So what if your concerns are not be taken serious? What if you have a medical proffesional gaslighting you into taking a med?
They cant answer me in any way I find reassuring. The pressure or forcing me, guilting me, demanding, holding other care hostage to make me take it, makes me want to resist even more. I beginning to wonder if docs get a bonus prescribing it.

My advice, find a new provider. You must be part of the decision.

@BrookeGibson - Hello Brooke, you might want to look for a naturopathic health practitioner who generally has a holistic approach to your cares and concerns. I don't have one but it is who I would prefer if my flares couldn't be managed with home remedies. I've suffered from HS since age 15 and I am now 63 yo. I didn't know what it was until my 40s I found this HS web site/group at age 61 and never saw a Dermatologist until age 62: I like to explore this site because other HS sufferers often suggest remedies we may not have thought of yet. Personally, I am NOT willing to try big pharma drugs, so the Dermatologist has no solutions to offer me. Every *BODY* is different and responds differently to meds, even topicals. Find what works for Y.O.U. your own uniqueness. I have used good old fashioned Calamine Lotion for a couple of decades with success even if it is a little messy. But I found the Tea Tree oil too smelly so, even though it works, I quit using it EXCEPT if I'm at home and not going out anywhere. I also tried Prid which did not work for me, but reportedly works for others. The "My Magic Healer Universal Flare Care" is very soothing and smells lovely https://mymagichealer.com/ and I just saw an interesting suggestion on this thread I am willing to try out since it could be another soothing salve like for flares near the peri-anal area https://amazingointments.com/shop/hidradenitis-... I have seen a number of other suggestions out there that I may try. Like (food grade) black castor oil on the groin area to soothe and draw an active flare under the breasts or in the groin. I also get them in the armpits. Over the counter remedies for acne can work on some body parts, since some flares are like acne inversa. I like salves and lotions that "draw" like Calamine lotion can "dry up" a bump to where it never even breaks open. The lumps are still red and painful, and take ten days but they do go away without bursting. If pain or itching are an issue you can also try the steroid creams OTC or a Benedryl lotion, even Caladryl which combine calamine and benedryl. To leave on a more humorous note, I haven't tried soaking in Epsom salts or Bleach baths, etc., for two good reasons (1.) I am too large to fit in a tub and (2.) I'm too old and heavy to hoist my big elderly self up out of a tub. Like I said, we do what we can do, find what works for us, and try hard not to discourage others or Dismiss what might work for others. Even big pharma can give some people "hope" or a sense of control over The incurable Dis-Ease of HS. Just big pharma is not my idea of a solution (for me) I would rather experiment with Do No Harm remedies. P.S. For when I have bleeders, I like non-stick gauze and a Tegaderm-type waterproof bandage that I can leave on for three days to prevent friction, prevent infection and allow it time to heal.

Hidradenitis Suppurativa Treatment Cream | Amazing Ointments

https://amazingointments.com/shop/hidradenitis-suppurativa-treatment-cream/

Your Trusted Daily Flare Care for All Skin Flare-Ups

https://mymagichealer.com/