What can be taken for hidradenitis suppurativa pain?
There are several options to help manage HS pain, ranging from over-the-counter medications to prescription treatments.
Over-the-Counter Pain Relief:
* Ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) - up to 800 mg every six hours can help reduce inflammation and pain. A myHSteam member Show Full Answer
What can be taken for hidradenitis suppurativa pain?
There are several options to help manage HS pain, ranging from over-the-counter medications to prescription treatments.
Over-the-Counter Pain Relief:
* Ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) - up to 800 mg every six hours can help reduce inflammation and pain. A myHSteam member noted it helped decrease pain "from a 10 to a four"
* Naproxen (Aleve) - another anti-inflammatory option
* Acetaminophen (Tylenol) - can ease pain, with one member finding 500 mg helpful
Keep in mind that long-term use of NSAIDs like ibuprofen and naproxen can cause stomach issues, so always inform your healthcare provider about what you're taking.
Topical Options:
* Lidocaine ointment (up to 5%) - can be applied every 3-4 hours to numb painful areas. One member shared, "I use lidocaine under my armpits when I have really bad inflammation. It helps me so much"
* Resorcinol cream - helps decrease pain and swelling by reducing inflammation
* Topical NSAIDs - fewer side effects than oral options
Prescription Medications:
For more severe pain, your doctor may recommend:
* SNRIs like duloxetine - originally for depression but effective for chronic pain
* Gabapentin (Neurontin) - helpful for nerve-related pain
* Biologics - for moderate to severe cases, these can reduce inflammation and pain
Always work with your healthcare team to find the right pain management approach for you.
February 21
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