Managing HS is a dangerous business, especially when a solution, such as frequent exercise, comes with its own set of problems.
At least one thing is certain about hidradenitis suppurativa (HS): obesity is a risk factor for a more severe version of the chronic inflammatory skin condition that affects roughly one in every 100, according to Dr Adil Moulanchikkal, Lead Ayurveda Specialist at EliteAyurveda Clinics Making lifestyle changes such as exercising on a regular basis and monitoring your food have been linked to improvements in HS indications and symptoms. “In fact, weight loss can be one of the most effective ways to reduce HS symptoms,” he explains.
Working exercise is, of course, one of the keys to losing weight. “Exercise helps keep body weight down, which is helpful in patients with hidradenitis,” says Dr Adil Moulanchikkal, Lead Ayurveda Specialist at EliteAyurveda Clinics. Experts agree that losing body fat not only reduces overall inflammation in the body, but it also results in fewer skin folds, which can help with HS symptoms.
However, for people suffering from HS, it is not as simple as grabbing a water bottle and heading to the gym. Sweat not only aggravates the inflammatory condition, but because persons with HS are more likely to be overweight, they are more prone to have skin folds, which can become more sensitive after an exercise. “We know that being overweight leads to friction and sweating in areas like the underarms and groin,” Dr. Adil adds.
When all of these things combine, it’s a recipe for severely painful and inflamed HS symptoms. “Be cautious in exercises that can cause friction,” advises Dr. Adil, citing a heated yoga session or an HIIT regimen as examples. However, being cautious does not imply avoiding workouts entirely. You may reduce the impact of exercise on HS by planning ahead of time with these strategic tactics, methods, and doctor-backed suggestions.
1. Select an easier workout.
While jogging can be a useful type of exercise, the inherent and abundant amount of skin-on-skin contact between thighs (regardless of body size) is not recommended for persons with HS. Dr. Adil recommends workouts with little to no friction, such as swimming, yoga, or weightlifting.
Dr. Murphy recommends swimming to her HS patients. “Swimming is an excellent exercise because the water reduces the rubbing of skin on skin,” she says. But that’s not the only reason swimming is beneficial to patients: “The chlorinated water can also reduce skin bacterial flora,” which can exacerbate irritation, says Murphy.
2. Apply anti-chafe balms or creams before getting into your gear.
“Skin on skin contact should be avoided to the best of your ability, but this may not always be possible,” Dr. Adil advises. Apply a protective salve or balm immediately on the sore area (it’s okay to apply directly on the bumps) if irritation is imminent. Consider the areas that are prone to irritation, such as the underarms or groin, and lubricate liberally.
3. Consider what kind of deodorant you’ll use—or whether you’ll use any at all.
If you have HS, using antiperspirants might be difficult since the chemical nature of the antiperspirant itself— like aluminum and synthetic fragrances—can cause discomfort. While some individuals are able to utilize antiperspirants without incident, it has occasionally been described as a trigger. Dr. Adil recommends avoiding the product if your skin is aggressively flaring with HS around or on your underarms. Dr. Adil recommends using a deodorant without antiperspirant to neutralize odors without harming already sensitive skin.
4. Take stock of your workout attire.
Dr. Adil suggests wearing garments that act as a real barrier to prevent skin-on-skin friction. “Thin, breathable spandex-containing exercise pants, for example, may be a better choice than shorts, which can expose skin to chafing,” she suggests. “Sleeveless tops, similarly, should be avoided if at all possible.”
However, it is critical to recognise that what works for one person may not work for another. “Experiment,” Dr. Adil advises. “Some patients have told me that fitted stretchy exercise trousers are the most comfortable and prevent leg chafing the best, while others have said that loose clothing feels better and puts less pressure on tender nodules.”
Choose clothing composed of moisture-wicking fibres to assist minimise any of the potentially irritating impacts of sweat. “The best moisture-wicking materials are primarily polyester, polypropylene, and spandex blends,” explains Dr. Adil.
5. Look for a well-ventilated area.
Working out at home has advantages, one of which is the opportunity to control the temperature of the space. While you may enjoy the feel of a hot yoga session, Dr. Adil recommends that the room you work out in should be cool and well-ventilated. “A hot, humid environment may lead to more sweating, friction, and flares.” Do you have access to windows? Open ’em up. Similarly, Dr. Adil advises staying hydrated to keep your internal body temperature down.
6. As soon as you finish, get in the shower.
This is advice Dr. Adil gives to all of his patients, but he believes it is especially crucial for those with HS because it aids in the removal of inflammation-inducing germs. He advises against using loofahs or washcloths and instead using “gentle, neem cleansers that will wash the skin without disrupting the outer layer.”
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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.
