Great question! Managing HS wounds starts with keeping things clean. Here's what's recommended for washing:
- Antibacterial soap or a gentle cleanser
- Warm water
- A soft washcloth
- A clean, dry towel
One important heads-up: avoid hydrogen peroxide or other antiseptics on open wounds or abscesses, as they can do more Show Full Answer
Great question! Managing HS wounds starts with keeping things clean. Here's what's recommended for washing:
- Antibacterial soap or a gentle cleanser
- Warm water
- A soft washcloth
- A clean, dry towel
One important heads-up: avoid hydrogen peroxide or other antiseptics on open wounds or abscesses, as they can do more harm than good. For bandaging, the goal is usually absorption and protecting the skin. Here are some popular options:
- ABD (abdominal) pads — affordable and gentle on skin
- Calcium alginate or gelling fiber dressings — great for heavy drainage
- Foam bandages — good for absorbing fluids
- Charcoal bandages — help with odor, but can be pricey
- Menstrual or nursing pads — a budget-friendly hack that many find surprisingly effective
- Hydrocolloid dressings — better suited for wound healing than heavy drainage
Applying a little petroleum jelly before covering the wound can help prevent the dressing from sticking to the skin.
It may take some trial and error to find what works best for you, and that's completely normal. A dermatologist or wound care nurse can also help guide you toward the right products for your specific situation. One more thing worth knowing — wound care supplies can get expensive, but many insurance plans will actually cover them. It's worth asking your dermatologist to help you get the necessary documentation to have these costs covered.
July 29
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