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Lifestyle and home remedies

By Mayo Clinic staff

The 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 tight, synthetic clothes may irritate your skin.
  • 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.
Alternative medicine Treatments and drugs
References
  1. Goldsmith LA, et al., eds. Fitzpatrick's Dermatology in General Medicine. 8th ed. New York, N.Y.: The McGraw-Hill Companies; 2012. http://www.accessmedicine.com/resourceTOC.aspx?resourceID=740. Accessed Feb. 11, 2013.
  2. Margesson LJ, et al. Pathogenesis, clinical features and diagnosis of hidradenitis suppurativa. http://www.uptodate.com/home. Accessed Feb. 11, 2013.
  3. Danby WF, et al. Hidradenitis suppurativa. Dermatologic Clinics. 2010;28:779.
  4. AskMayoExpert. Hidradenitis suppurativa. Rochester, Minn.: Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research; 2013.
  5. Margesson LJ, et al. Treatment of hidradenitis suppurativa. http://www.uptodate.com/home. Accessed Feb. 11, 2013.
  6. Ferri FF. Ferri's Clinical Advisor 2013:5 Books in 1. Philadelphia, Pa.: Mosby Elsevier; 2012. http://www.mdconsult.com/books/about.do?eid=4-u1.0-B978-0-323-08373-7..00002-9&isbn=978-0-323-08373-7&about=true&uniqId=343863096-23. Accessed Feb. 11, 2013.
  7. Gibson LE (expert opinion). Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn. Feb. 14, 2013.
DS00818 April 9, 2013

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