Self-Care Guidelines
Make sure to wash any red, draining area(s) of hidradenitis suppurativa with an antibacterial soap, and then apply antibiotic ointment and clean bandages. If there is a large amount of drainage, change the gauze pads and dressings often. Warm compresses and ibuprofen can help reduce the swelling. Avoid tight-fitting clothing to prevent further irritation.
Weight loss may decrease lesions by decreasing skin folds and, thus, friction on the skin. Smoking should be avoided.
When to Seek Medical Care
Some cases of hidradenitis suppurativa can be treated with self-care measures. Healing of individual lesions takes about 1–2 weeks. Make sure to seek medical care if you are not able to control the pain with ibuprofen and warm compresses. Medical treatment may be necessary if the condition appears in multiple areas or continues to come back (recur). If there is redness, excessive pain, excessive drainage, red streaking, you have a fever, or there are other factors that may indicate there is an infection, see your doctor. If you have been given antibiotics and the area does not improve within a few days, return your doctor.
Signs and Symptoms
