Certain soaps and other skin care products may irritate hidradenitis suppurativa (HS), whereas others can help manage the condition and its symptoms.
HS is a chronic skin condition that causes painful lesions in areas of skin containing sweat glands. In HS, the hair follicles near the sweat glands become blocked, causing skin nodules and abscesses that may leak pus and form scar tissue.
Researchers have yet to determine the exact cause of HS. However, one possible contributing factor is bacteria. In HS, the bacteria that usually live harmlessly on the skin may become trapped inside hair follicles, causing inflammation.
The American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) recommends that people with HS use an antibacterial or antiseptic wash to help control the bacteria and other pathogens that may contribute to HS.
People with HS can look for soaps and body washes containing the following active ingredients:
- Benzoyl peroxide: This bactericidal reduces the number of bacteria on the skin.
- Zinc pyrithione: This is a topical antiseptic that has both antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties.
- Chlorhexidine: This is an antiseptic and disinfectant that helps reduce the number of bacteria on the skin. A person can look for soaps containing 4% chlorhexidine.
A doctor or dermatologist may recommend a topical anti-inflammatory product called resorcinol cream to help treat HS. This product can help open clogged hair follicles and reduce pain, swelling, and inflammation.
A person may need to use resorcinol cream for 3 to 4 months before they notice an improvement in their skin. They may need to continue using the cream for several weeks after their skin clears.
Resorcinol cream can cause skin irritation. Although the product is available over the counter, people should contact a doctor or dermatologist for advice on application dosage and frequency and what to do if irritation develops.
The AAD notes that some common skin care ingredients can trigger HS or worsen an existing flare. Examples include:
- alcohol
- baking soda
- parabens
- dyes
- fragrance
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The AAD recommends the following daily skin care tips for people living with HS:
- Washing the skin with an antimicrobial wash: Medicated soaps or washes containing benzoyl peroxide or zinc pyrithione can help reduce bacteria on the skin and the likelihood of HS flares.
- Avoiding scrubbing the skin: Scrubbing causes inflammation, which can worsen HS. People can avoid using washcloths or loofahs and instead apply soaps with clean hands.
- Caring for wounds: HS can cause slow-healing or non-healing skin wounds that require daily treatment. A dermatologist will advise on how to treat skin wounds.
Other skin care tips for people with HS
Some additional skin care tips that may help manage HS and reduce flares include:
- Avoiding waxing: Dermatologists generally recommend that people with HS avoid waxing their skin, as waxing can irritate the skin and worsen HS.
- Taking care when shaving the skin: Shaving can cause small wounds that may become infected or develop into a new sore. The following tips can help prevent this:
- washing the area with an antimicrobial soap before shaving
- applying a gel-to-foam shaving gel to help soften and protect the skin in preparation for shaving
- taking extra care to avoid damaging the skin while shaving
- Avoiding overheating: Overheating and sweating can trigger or worsen HS. The following can help reduce the likelihood of overheating and sweating:
- limiting activity levels when in a warm indoor or outdoor environment
- staying in a cool indoor space or moving to a space with air conditioning, if possible
- avoiding the midday sun during warm weather
- Using a mild antiperspirant deodorant: To reduce sweating, people can try applying an antiperspirant deodorant that is free from harsh and irritating ingredients, such as:
- alcohol
- baking soda
- parabens
- dyes
- fragrance
- Wearing loose-fitting clothing: Tight clothing can rub and irritate skin with HS, worsening a flare. People can opt for loose-fitting clothing wherever possible.
- Treating painful skin lesions with heat: A warm compress can help drain pus from an HS lesion and alleviate pain. Dermatologists may recommend one of the following methods:
- A warm water compress: Place a clean washcloth under warm running water, wring out excess water, and hold the warm washcloth against the skin lesion for 10 minutes.
- A black tea compress: Steep a teabag of black tea in a cup of boiling water for 10 minutes. In the meantime, place a clean, soft cloth or gauze inside a container. Then, pour the warm tea into the container. Wring out the excess liquid from the cloth or gauze, and place it on the sore for 10 minutes.
- Following a dermatologist-recommended wound care treatment plan: A person should notify their dermatologist if they develop painful HS wounds that do not heal properly. The person should follow their dermatologist’s advice on wound treatment.
HS is a chronic skin condition that affects areas of skin containing sweat glands. In HS, the hair follicles near the sweat glands become blocked, causing painful inflammatory skin lesions, such as nodules and abscesses. These lesions may leak pus and cause scarring.
Although the exact cause of HS is unknown, it seems that bacteria that usually live harmlessly on the skin may trigger or worsen the condition.
As such, dermatologists recommend soaps or body washes that help limit the number of bacteria on the skin. These products typically contain ingredients like benzoyl peroxide, zinc pyrithione, or chlorhexidine.
People with HS should avoid skin care products containing harsh ingredients that may trigger or worsen their HS, such as alcohol, parabens, and fragrances.
Other tips that may help with HS management include taking extra care when shaving, using a gentle antiperspirant deodorant, and wearing loose-fitting clothing. A person should also follow their dermatologist’s advice on caring for painful or non-healing HS wounds.