What medicines, creams, or ointments can help manage moderate HS flare-ups?
You're already using Hibiclens, which is great! Here are some additional options that myHSteam members and healthcare providers recommend for managing moderate flare-ups:
Antiseptic Washes
* Benzoyl peroxide wash (5-10%) - helps reduce bacteria Show Full Answer
What medicines, creams, or ointments can help manage moderate HS flare-ups?
You're already using Hibiclens, which is great! Here are some additional options that myHSteam members and healthcare providers recommend for managing moderate flare-ups:
Antiseptic Washes:
* Benzoyl peroxide wash (5-10%) - helps reduce bacteria and prevent flare-ups
* Head & Shoulders shampoo (Classic) - many members report this helps calm flares, especially in armpits
* Chlorhexidine (like Hibiclens or Dyna-Hex)
Topical Treatments:
* Clindamycin 1% - a topical antibiotic that can be applied twice daily
* Witch hazel - helps soothe skin after washing
* Benzoyl peroxide cream (5-10%)
Pain Relief:
* Ibuprofen - helps with pain and reduces inflammation
* Warm compresses or heating pads for painful bumps (use for 10 minutes at a time)
* Ice packs when lesions are very painful and you want to calm them down rather than drain them
Important tip: Avoid using alcohol to clean your skin, as it can be too harsh and irritating. Stick with gentler antiseptic washes instead.
For moderate HS, your dermatologist may also prescribe oral antibiotics like doxycycline or minocycline, or recommend steroid injections for particularly painful lesions. It's worth discussing these options with them to find what works best for your specific situation.
February 8
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