Managing Hidradenitis Suppurativa Flares - By Jessica Lee

Managing Hidradenitis Suppurativa flares can be challenging when Living with Hidradenitis Suppurativa (HS). These painful, inflamed areas can significantly impact daily life, but with the right strategies, it’s possible to reduce the frequency and severity of flares. In this post, we’ll explore practical tips for managing Hidradenitis Suppurativa flares, focusing on prevention, treatment, and lifestyle adjustments.

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Understanding Hidradenitis Suppurativa Flares

Hidradenitis Suppurativa is a chronic skin condition characterized by inflamed, painful lumps, typically occurring in areas where skin rubs together, such as the armpits, groin, and under the breasts. These lumps can turn into abscesses, leading to scarring and tunnels under the skin. Flares are periods when these symptoms worsen, often triggered by various factors like heat, stress, hormonal changes, and certain foods.

1. Identifying Triggers for Hidradenitis Suppurativa Flares

The first step in managing HS flares is identifying your triggers. While triggers can vary from person to person, common triggers include:

Stress: Emotional stress can worsen your HS symptoms. Techniques such as mindfulness, meditation, and yoga can help manage stress levels.

Diet: Certain foods, particularly those high in sugar, dairy, and processed ingredients, may trigger flares. Anytime I indulge in a not-so-healthy diet, I notice that my flares become more intense and frequent, so keeping a food diary can help you identify any food-related patterns you may notice in your daily life.

Hormonal Changes: Fluctuations in hormones, particularly during menstruation, can lead to increased HS symptoms.

Heat and Sweat: Hot, humid weather can cause sweating, which may aggravate HS. If you live in a hot climate like Texas, ensuring you stay cool means the world of difference when managing HS. The summers in Texas can be brutal, so incorporating loose, breathable clothing and staying cool helps to minimize Hidradenitis Suppurativa flares.

Woman eating junk food. Identifying Triggers for Managing Hidradenitis Suppurativa Flares

2. Adopting a Skincare Routine

A consistent, gentle skincare routine is crucial in managing HS flares. Here’s how to care for your skin:

Cleansing: Use a mild, fragrance-free cleanser to gently clean the affected areas. Avoid scrubbing, which can irritate the skin.

Moisturizing: Apply a non-comedogenic moisturizer to hydrate the skin and reduce friction.

Topical Treatments: Over-the-counter treatments like zinc creams or prescribed topical antibiotics can help manage inflammation.

Avoiding Irritants: Steer clear of products with harsh chemicals, fragrances, or alcohol that can irritate the skin and worsen HS symptoms.

Two women in bathrobes doing their skincare routine.

3. Maintaining a Healthy Diet

Diet plays a significant role in managing HS. Although there’s no one-size-fits-all approach, certain dietary changes may help reduce flare-ups:

Anti-Inflammatory Foods: Incorporating foods rich in antioxidants, omega-3 fatty acids, and fiber, such as leafy greens, berries, and fatty fish, can help reduce inflammation.

Elimination Diet: This is where keeping a food diary also comes in handy. To help you understand how certain foods make your body respond, consider eliminating potential trigger foods like dairy, gluten, and nightshades (tomatoes, potatoes, peppers) to see if symptoms improve.

Probiotics: Adding probiotics to your diet can support gut health, which may positively impact HS symptoms. Fermented foods like yogurt, kefir, and sauerkraut are excellent sources of probiotics. My favorite probiotics are the Garden of Life Daily Probiotics for Women and Align Probiotic Pro Formula Probiotics for Men and Women.

Woman sitting on floor next to workout equipment and holding apple and water bottle.

4. Managing Stress and Mental Health

Stress is a well-known trigger for HS flares. Managing stress and taking care of your mental health can have a significant impact on your symptoms:

Mindfulness and Meditation: Regular mindfulness practices can reduce stress and promote emotional well-being, crucial when managing a chronic condition like Hidradenitis Suppurativa. Stress is a known trigger for HS flares, and mindfulness offers a way to break the cycle of stress-induced symptoms. By focusing on the present moment and cultivating awareness of your thoughts, feelings, and bodily sensations, you can develop a healthier relationship with the physical and mental discomfort HS may cause.

Therapy: Speaking with a mental health professional can help you develop coping strategies for managing the stress and emotional impact of living with HS. I know firsthand how difficult it can be to deal with this skin condition. If you are experiencing a challenging time, seek out services in your area or an online platform like Better Help to assist you with working through any confusing emotions that may come up.

Exercise: Regular physical activity, such as yoga or walking, can help manage stress and improve overall health. Just be mindful of activities that cause excessive sweating and, if possible, change out of sweaty clothes and cleanse the skin as soon as possible to avoid clogging your pores from sweat and bacteria.

Woman grabbing side of her head in black t-shirt.

5. Wearing the Right Clothing

Choosing the proper clothing can help reduce friction and keep your skin cool, minimizing the risk of flares:

Loose-Fitting Clothes: Opt for loose, breathable fabrics like cotton or moisture-wicking materials that help keep the skin dry.

Avoid Tight Clothing: Tight clothes can cause friction and trap sweat, worsening HS symptoms.

Consider Underarm Pads: If you experience flares in the underarm area, consider using absorbent pads to reduce moisture and friction.

Image of folded sweaters against light color background.

6. Seeking Medical Treatment for Managing Hidradenitis Suppurative Flares

If your HS flares become severe or don’t respond to self-care measures, it’s essential to seek medical treatment. Options include:

Topical and Oral Medications: Your doctor may prescribe antibiotics, retinoids, or other medications to reduce inflammation and treat infection. Biologic drugs like adalimumab (Humira) can help relieve symptoms and prevent flares for moderate to severe HS. Talk to your healthcare provider if this is something you are considering.

Surgical Options: In some cases, surgical intervention may be necessary to drain abscesses, remove tunnels, or excise affected skin.

A doctor talking to a female client with clipboard to Manage Hidradenitis Suppurative Flares.

7. Staying Hydrated

Hydration is vital to overall health and can also help in managing HS:

Drink Plenty of Water: Aim to drink at least eight glasses of water a day to stay hydrated and help flush out toxins. Getting enough water into my diet was challenging until I dedicated a specific cup and set timers for a “water break .” My favorite cup recently has been the Stanley IceFlow Flip Straw Water Bottle. I’m very clumsy, and I love that the water bottle is leakproof, especially when working near my computer. I also love that it keeps the water ice cold, just how I like it.

Avoid Sugary Drinks: Sugary beverages can trigger inflammation and should be minimized or avoided. If you cannot completely remove sugary, sweetened drinks, try reducing your daily consumption.

Managing Hidradenitis Suppurativa flares requires a holistic approach, combining lifestyle changes, skincare routines, and medical interventions. By identifying your triggers, adopting a healthy lifestyle, and seeking appropriate medical care, you can reduce the frequency and severity of flares, leading to a better quality of life. Living with Hidradenitis Suppurativa can be isolating, but you’re not alone. Connecting with others who understand what you’re going through can be incredibly supportive, and with the right strategies, you can effectively manage HS.