Hidradenitis Suppurativa Support Group

Someone on this site recommended acne medication (used carefully of course, depending on where your problem is) I tried it and it has helped some. I have this constantly, started in 1977, then none for fifteen years, then only when stressed, since I lost my husband, it is constand. Antibiotics help for a while, but it comes right back...constantly draining. I hate this disease.

try an herb called tumeric.. u can get it from a health food store or a website www.botanicchoice.com.. i beleive it is helpin my h.s

Nessa,
I know exactly how you feel. I was diagnosed with HS almost two years ago after going to many dr.s that had no idea what it was. It is embarassing! But you need to find a way to cope with it. I have suffered severe depression because of this. I think it is one of the most painful and discusting diseases there are. That said, there are people who can help you. Let someone in. You cannot go thru this alone! As for the meds. Everyone is different. You need to find a dr and dermatologist that are knowledgable about HS and many, many Dr.s are not. They need to understand how painful and dibilitating this disease can be. Not only physically but mentally as well. There is no cure for HS but there are people out there that can help you.
Best of luck to you! Don't give up on yourself. You are worth it!

All I can say is Hang in there. My doc has been going through a number of different treatments. The one thing that did help it injections to the areas when they were "growing" it helped heal a bit faster. He wanted to try a laser for acne treatments on the areas. But it was very expensive and I did not try it. But No cure, and it is very depressing.

Nothing worked for my brother except the skin grafts! He tried everything! Tea tree oil, antibiotics, Accutane, etc. Only the skin grafts closed up his wounds. His got so bad they were open wounds.

hello friend, i'm also new to this site, i drain constantly and wear gauzes every day to hide the horror of my skin and to prevent my clothes from getting stained...I have been on different antibiotiocs, and even tried accutaine, i was afraid, but gave it a shot, it worked, was pain and drainage free for 6 months, but now its back..I cope day to day and pray so that the next day will be pain free..

I used to have frequent and very painful outbreaks...now I very rarely have problems (knock wood). I also have a husband that loves me (he came after the HS) and can look beyond the scars.

My advice: Try to avoid artificial dyes and fragrances in laundry soap and body products (soaps, lotions) and try not to wear tight clothing or clothing that causes friction. I also try to stick to clothes made of natural fibers where possible (cotton, primarily). Medications did not help me (but then I've never had a lot of faith in medications and feel that most of the time they do more harm than good). In addition, probiotics may well be worth trying (especially if you go on antibiotics).

The embarrassment is normal, I think, and what prevents many from seeking help (and is likely causing the numbers to be very off for how many are suffering from HS). I think you'll find the embarrassment wanes after you allow some time for acceptance. We're all flawed in one way or another. Our scars are just reminders of how strong we are.

The very best wishes for you.