disease. Nutrients. 2019;11(1):57. doi:10.3390/nu11010057
Cheng HM, Liu WC, Chua G, et al. Impact of a pharmacy-led smoking cessation clinic in a dermatology centre. Singapore Med J. 2019;60(1):31-33. doi:10.11622/smedj.2018063
Cannistrà C, Finocchi V, Trivisonno A, Tambasco D. New perspectives in the treatment of hidradenitis suppurativa: surgery and brewer’s yeast-exclusion diet. Surgery. 2013;154(5):1126-1130. doi:10.1016/j.surg.2013.04.018
Garg A, Hundal J, Strunk A. Overall and Subgroup Prevalence of Crohn Disease Among Patients With Hidradenitis Suppurativa: A Population-Based Analysis in the United States. JAMA Dermatol. 2018;154(7):814-818. doi:10.1001/jamadermatol.2018.0878
Urquiaga I, Echeverría G, Dussaillant C, Rigotti A. Origin, components and mechanisms of action of the Mediterranean diet. Rev Med Chil. 2017;145(1):85-95. doi:10.4067/s0034-98872017000100012
Dempsey A, Butt M, Kirby JS. Prevalence and Impact of Dietary Avoidance among Individuals with Hidradenitis Suppurativa. Dermatology. 2020;236(4):289-295. doi:10.1159/000503063
Maarouf M, Platto JF, Shi VY. The role of nutrition in inflammatory pilosebaceous disorders: Implication of the skin-gut axis. Australas J Dermatol. 2019;60(2):e90-e98. doi:10.1111/ajd.12909
Marasca C, Cinelli E, Annunziata MC, Barrea L, Savastano S, Fabbrocini G. Dietary Intervention: An Essential Part of the Management of Patients Affected by Hidradenitis Suppurativa. Dermatology. 2020;236(4):296-297. doi:10.1159/000504912
Brocard A, Dréno B. Innate immunity: a crucial target for zinc in the treatment of inflammatory dermatosis. J Eur Acad Dermatol Venereol. 2011;25(10):1146-1152. doi:10.1111/j.1468-3083.2010.03934.x
Stashower J, Pollack K, Flowers RH. Severe anemia and copper deficiency in a patient treated with supplemental zinc for hidradenitis suppurativa. Int J Dermatol. Published online 2021. doi:10.1111/ijd.15652
Guillet A, Brocard A, Bach Ngohou K, et al. Verneuil’s disease, innate immunity and vitamin D: a pilot study. J Eur Acad Dermatol Venereol. 2015;29(7):1347-1353. doi:10.1111/jdv.12857
Silfvast-Kaiser A, Youssef R, Paek SY. Diet in hidradenitis suppurativa: a review of published and lay literature. Int J Dermatol. 2019;58(11):1225-1230. doi:10.1111/ijd.14465
Mantzorou M, Pavlidou E, Vasios G, Tsagalioti E, Giaginis C. Effects of curcumin consumption on human chronic diseases: a narrative review of the most recent clinical data. Phytother Res. 2018;32(6):957-975. doi:10.1002/ptr.6037
Donnarumma M, Marasca C, Palma M, Vastarella M, Annunziata MC, Fabbrocini G. An oral supplementation based on myo-inositol, folic acid and liposomal magnesium may act synergistically with antibiotic therapy and can improve metabolic profile in patients affected by Hidradenitis suppurativa: our experience. G Ital Dermatol Venereol. 2020;155(6):749-753. doi:10.23736/s0392-0488.18.06012-1
Szántó M, Dózsa A, Antal D, Szabó K, Kemény L, Bai P. Targeting the gut-skin axis-Probiotics as new tools for skin disorder management? Exp Dermatol. 2019;28(11):1210-1218. doi:10.1111/exd.14016
Feng LQ, Song WP, Shi SM, Sun XC. Explore of top-level removal and TCM treatment of perianal hidradenitis suppurativa. China Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine and Pharmacy. Published online 2013.
Jagdhane VC, Sharma VM. A CASE REPORT TO STUDY THE CLINICAL UTILITY OF TRADITIONAL HEALER-LEECH THERAPY IN THE MANAGEMENT OF AXILLARY SUPPURATIVA HIDRADENITIS WSR NADI VRANA. Published online 2020.
Levy CE, Casler N, FitzGerald DB. Battlefield Acupuncture: An Emerging Method for Easing Pain. Am J Phys Med Rehabil. 2018;97(3):e18-e19. doi:10.1097/phm.0000000000000766
Sarika A, Poornima M, Masalekar S. Management of Hidradenitis Suppurativa by Guggulu based Apamarga Ksharasutra-A Case Study. Journal of Ayurveda and Integrated Medical Sciences. 2021;6(3):201-204.
Kumar C, Fathima SA, Sharad K. Management of Hydradenitis Suppurativa by Apamarga Kshara Sutra-A Case Study. Journal of Ayurveda and Integrated Medical Sciences. 2017;2(05):194-197.
Alvarez-Suarez JM, Gasparrini M, Forbes-Hernández TY, Mazzoni L, Giampieri F. The Composition and Biological Activity of Honey: A Focus on Manuka Honey. Foods. 2014;3(3):420-432. doi:10.3390/foods3030420
Boer J. Resolution of hidradenitis suppurativa after weight loss by dietary measures, especially on frictional locations. J Eur Acad Dermatol Venereol. 2016;30(5):895-896. doi:10.1111/jdv.13059
