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Real members of myHSteam have posted questions and answers that support our community guidelines, and should not be taken as medical advice. Looking for the latest medically reviewed content by doctors and experts? Visit our resource section.

I am a server/waitress. Does anybody know what I should wear to work because we have to wear pants/jeans to work and makes out breaks worse

A myHSteam Member asked a question 💭
Sarasota, FL
October 23, 2025
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A myHSteam Member

try abd pads with long biker shorts or mens boxer breifs to hold them in place and use some AnD ointment to help reduce the friction and hydrate your skin and make a barrier between the pads and your skin cuz if they dry out during a shift it will hurt tobget them off. abd pads are extremely absorbent so when the puss and blood get to mad spread it will dry out around the edges and stick.

October 30, 2025
A myHSteam Member

Hi Me4, hope you try them - I agree with the bike shorts underneath pants: try the wicking fabric of the bike shorts, helps against sweat, the snug fit prevents thigh chafe and the smooth fabric allows the pants to glide over the shorts without chafing your thighs. You would think a snug fit might irritate, but I find them more comfortable than loose pants that rub when I walk, because the bike shorts move with me and keep the pants away. The snug fit also helps keep any bandages in place. For a draining sore, I like the waterproof Tegaderm-style of bandages, with a nonstick gauze. These wear well for a couple of days giving the neosporin-type of ointment time to do its work and giving the sore time to drain and start healing before I remove the bandage.

December 7, 2025
myHSteam

What pants or jeans work best for your job as a server/waitress while managing HS flare-ups?

I understand how challenging it must be to wear required pants or jeans when they're making your HS worse. The friction and heat from restrictive clothing can definitely aggravate symptoms, especially in areas where skin rubs Show Full Answer

What pants or jeans work best for your job as a server/waitress while managing HS flare-ups?

I understand how challenging it must be to wear required pants or jeans when they're making your HS worse. The friction and heat from restrictive clothing can definitely aggravate symptoms, especially in areas where skin rubs together.

Here are some alternatives to traditional jeans that might work better for you:

- Lightweight yoga pants or leggings
- Joggers made from soft, breathable fabrics
- Loose-fitting slacks or trousers
- Dark-colored pants (to hide any potential staining from drainage)

When choosing pants for work, look for:

- Natural, breathable fabrics like cotton that absorb moisture
- Loose-fitting styles that reduce friction
- Soft materials that won't irritate your skin
- Avoid synthetic fabrics like polyester and nylon that trap heat and moisture

A myHSteam member who works as a welder and must wear jeans daily mentioned that winter months are better for them, but summer heat makes it harder to control symptoms. If your workplace is warm, breathable fabrics become even more important.

If you need to wear something under your pants for protection, consider using sanitary pads or panty liners to absorb any drainage. One member shared they place a panty liner sideways in their underwear, which helps prevent fabric from sticking to wounds.

Talk to your manager about whether there's flexibility in the dress code for medical reasons - you might be able to wear looser, more comfortable pants that still look professional.

October 23, 2025

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