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Lifestyle and home remedies
By Mayo Clinic staffThe following suggestions may help relieve discomfort, speed healing and prevent the infection from spreading:
- Apply warm compresses. A warm washcloth or compress can help reduce swelling.
- Keep the affected area clean. Gently wash the affected areas with antibacterial soap. After washing, apply an over-the-counter antibiotic.
- Wear loosefitting clothes. Loose clothes and underwear can help prevent skin irritation, while tightfitting, synthetic clothes may irritate your skin.
- Avoid shaving. Shaving can irritate affected areas.
- Don't smoke. No scientific studies have been done on the effects of smoking cessation on hidradenitis suppurativa. However, stopping smoking has many health benefits and may improve the course of the disease.
- Lose weight. Excess weight increases the number of areas where skin rubs together — for example, between skin folds — causing friction, increased perspiration and bacterial growth. Though weight loss won't cure the disease, it may improve symptoms.
References
- Hidradenitis suppurativa. American Osteopathic College of Dermatology. http://www.aocd.org/skin/dermatologic_diseases/hidradenitis_suppu.html. Accessed June 22, 2010.
- Alikhan A, et al. Hidradenitis suppurativa: A comprehensive review. Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology. 2009;60:539.
- Smith HS, et al. Painful hidradenitis suppurativa. Clinical Journal of Pain. 2010;26:435.
- Beshara MA. Hidradenitis suppurativa: A clinician's tool for early diagnosis and treatment. Advances in Skin and Wound Care. 2010;23:328.
- The morbidity of hidradenitis suppurativa. The Hidradenitis Suppurativa Foundation. http://www.hs-foundation.org/abouths/morbidity.htm. Accessed June 22, 2010.
- Stewart EG, et al. Treatment of hidradenitis suppurativa. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed June 28, 2010.
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