But how you remove it matters. Since hair follicles are where HS symptoms start, waxing and shaving can cause microtears that trigger inflammation for some people, Dr. Sayed says. Doing either during a flare is a bad idea, according to Angela J. Lamb, MD, associate professor of dermatology and director of the Westside Mount Sinai Dermatology. If you do shave, try doing so in the direction of your hair growth to avoid ingrown hairs.
Laser hair removal is a better choice if you have HS. In fact, it can actually help improve symptoms, Dr. Sayed says. And because it destroys the hair follicles it can have anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial effects, some research suggests.2
It’s important to know that people with dark skin have a greater risk of skin discoloration from certain types of lasers, and laser hair removal might not work as well on people with lighter hair colors. If you’re considering the procedure, it’s best to talk to your doctor to make sure you’re a good candidate and understand any possible risks.
4. Use fragrance-free, hypoallergenic products.
When selecting body skin care products like deodorant, Dr. Choudhary recommends looking for allergy-friendly options without any scent so you don’t irritate active sores.
Dr. Sayed also suggests steering clear of anything that contains denatured alcohol, “which can burn when you apply it to open sores,” he says. In general, keep an eye on the ingredients that tend to lead to flares, and cut them from your routine.
If you can’t seem to find ones that work, ask your derm (if you have one)—they can help you choose products and let you know if something you want to try could potentially cause problems.
5. Soothe inflammation with heat—or ice.
If you have a flare, applying a warm compress to the area can help reduce your pain and swelling, according to the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD). You can do this by soaking a washcloth or by using a tea bag steeped in hot water and then applying either to your sore. The AAD recommends leaving those on for about 10 minutes (and of course, you’ll want to make sure the temperature isn’t so hot that it burns your skin).
If you are dealing with a nodule that is full of pus, the heat might encourage it to drain, Dr. Sayed says. Even just taking a shower can help nodules to open up, and then lightly pressing on the area can help relieve some pressure, he adds. However, you should never squeeze or try to pop an HS cyst—it can cause damage or lead to an infection.
“Sometimes, if the skin is tender and inflamed, you may find cold therapy more soothing,” Dr. Sayed says. Ice can help relieve pain temporarily, but make sure to wrap it in a thin piece of fabric first. Putting it directly on your skin can cause damage. If this still hurts, feels too cold, or you start to lose sensation, remove the cube and give your skin a break, Dr. Sayed says. Apply something cool about 10 to 20 minutes at a time, whenever you could use some relief.
6. Avoid sweaty situations.
Sweating and overheating tend to worsen HS, per the AAD. You obviously can’t flip a switch to turn your sweat glands off, but you can do a few things to reduce moisture on your skin.