Living with HS pain is genuinely tough, and it's frustrating when the opioid crisis makes it harder for people who truly need relief to get it. You're not alone in feeling that way — many myHSteam members have shared the same concern about being judged or dismissed when bringing up pain with their doctors.
The good news is Show Full Answer
Living with HS pain is genuinely tough, and it's frustrating when the opioid crisis makes it harder for people who truly need relief to get it. You're not alone in feeling that way — many myHSteam members have shared the same concern about being judged or dismissed when bringing up pain with their doctors.
The good news is there are several options worth exploring that don't require a prescription. Here are some over-the-counter options that may help:
- Acetaminophen (Tylenol) — Good for short-term pain relief. Stick to the recommended dosage, as too much can cause liver damage.
- Ibuprofen (Advil) — An anti-inflammatory that can help, up to 800mg every six hours. Always check with your doctor first, especially if you have other health concerns.
- Lidocaine ointment (up to 5%) — Available at most pharmacies or online. Apply every 3–4 hours to numb specific painful areas. Cover with a bandage and give it about 30 minutes to kick in.
- Warm compresses or hot packs — These can help bring abscesses to the surface to drain, which relieves pressure and pain.
- Ice packs — Useful when a lesion is very inflamed and you want to calm it down rather than bring it to a head. It's really important to talk openly with your dermatologist about your pain levels. Documenting how pain affects your daily life can help your doctor understand the severity and work with you on a plan. If needed, they can refer you to a pain specialist who has more tools available, including options being studied for chronic pain management.
Don't be afraid to advocate for yourself — severe pain is a well-documented part of HS, and you deserve proper care.
November 2
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