Have you ever sought home remedies to help improve your quality of life with hidradenitis suppurativa (HS)? Some people say magnesium can help curb flare-ups. But what does science say about magnesium and HS?

Here’s what to know about magnesium’s role in managing HS.

What Is Magnesium?

Magnesium is a mineral that helps regulate muscle and nerve function, blood sugar levels, and inflammation. It’s found naturally in foods like leafy greens, nuts, seeds, and whole grains. It’s also available in supplements and topical products such as Epsom salts (magnesium sulfate).

Because HS is a chronic inflammatory skin condition, you may wonder whether magnesium’s role in reducing inflammation could help manage symptoms.

Magnesium and HS: What Does the Evidence Say?

“What do you think of magnesium sulfate paste for HS lesions?” asked one myHSteam member. “I rely on it heavily for flares,” another said.

Others prefer taking oral magnesium supplements. “I take magnesium high-absorption gummies daily as an anti-inflammatory,” said a third member.

Currently, there’s no strong scientific evidence that magnesium directly improves HS. No clinical trials have shown that magnesium reduces HS flare-ups, pain, or inflammation. But magnesium may indirectly support skin health and inflammation control in a few ways.

Anti-Inflammatory Effects

Magnesium helps regulate the body’s inflammatory response. Some small studies on other inflammatory conditions suggest that magnesium may reduce markers of inflammation. None of these studies included HS specifically.

Stress Management

Many people with HS notice flare-ups worsen during times of stress. Magnesium may help calm the nervous system. This could help with stress-related triggers. “I like using Epsom salt baths for muscle pain and tension,” said a myHSteam member.

Sleep Support

Getting enough sleep can help your immune system function properly. Certain magnesium supplements are sometimes used to promote relaxation and better sleep quality. “I suggest taking magnesium citrate,” said one myHSteam member. “This is what I take at night, every night.”

Types of Magnesium People Try

Magnesium comes in several forms. Each has different risks and potential benefits. Below are some magnesium products that people with HS report using as alternative medicine.

Epsom Salts

Epsom salt baths have long been used to ease muscle soreness and inflammation. Soaking in a warm Epsom salt bath may help relieve discomfort, swelling, and itching from HS. The warm water may also help with drainage of small abscesses (boils).

Avoid soaking if you have broken skin to prevent stinging and further irritation. Using too much Epsom salt, or using water that’s too hot, can dry out the skin. This may worsen HS symptoms for some people.

Topical Magnesium

Topical magnesium products, such as creams and oils, are applied directly to the skin. They’re often marketed for pain or inflammation relief. Evidence supporting their use is very limited. The skin absorbs magnesium poorly, and most studies say topical magnesium doesn’t significantly raise magnesium levels in the body.

Look out for mild irritation or burning, especially if applied to inflamed areas. Try to avoid applying creams to broken skin without first consulting a doctor. Always test on a small patch of skin first to ensure you’re not allergic to any ingredients.

Oral Magnesium Supplements

Oral magnesium supplements come in several forms, such as magnesium citrate or magnesium oxide. They’re often used to treat low magnesium levels. There’s no proof that they directly improve HS, but they may support overall health.

High doses of magnesium can cause side effects like diarrhea, low blood pressure, or muscle weakness. People with kidney problems should use magnesium supplements only under medical supervision. That’s because the mineral can build up in the body.

Should You Try Magnesium for HS?

Magnesium isn’t part of HS treatment, but it may help to improve your quality of life. If you’re interested in magnesium, start with gentle approaches. For example, try an occasional Epsom salt bath or make dietary modifications to add in more magnesium-rich foods. Always talk to your dermatologist or primary care provider for medical advice before adding any new supplement or topical product.

Your doctor can help ensure magnesium won’t interfere with your medications or HS treatments. They may also suggest other over-the-counter treatments to reduce HS disease severity.

Join the Conversation

On myHSteam, people share their experiences with hidradenitis suppurativa, get advice, and find support from others who understand.

Have you tried magnesium for HS? Let others know in a comment below.