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my hidradenitis suppurativa survival kitđ©č
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items Living with hidradenitis suppurativa is exhausting physically, mentally, and emotionally. After years of trial and error, Iâve found products that actually help me manage flare ups, reduce irritation, and keep my skin as healthy as possible. This kit...
Sections
8
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Cleansers
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Exfoliators
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Bandages
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Deodorant/Sweat Control
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Spot/Flare Treatment
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Supplements
Cleansers
Let me preface this with I am a 2-3 showers a day kind of gal. The feeling of having multiple open HS flares is what started the obsession and now it's just habit. I know it's a lot of cleansers but they each have a purpose and I don't use them all a...Â
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Dove sensitive skin has been my go to body wash for over 10 years. While it doesn't directly help with hs, it does keep the rest of my skin soft and not irritated. A staple in my household, even my man uses it.
Dove Sensitive Skin Body Wash Gentle Hypoallergenic Formula 24hr Lotion- ...
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If I am not using Dove, then I'm using this. Incredible body wash if your skin is feeling dry, dehydrated, and scaly. Can literally be used head to toe!
La Roche Posay : Bath & Body
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The tried and true! Recommended by every doctor I have seen for flaring skin. It can be drying so make sure you moisturize your skin afterwards, yes even your underarms.
Hibiclens
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It's a lot cheaper than Hibiclens so I always keep a few bars in my cabinet as backup.
Dial Antibacterial Deodorant Gold Bar Soap
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My dermatologist recommended this wash after I told her I saw some improvement after being in chlorine on vacation. Apparently this wash has the same components of a bleach bath/chlorine which is why it's so effective. BUT this wash is very expensive...
CLnÂź BodyWash â Non-Drying for Compromised Skin
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I love using this wash for maintenance. It keeps my skin free of odor causing bacteria  and it doesn't dry me out like the others do. Very affordable as well!
DR. LIFT Antibacterial Body Wash Kills 99.9%
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My underarms suffered A LOT of discoloration from hs tunneling and scarring.. then I had a reaction to dove spray deodorant that left my armpit skin extremely darker than the rest of my body. I was already using the faded serum but the bar soap versi...
Faded Brightening & Cleansing Body Bar for Uneven Skin Tone (2 Pack)
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My derm told me to buy this for any fungal related issues. I learned that yeast can grow on your skin like under your breast or groin area due to sweat. I have even used it on my face before to address fungal acne. And it's not an everyday product so...
Nizoral Anti-Dandruff Shampoo 1% Ketoconazole 7oz
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Not a cleanser but epsom salt soaks are so good when you have a huge boil that won't come to head. Just make sure to use directed amount because using too much can have a laxative effect.
Epsom Salt
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Naturium body washes are so special to me, especially this one. I use this during every âeverything showerâ. Along with the HA version to follow up. *chef's kiss*
Naturium The Smoother Glycolic Acid Exfoliating Body Wash - 16.9 fl oz
Exfoliators
These help me feel cleaner, fresher, and more comfortable during recovery days. The soak reduces swelling and the exfoliation helps gently lift dead skin without causing too much irritation.
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My skin is always baby soft whenever I use my net. Obviously do not ever use it on active flares or open skin, but it's really good for everywhere else. Can be cut into smaller sections which makes the net last a long time!
African Net Sponge Authentic
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This product is like Franks hot sauce, bc I put this sh*t on everything! Scalp, neck, armpits, elbows/knees, heels, hands. It truly does so much!
The Ordinary - Glycolic Acid 7% Exfoliating and Brightening Daily Toner
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Even though this is a face product I have used it under my arms for hyperpigmentation. I don't use it often maybe once every 2 weeks since I use so many other things. Worth a try when you're skin heals enough to handle it.
Naturium Emulsion with Azelaic Acid 10% | Skin Care
Bandages
Taking care of HS wounds, you will go through so many products. These are the bandages that work the best for me and repurchased often.
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My mom taught me about hydrocolloid bandages. They did help when I have a small flare. It keeps the environment moist to promote healing. Don't use for large areas or with flares that have heavy draining or it will leave a hole.
Hydrocolloid Bandages
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When you have HS, you know there is always a reason have bandaids. I love these because they don't pull or irritate my skin. I was using a different brand before but started getting blisters from the adhesive. I like that these have strength enough t...
Ourmed Rainbow Fabric Bandages, 100 Ct, Latex Free
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I can't use regular bandages or tape because it irritates my skin. This soft tape is easy to remove and don't snag.
Conkote Tan Paper Surgical Tape 1" x 10 Yards, 4 Rolls
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These honey patches helped a lot along with the ointment. Some year old flares closed enough to start healing. Unfortunately it's not a permanent fix but worth it when I had several wounds I was nursing on a daily basis.
First Honey Manuka Honey Adhesive Bandages 6pk
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Easy to stack and stay in place with surgical tape. When I have a lot of draining I can go through a lot so 200 pack is a good deal.
Medline Non-Sterile Cotton Woven Gauze Sponges
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For flares that are deep or boils that are draining, I like to use something bigger to really cover the area. Also good for covering areas covered in ointment or creams.
CareStock 8x10 Sterile ABD Pads 24-Pack
Deodorant/Sweat Control
Navigating deodorant used to pain me as much as the flares. Because the skin is so compromised it makes it hard to not further irritate it with more products. It took lots of trial and error but I found what works for me! I can't stress enough how ho...
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My holy grail at home deodorant!! Sometimes regular stick deo is too much for my skin, so I tried dove spray and was left with horrible discoloration on top of my hs scars. This deodorant is easy to roll on, dries fast, and actually keeps me smelling...
The Deodorant Gel - With 5% Alpha Hydroxy Acid (AHA) and Niacinamide
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My doctor recommended this to me to keep my skin dry throughout the day, especially living in this Texas heat. If you have big tatas in hot climates, that is a recipe for yeast to grow on your skin. I sprinkle this under my breast and my inner thigh ...
Puregen Labs Antifungal Powder 2% Miconazole
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This is such a unique product and I can't recommend it enough if you're a sweaty girly. I use this as needed but no more than 2x a week and only at night.
Sweat Minimizing Gel
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One of my favorite body products because it's easy to use and does what it says it will do! I never worry if I have that âsmellâ if you have hs then you know exactly what I am talking about. I do not play around when it comes to my hygiene and produc...
Body Deodorant Spray
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This is one of those products you try and realize it's something to always keep on hand, especially if you are a fitness girly. Even though it's a wipe, it's still effective at reducing sweat. Paired with their deo spray and you are good to go!
Whole Body Antiperspirant Wipes
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Better than baby powder to me! I like having a non medicated option of powders to use if needed. As you can see I really love this brand because it's not expensive and everything works as it should.
Body Powder
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A new product I am trying and I really like them! The price is so good for how many you get. The wipes are for odor control, won't stop you from sweating but will keep you fresh!
FOMIN Acidified Deodorant Wipes Women 45ct
Spot/Flare Treatment
When I'm flaring I want products I know are going to bring me relief. After years of dealing with HS and finally getting it to a manageable state, these are a few tried and true picks.Â
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Whenever I have a boil or feel one coming, I spread this all over the area and cover with gauze and tape. Within a day or two it usually comes to a head so I can drain. Love this stuff so much, but it does smell like burnt rubber.
Hyland's PRID Drawing Salve for Splinters
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Yes, these are meant for after you give birth.. BUT they really do help when you have hs that is in the groin area. One time I got razor burn so bad on top of irritated skin and my sister told me to try these. OMG the relief plus it acts as a bandage...
Frida Mom 2-in-1 Postpartum Pads Maxi
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I usually use this on my face, then one day I just started spraying on my hs areas. I think it is effective at reducing bacteria. One of those products you don't know you need until you have it.
Kate Blanc Hypochlorous Acid Spray 8oz
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Just a simple tea tree oil to use as a spot treatment.
Tea Tree Oil Roller
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I can't recommend these enough especially if you get flares in your inner thighs. Super comfortable and breathable.
Fruit of the Loom Women's 4pk Relaxing Comfort Boxers - 5: High Rise, Lightweight Knit, Tagless Design
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I have bought this numerous times. Along with the bandages I saw a lot of progress. As I have said before, it isn't a cure all but it kept me coming back.
First Honey Wound Healing Ointment 1oz
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My only gripe with these products is the smell. They smell heavily of tea tree oil which doesn't bother me but my partner says its very strong. As far as effectiveness, they did provide relief. If you have mild hs this may be good to try. For more se...
HS Hidradenitis Suppurativa Cleanser, Balm & Cyst Serum - Botanical Delights
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Triple antibiotic ointment is a staple to have on hand. Instead of the tubes, I like to get these individual packets that I can take anywhere. And I don't have to worry about contaminating the tube by touching the rim when swiping product off.
CareAll Triple Antibiotic Ointment 25 Pack
Supplements
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This one uses black pepper to help your body actually use the turmeric. Itâs great if you want something clean, herbal, and easy to pop in your pill stack. It especially helps me during hidradenitis flare ups and inflamed days.
Turmeric SupremeÂź Extra Strength
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I used to be an upset stomach girly. Always with a belly ache or having to use the restroom. A few weeks after taking this my stomach aches calmed and my skin started to look so much better. If you have leaky gut I highly suggest this!
Doctor's Best Pure L-Glutamine Powder -- 10.6 oz
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I think this is something everybody needs in their medicine cabinet. The list of benefits are very long but I especially like the antifungal and antimicrobial properties. This isn't something to take long term. I never use more than 2 weeks at a time...
Oil of Oregano
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A must if you have chronic wounds like with hs! Zinc is another supplement that helps with skin healing and this brand is super clean.. no fillers or unnecessary junk.
Zinc 30, 60 Capsules (30 mg per Capsule) - iHerb
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Because I have hidradenitis my skin is always trying to repair itself. Vitamin c helps aid in wound healing and collagen production. My doctor suggested I add it as a booster to other supplements.
NOW Liposomal Vitamin C -- 120 Veg Capsules
Skin Support
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When my flares finally started healing in my groin area, it left my skin soooooo itchy. Â I blind ordered this from Amazon and didn't want to pay $30 at first but I'm glad I did. It almost instantly soothed my skin and even helped with texture from scarring.
VMAGIC Medicine Mama Organic Vulva Balm 2oz
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I think every household should have this lol Its good for so many things. If you have hs sometimes you can get these shiny dry patches of skin and this keeps it from looking crepey.
Aquaphor products at Target
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I love this brand down!! It was one of the first handmade natural products I tried a few years ago. Black woman owned and operated. This salve is holy grail status! It's so velvety and soothing. Helps with irritation, razor bumps, pad rash, dryness, ...
Feminine Salve
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Once a month, after my cycle I like to do an apple cider vinegar soak. I fill the tub halfway and add Πof the container to the water and soak for about 15-20 minutes. My skin always feels better especially if I have an open flare.
Amazon Fresh, Apple Cider Vinegar, 128 Oz
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So slippery and hydrating! I like to include this to keep my skin supple and fight that tight shiny look you can get with hs.
Naturium The Booster Hyaluronic Acid Body Wash - 16.9 fl oz
Extra Support
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There is no other like Magic Hour! I have so many flavors of both hot and iced tea. Green Goddess is one of my favorites. Think of luxury green tea. It keeps me from drinking sugary juice and adding to inflammation. Drinking it inspired me to create ...
Magic Hour Goddess Green Tea
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My boyfriend got me this heating pad when I had a golf ball sized boil under my arm and I would literally cry myself to sleep from the pain. This along with my other products really takes the edge off. And you can use it for cramps! It actually gets ...
Electric Heating Pad for Back, Neck & More
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I can't shave with a regular razor or wax due to how delicate my skin is. But I also do not like the feeling of body hair so I tried a trimmer. I wish I would have gotten it earlier tbh. It even has a face attachment that you can use instead of using...
Bikini Trimmer for Women - Painless Electric Razor, Cordless, Waterproof, USB Charge
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Red light therapy can help with so many things including inflammation and skin health. This was an investment into a beginner red light machine and I love it. There are so many brands and options and I chose this after doing some research. In the fut...
BEICHEN 120 LED Red Light Therapy Lamp
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When you need a warm compress! Way better than a water bottle or a wet towel!
samply 2L Hot Water Bottle with Knitted Cover