Ask the experts... hidradenitis suppurativa


The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) report that only 2% of people in the UK live with hidradenitis suppurativa. HS is a chronic skin condition that causes abscesses and scarring on the skin. 

With such a small portion of the population living with the condition, it can often be mistaken for acne or ingrown hairs. That’s why we wanted to get the fact’s straight. 

The British Skin Foundation’s HS specialists took up residency in the talkhealth clinic to answer all of your questions about care and management of the condition. 

If you missed the clinic, here are some of the best bits of advice:

Which birth control pills would you recommend for people with hidradenitis suppurativa?

Some women experience a hidradenitis suppurativa flare-up before their period. This is due to the fluctuation in hormones called androgens at this time. Combined oral contraceptive pills containing anti-androgens (e.g. Diannette), may be helpful for women whose HS is affected by their hormones. Progesterone only contraception such as mini-pills, the contraceptive implant or Mirena coil may make symptoms worse. Alternatively, some women will benefit from taking an anti-androgen tablet called spironolactone. You usually need to see a dermatologist for this treatment. For any advice on birth control and HS, speak to your GP.

Are there any alternative remedies or lifestyle changes that could help with my hidradenitis suppurativa symptoms?

Hidradenitis suppurativa is a medical condition that often requires treatment with prescription medications. Mild symptoms can be managed with regular use of antiseptic soaps such as Hibiscrub or Dermol 500 lotion. If you are looking for ways to change your lifestyle to aid your HS you should stop smoking, lose weight and try to wear loose-fitting clothes.

Can you recommend any workouts or activities that won’t make my hidradenitis suppurativa flare or hurt?

Exercise and weight loss can lead to improvement in the symptoms of hidradenitis suppurativa, however, HS predominately affects skin folds. These areas of skin are put under increased stress when exercising.

A two-pronged approach combining medical therapy and exercise will increase your chances of success. Medical therapies like using anti-septic wash, antibiotics, retinoids or hormonal treatments will stabilise your symptoms and help you to attain your exercise goals. You should speak to your doctor about optimising your HS treatment.

What are the key triggers that contribute to hidradenitis suppurativa flare-ups?

It is not always possible to identify a trigger for flares. That said, stress, tight-fitting clothing, smoking and fluctuating hormones can affect the severity of symptoms and the frequency of flare-ups in people with HS. It’s probably a good idea for you to rule out these factors one by one to find out what triggers your symptoms. If frequent flares are having an impact on your quality of life, there are medical treatments that can be prescribed by your GP or your specialist.

How can I make sure that my skincare routine is HS-friendly?

HS affects skin folds so using cosmetic products in these areas can lead to increased irritation, you should avoid using these products if possible! Antiseptic soaps help maintain local hygiene and should be the foundation of all HS skincare routines. I recommend the use of Dermol 500 lotion or Hibiscrub. Both contain chlorhexidine which has antimicrobial properties.

If you are living with hidradenitis suppurativa and you need some extra support, the British Skin Foundation have some great resources on their website.

Do you still need support for your skin? We have a range of Support Programmes that are designed to help you manage your condition. Click here and enrol today! 

Information contained in this Articles page has been written by talkhealth based on available medical evidence. The content however should never be considered a substitute for medical advice. You should always seek medical advice before changing your treatment routine. talkhealth does not endorse any specific products, brands or treatments.

Information written by the talkhealth team

Last revised: 28 June 2021
Next review: 28 June 2024