Using a heating pad to help a boil come to a head and drain is something some people with HS do try. Heat can bring pus to the surface and encourage a boil to open and drain. However, it's not instant — it can take up to a week to work.
That said, there are some important cautions to keep in mind:
- Only use heat when the Show Full Answer
Using a heating pad to help a boil come to a head and drain is something some people with HS do try. Heat can bring pus to the surface and encourage a boil to open and drain. However, it's not instant — it can take up to a week to work.
That said, there are some important cautions to keep in mind:
- Only use heat when the boil is already close to bursting (you can see a "head" forming)
- Using heat too early can actually increase inflammation and make pain worse
- HS-affected skin may be less sensitive to heat, meaning you could burn yourself without realizing it
- Always place a cloth between the heat source and your skin
- Never fall asleep with a heating pad on A warm compress (a damp, warm washcloth held against the skin for about 10 minutes, a few times a day) is often considered a safer option than a heating pad, since it's easier to control the temperature and moisture.
Some myHSteam members have shared that they use heating pads for flares, but it's always a good idea to check with your dermatologist before trying it, especially since HS skin can react differently to heat.
June 3
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