Great question! Using deodorant on areas beyond the armpits — like the buttocks — is actually something that's been discussed for people with HS. Sweating in skin folds and affected areas can worsen symptoms, so managing it makes a lot of sense.
One dermatologist has noted that deodorant can be used in many areas Show Full Answer
Great question! Using deodorant on areas beyond the armpits — like the buttocks — is actually something that's been discussed for people with HS. Sweating in skin folds and affected areas can worsen symptoms, so managing it makes a lot of sense.
One dermatologist has noted that deodorant can be used in many areas, including skin folds, inner thighs, and the groin — not just underarms. They also suggest applying it at night rather than during the day, as it tends to work better that way. That said, choosing the right product is really important. Some ingredients can irritate sensitive or lesion-prone skin. Here's what to look for and avoid:
Avoid deodorants containing:
- Fragrance
- Alcohol
- Dyes
- Baking soda
- Aluminum chloride (found in older antiperspirants)
Look for:
- Aluminum-free formulas
- Fragrance-free options
- Newer zirconium-based formulas (e.g., Dove Clinical Protection, Secret Clinical Strength), which tend to be gentler A myHSteam member shared that trying a new deodorant triggered a significant flare-up under their arms, so it's always wise to patch test any new product on a small area first before applying it more broadly.
It's best to check with your dermatologist before adding any new product to your routine, especially on areas with active lesions or scarring.
June 26
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