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Real members of myHSteam have posted questions and answers that support our community guidelines, and should not be taken as medical advice. Looking for the latest medically reviewed content by doctors and experts? Visit our resource section.

How do I figure out the right shower and washing routine?

A myHSteam Member asked a question 💭
Gaylord, MI

So my skin is very weird, its very sensitive but at the same time if I dont exfoliate on a regular basis it gets itchy and irritated. Can I still use my net sponge on areas that I dont have problems with HS and then use my hand or something else in the other areas, or should I stop exfoliating all together? Also I am prone to excessive sweating and bad odor no matter how much I shower so I dont know what to do about that either.

October 18
 · 
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myHSteam

Finding the right washing routine with HS can feel like solving a puzzle — especially when your skin sends mixed signals! Here's a practical approach to balancing sensitivity with your need to exfoliate:

For HS-affected areas
- Avoid net sponges, loofahs, or washcloths entirely on these spots
- Use your hands with a gentle Show Full Answer

Finding the right washing routine with HS can feel like solving a puzzle — especially when your skin sends mixed signals! Here's a practical approach to balancing sensitivity with your need to exfoliate:

For HS-affected areas:
- Avoid net sponges, loofahs, or washcloths entirely on these spots
- Use your hands with a gentle antimicrobial cleanser instead
- Let the cleanser do the work — no scrubbing needed
- Pat dry gently rather than rubbing

For non-affected areas:
- Using your net sponge on unaffected skin should generally be fine
- Just be careful not to cross-contaminate affected areas

Good cleanser ingredients to look for:
- Benzoyl peroxide
- Chlorhexidine
- Zinc pyrithione

Ingredients to avoid everywhere:
- Fragrances, dyes, parabens
- Harsh exfoliants or beta-hydroxy acids
- Rubbing alcohol For excessive sweating and odor, here are some helpful strategies:

- Use absorbent pads or dressings on affected areas to manage drainage and moisture
- Change them frequently, especially after sweating
- Wear loose, breathable fabrics like cotton or bamboo to reduce sweating
- Choose a gentle, fragrance-free deodorant — avoid antiperspirants on broken or irritated skin
- Keep affected areas as dry as possible after washing, since moisture can worsen symptoms

If odor and sweating feel unmanageable, it's worth talking to your dermatologist — they may be able to prescribe additional treatments to help.

October 18

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