How is hidradenitis suppurativa treated at home?

Hidradenitis suppurativa is a chronic inflammatory skin condition characterized by painful lumps and abscesses that form in areas where skin rubs against skin, such as the armpits, groin, and buttocks.

Other symptoms may include red, tender bumps, blackheads, and tunnels that form under the skin.

No cure is currently available for hidradenitis suppurativa, but various treatments can manage symptoms and improve the quality of life for people with this condition.

Self-care and home management can help in complementing medical support.

Recommended home treatments for hidradenitis suppurativa

Medications are the first line of treatment in managing hidradenitis suppurativa symptoms. Home management may complement these efforts and help you get relief when you are having a bad day.

Keeping your skin clean and dry and using loose clothing are two ways to manage hidradenitis suppurativa at home. You may also try warm compresses and turmeric therapy.

Warm compresses

Applying warm compresses to the affected areas may relieve pain and swelling. It may also promote the natural drainage of abscesses.

• Precautions: Ensure the compress is not too hot to avoid burns. Ensure you use a clean cloth and avoid squeezing or puncturing the abscess.
• How to use: Apply the compress to the affected area for 10 minutes several times daily, especially during flare-ups.

Turmeric

Studies suggest that curcumin, the active compound in turmeric, has anti-inflammatory properties. These may help reduce inflammation and pain in the affected areas.

You can use turmeric as a paste applied in affected areas or as a supplement by mouth.

• Precautions: Turmeric paste can stain clothing and skin, so use it with caution. Consider talking with a healthcare professional before taking turmeric supplements, particularly if you use prescription medications. Turmeric may interact with certain medications and other supplements, especially those that act as blood thinners.
• How to use: Mix 2 teaspoons of organic turmeric powder with 1 tablespoon of coconut oil or warm water to make a paste. Mix until you get the desired texture. Apply the paste to the affected areas for 10–15 minutes, once a day. For supplements, follow your healthcare professional’s guidance.

Home remedies for hidradenitis suppurativa do not replace medical treatment. If your symptoms persist or worsen, notify your healthcare professional immediately and suspend any home care.

Should you drain hidradenitis suppurativa at home?

Healthcare professionals do not recommend draining hidradenitis suppurativa at home. Trying to alleviate the pain and discomfort by draining lesions yourself may be tempting, but it comes with potential risks. 

Draining abscesses requires a sterile environment, specialized tools, and medical expertise.

Attempting to drain the abscesses without proper medical attention may lead to complications such as infections, scarring, and worsening of the condition.

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Medical treatments for hidradenitis suppurativa

Medical treatments for hidradenitis suppurativa typically involve prescription medications that help manage symptoms and prevent flare-ups. The specific medication prescribed may depend on the severity of the condition and other individual factors. 

Commonly used medications for managing hidradenitis suppurativa may include:

Antibiotics

Your healthcare professional may prescribe oral antibiotics such as doxycycline (Adoxa) or clindamycin (Cleocin). They may also recommend topical antibiotics such as over-the-counter (OTC) neomycin/bacitracin/polymyxin (Neosporin) or tetracycline (Sumycin).

Antibiotic therapy helps manage bacterial growth and reduces inflammation in the affected areas. 

Hormonal therapy

Hormonal therapies can manage hidradenitis suppurativa, especially in females.

A 2022 systematic review suggests that antiandrogen therapy with cyproterone acetate and estrogen effectively reduced inflammation and regulated hormone levels in females with hidradenitis suppurativa.

Biologics

A doctor may recommend biologic therapies for moderate to severe hidradenitis suppurativa that do not respond well to other treatments.

Biologic medications, such as adalimumab (Humira), target specific proteins or cells in the immune system to reduce inflammation and manage symptoms.

Corticosteroids

Corticosteroids work by suppressing the immune response to reduce inflammation.

One 2021 case study notes that three people with severe hidradenitis suppurativa responded well to low dose corticosteroid therapy with oral betamethasone (Celestone Soluspan).

A 2021 study suggested that intralesional (area inside the lesion) injection of corticosteroids such as triamcinolone acetonide (Kenalog-10) in the affected areas effectively reduced inflammation and pain related to hidradenitis suppurativa. 

Diabetes medications

Healthcare professionals prescribe metformin (Riomet), a diabetes medication, off-label to treat hidradenitis suppurativa. It may help reduce inflammation and improve symptoms in some people, according to a 2023 study. But its effectiveness may vary.

Surgery

A doctor may consider surgery for hidradenitis suppurativa when conservative treatments fail to manage the condition.

They may resort to surgery to remove abscesses, drain tunnels, or excise affected tissue to improve symptoms in severe cases.

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Summary

Home treatments for hidradenitis suppurativa include turmeric paste and warm compresses. You can do these safely at home, but they don’t replace the need for medical treatment.

You should not drain abscesses caused by the condition without the help of a healthcare professional. They can provide individualized care and help so you receive the most suitable treatment for your case.