In my 20s and 30s I was dancing as well. I used shaved ivory soap mixed with sugar overnite. I put it on a piece of gauze, and covered it with saran wrap and used paper tape to stick it on my leg. My aunt swore by bacon fat as well. I did that one too, and it drained overnite.
September 1
Retinol isn't typically recommended for draining HS lesions — it can actually irritate already inflamed skin and make things worse. There are some better-supported options worth trying, especially given how active you are with pole dancing!
Here are some approaches that may help speed things along:
- Warm compress — Show Full Answer
Retinol isn't typically recommended for draining HS lesions — it can actually irritate already inflamed skin and make things worse. There are some better-supported options worth trying, especially given how active you are with pole dancing!
Here are some approaches that may help speed things along:
- Warm compress — Applying heat for up to 10 minutes at a time can help bring a lesion to the surface so it drains naturally. Just don't overdo it, as excess heat and sweating can worsen HS.
- Ice pack — If a lesion is swollen but not ready to burst, ice can reduce inflammation and pain.
- Resorcinol cream (15%) — This is actually backed by research for HS specifically. It can speed up healing of nodules and shorten flare-ups.
- OTC pain relief — Ibuprofen is a go-to for many people with HS. One myHSteam member said it took their pain "from a 10 to a 4."
- Topical numbing creams — Products containing lidocaine, menthol, or benzocaine can offer quick, localized relief. One important heads-up — avoid picking, squeezing, or trying to force a lesion to drain, as this raises the risk of infection and scarring, which could mean longer downtime from pole dancing. Always check with your dermatologist before trying new treatments, especially if flares are frequent.
August 17
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