What is Hidradenitis Suppurativa (HS) and how to Naturally Treat it
Hidraenitis sruppourativa (HS) is a long name for a skin condition causing painful bumps to form under the skin. These bumps can range from the size of a pea to as large as a grape and are filled with foul smelling pus. Unfortunately, the bumps may cause skin tunneling as well, leaving unhealed and open wounds.
Most HS warriors will experience these boils in areas where their skin rubs together with hair follicles that can become blocked, such as inner thighs, genitals, butts and armpits. The exact cause of HS is unknown, but it’s believed hormones, genes, immune deficiencies, smoking, being a woman and obesity are all possible risk factors (and don’t worry, these painful bumps are not contagious).
The medical establishment offers a few treatments, including prescription drugs that may not be safe for those with autoimmune diseases, so do your research.
There are a variety of natural products available to help the symptoms of HS, so you can get frisky and confident sooner rather than later. If you have HS, take a look at some of the following natural remedies that may help:
Natural Remedies
L-Lysine - The amino acid L-Lysine is basically a wonder supplement that can treat a variety of health issues (including anxiety and gut issues) and is commonly used to prevent the start and reduce the duration of herpes outbreaks. While HS is obviously not a virus or contagious, L-Lysine has been shown to help reduce the amount of HS flare ups in certain individuals.
You can find L-Lysine in foods like lean beef and lamb, parmesan cheese, poultry, pork and soybeans. Or, to make sure you’re getting an extra dose of this magic amino acid, you can take a supplement. I personally take L-Lysine supplements when I feel a boil forming.
Anti-inflammatory Diet – Whole, real foods really are what mother nature intended for us to consume, and who are we to argue with nature? When you follow a natural meal program like the Whole30, your body will work hard to right itself by getting hormones back in balance.
This is especially helpful for people with HS, because the body begins to repair itself and reduce inflammation. Not only will you reduce the number of outbreaks you experience, but your outbreaks will also be less painful if they do happen.
Aloe Vera – While your mom likely used Aloe Vera for sunburns or rashes, it actually is a great treatment for HS as well. It’s important to note that Aloe doesn’t necessarily treat your boils, but it works as an excellent pain reliever that reduces inflammation and may promote other holistic treatments to work better.
Natural Aloe Vera is the key to making this treatment work, so don’t even think about getting those gallon size tubs of mystery goo. Personally, I prefer buying a few stalks at my local grocer and getting it directly from the source, but there are a variety of additive free products on the market. Simply place directly on the boil and experience the pain relief almost immediately.
Honey/Apple Cider Vinegar/Turmeric – These super foods aren’t just for eating; they also make excellent topical treatments for those suffering from HS. Combining honey and turmeric into a paste will draw out the pus in the boil, causing it to come to a head sooner.
Apple Cider Vinegar has a host of anti-microbial properties, and these benefits extend to HS warriors as well. The best part? It works the best when you use it during the boil’s developmental phase, meaning you can prevent the boil from fully forming in the first place!
Hot Baths - Hot baths are the perfect way to relax after a long day at work or with the kids, but they also are the perfect way for HS warriors to help their condition, being that it stimulates the boil to come to a head. Add some essential Lavender Oil and Salt for an extra dose of drawing power! My fav is Zum Tub Bath Salt Packets.
Please keep in mind that boils from HS are different from a cyst. Cysts can usually be removed. It is possible to have both if you’re a person more prone to growths, so check with your dermatologist.
HS doesn’t need to control your life, and there are a variety of ways to relieve symptoms. While I don’t have HS, due to my increased risk in developing boils, I created the V “Facial” Bundle. This combo is our own secret combination of 100% natural ingredients that are safe for your bits and may help reduce your HS flare ups. It’s very important not to exfoliate too much with HS as this can irritate your skin. For this reason we don’t suggest using the Exfoliating Bar directly on the skin where you’re experiencing a flare up. It’s better to lather in your hands, then wash the area. The magical ingredients are superstars for helping wound healing. The mask helps to dry the bumps out once formed or even stop it from forming, but you may need to use it daily, and leave it on for long periods of time #selfcare. The serum helps bring the bumps to a head, which some customers love so they can easily pop it. Either way chose which of the combo’s routine works best for you. And let us know what you think!
SHOP
The author. Joelle Lynn is an entrepreneur, herbalist, esthetician, master-formulator of all things natural, and the founder of Happy Girl Products.