Managing HS is a risky business, especially when a remedy, such as frequent exercise, introduces its own set of complications.

According to Dr Adil Moulanchikkal, Lead Ayurveda Specialist at EliteAyurveda Clinics, obesity is a risk factor for a more severe version of hidradenitis suppurativa (HS), a chronic inflammatory skin illness that affects around one in every 100 people. Lifestyle adjustments like as frequent exercise and food monitoring have been associated to improvements in HS signs and symptoms. “In fact, weight loss can be one of the most effective ways to reduce HS symptoms,” he says.

Working out is, of course, an important part of losing weight. “Exercise helps keep body weight down, which is helpful in patients with hidradenitis,” explains Dr. Adil Moulanchikkal, Lead Ayurveda Specialist at EliteAyurveda Clinics. Losing body fat not only reduces overall inflammation in the body, but it also leads in fewer skin folds, which can assist with HS symptoms, according to experts.

However, it is not as simple for persons suffering from HS to take a water bottle and head to the gym. Sweat not only aggravates the inflammatory condition, but because people with HS are more likely to be overweight, they have skin folds that might become more sensitive after exercise. “We know that being overweight leads to friction and sweating in areas like the underarms and groyne,” Dr. Adil continues.

When all of these factors come together, it’s a recipe for excruciatingly painful and inflamed HS symptoms. “Be cautious in exercises that can cause friction,” Dr. Adil recommends, mentioning heated yoga or an HIIT regimen as examples. Being cautious, however, does not suggest avoiding workouts totally. By planning ahead of time with these smart techniques, approaches, and doctor-backed recommendations, you can lessen the impact of exercise on HS.

1. Choose an easy workout.

While jogging can be a beneficial form of exercise, the inherent and ample amount of skin-on-skin contact between the thighs (independent of body size) is not advised for those with HS. Dr. Adil suggests low-to-no-friction workouts such as swimming, yoga, or weightlifting.

Swimming is something Dr. Murphy encourages to her HS patients. “Swimming is an excellent exercise because the water reduces rubbing of skin on skin,” she explains. Swimming is also useful to patients because “the chlorinated water can also reduce skin bacterial flora,” which can aggravate discomfort, according to Murphy.

2. Before putting on your gear, apply anti-chafe balms or creams.

“To the best of your ability, avoid skin-on-skin contact,” Dr. Adil urges. If irritation is impending, apply a protective salve or balm to the sore area (it’s allowed to apply directly to the bumps). Consider lubricating regions prone to irritation, such as the underarms or groyne, and apply liberally. 

3. Think about the type of deodorant you’ll use—or if you’ll use any at all.

If you have HS, you may find it difficult to use antiperspirants since the chemical makeup of the antiperspirant, such as aluminium and synthetic smells, can cause pain. While some people can use antiperspirants without incident, it has been regarded as a trigger on occasion. If your skin is aggressively flaring with HS around or on your underarms, Dr. Adil advises avoiding the product. Dr. Adil suggests using a deodorant that does not contain antiperspirant to neutralise odours without irritating already sensitive skin.

4. Examine your workout clothing.

Dr. Adil recommends wearing clothing that acts as a true barrier to reduce 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 recommends. “Sleeveless tops, similarly, should be avoided if at all possible.”

It is vital, however, to acknowledge that what works for one individual may not work for another. “Experiment,” urges Dr. Adil. “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.”

Select clothing made of moisture-wicking fibres to help reduce the potentially unpleasant effects of sweat. “The best moisture-wicking materials are primarily polyester, polypropylene, and spandex blends,” Dr. Adil says.

5. Look for a place that is well-ventilated.

Working out at home has benefits, one of which is the ability to manage the temperature of the environment. While you may appreciate the sensation of hot yoga, Dr. Adil recommends that you exercise in a cool, well-ventilated environment. “A hot, humid environment may lead to more sweating, friction, and flares.” Have you have access to windows? Open them. Dr. Adil also suggests staying hydrated to keep your internal body temperature down.

6. Get in the shower as soon as you finish.

Dr. Adil gives this advise to all of his patients, but he believes it is especially important for those with HS since it aids in the clearance of microorganisms that cause inflammation. He recommends avoiding loofahs and washcloths in favour of “gentle, neem cleansers that will wash the skin without disrupting the outer layer.” 

Our Prognosis –

EliteAyurveda Clinics has a panel of doctors in many medical disciplines such as endocrine, autoimmune, gynaecology, and so on under one roof. We are well-known for treating chronic and difficult-to-treat illnesses with a holistic and root-cause approach.

To learn more, please contact us.

Hydradenitis suppurativa is a cause of Kapha and Pitta dosha, according to Ayurveda. When the digestive fire (Agni), or Pitta, is out of equilibrium, the Kapha Dosha becomes vitiated, causing metabolism to slow down. Because of the disturbance of fat molecules, they begin to accumulate in muscles and obstruct physiological passages, resulting in painful, swelling sores in the groin, buttocks, thighs, and armpits.

The goal of hidradenitis suppurativa Treatment in Ayurveda is to restore the body’s natural balance by detoxifying it using effective herbal remedies. 

Elite Ayurveda’s treatment for Hidradenitis Suppurativa includes balancing the Kapha and Pitta doshas as well as restoring metabolism harmony. Body detoxification, internal medications to balance doshas, and exterior applications to repair wounds are all part of the treatment.

The treatment consists of herbal mixtures generated based on individual Prakruti and Vikruti analyses. To learn more, please visit our website.

Connect with us to obtain patient testimonials and to chat directly with our patients about their experience in having their ailment treated by us and Ayurveda in general.

Dr. Adil Moulanchikkal, Lead Ayurveda Specialist at EliteAyurveda Clinics, reviewed the medical records. With over 15 years of experience in Neurological, Skin, and Autoimmune Disease treatment.

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