If you’re living with hidradenitis suppurativa (HS), you know how challenging it can be to treat the painful bumps and boils caused by this skin condition. In the search for relief, many people with HS look for a natural approach to manage boils caused by HS. One myHSteam member asked, “Has anyone had success using Prid drawing salve? I just bought some because I have a nasty eruption on its way, and I’m praying that this will bring the misery to a speedy conclusion.”

Prid is a salve some people use to reduce pain and other HS symptoms. As a homeopathic medicine, Prid is considered a complementary and alternative medicine (CAM). In a JAMA Dermatology study involving 300+ people with HS, more than 84 percent reported using some form of CAM. The authors noted that more research is needed to show how well CAM works for HS. Here, you can learn more about Prid and whether or not it’s recommended for people with HS.

What Is Prid?

Hyland’s Prid Homeopathic Drawing Salve is a topical remedy that some people use to treat boils. According to the product label’s drug facts, Prid is a drawing salve that can be used to treat boils, minor skin eruptions, insect bites, superficial cuts, and scratches. The salve may help draw out splinters and ingrown hairs while providing temporary topical relief of pain, itching, and irritation.

This homeopathic remedy can be used for people ages 6 and up. Prid is available over the counter at grocery stores and drugstores, as well as online from major retailers such as Amazon, CVS, Walgreens, and Walmart.

What Is Homeopathy?

Homeopathy, also called homeopathic medicine, was developed more than 200 years ago in Germany. This medical system is based on the theory that “like cures like” when given in very small doses. Homeopathic medicines usually contain tiny amounts of substances that might cause symptoms similar to those that the remedy is treating. For example, a homeopathic medicine to treat inflammation may use a diluted sample of ingredients that cause irritation in healthy people.

There’s no scientific evidence that homeopathic medicine is an effective treatment for any health condition, and it remains a controversial question. A comprehensive review of research conducted by the National Health and Medical Research Council in Australia found no proof that homeopathic remedies were effective for any medical condition.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) doesn’t review products marketed as homeopathic treatments for safety or effectiveness. Therefore, there are no FDA-approved homeopathic products. However, the FDA has issued consumer alerts for homeopathic products that have been contaminated or contain harmful amounts of ingredients.

How Do You Use Prid?

Before using Prid or other home remedies for HS, check with your doctor or dermatologist.

You should use Prid exactly as directed:

1. Wash the affected skin with a clean washcloth, soap, and warm water, and gently pat dry.
2. Apply Prid to your boil, and then cover the affected area with gauze, a bandage, or a Band-Aid.
3. Repeat twice per day until the irritation subsides.

Make sure you don’t squeeze or put pressure on the irritated skin.

The thick ointment can be difficult to apply. One myHSteam member recommended: “After a warm compress or shower, I use Prid. Apply enough to cover the center gently, as the skin warmth will help it melt and spread it.”

One member noted, “Prid works, but it’s messy.” Another added, “It will stain clothes, too. So even if you cover it, some leaks out. Wear your trash clothes when using that stuff.”

How Does Prid Drawing Salve Work?

Several myHSteam members have used Prid with positive results. “I found that Prid really helped me out,” one member wrote. “I wash the boil really well, put Prid on, and then put a bandage on it. A couple of days later, no pain, and the boil was almost gone, or it came to a head. It was a lifesaver.”

No clinical trials have evaluated how well Prid treats skin conditions, including hidradenitis suppurativa. Researchers have studied some of the natural active ingredients in Prid, but there’s not enough evidence to determine whether it’s a safe and effective treatment for HS.

Here’s a look at some of Prid’s ingredients and how, based on their effects on other conditions, they may help HS symptoms.

Arnica Montana

Some studies suggest that Arnica montana may moderately improve symptoms like pain, swelling, and bruising after surgery or trauma, while other studies showed no improvement. A study on Arnica montana for osteoarthritis of the knee found that the gel reduced discomfort and was generally well tolerated with few side effects, but it posed a risk of allergic reactions.

Calendula

Studies on animals and people have found that Calendula officinalis flower extract may promote wound healing. It was found to be particularly effective at reducing inflammation. Calendula is likely safe for most people but also carries a risk of allergic reactions.

Ichthammol

Ichthammol ointment is believed to act as a drawing salve and an anti-inflammatory agent to heal the skin. Derived from shale oil, ichthammol has been used to treat skin conditions such as psoriasis and eczema. Ichthammol is generally well tolerated but can cause skin irritation. It also has a sulfur-like smell and can discolor skin and clothes.

Silicea

Silicea may help draw out splinters, thorns, and ingrown hairs. A small study of 22 people with diabetic ulcers found that this homeopathic medicine may improve healing without significant side effects.

Echinacea Angustifolia

Echinacea angustifolia is commonly used as a dietary supplement for respiratory issues, but is also used topically to ease pain on the skin. Echinacea is likely safe for most people but can cause serious allergic reactions.

Sulfur

Sulfur is used to treat many skin disorders and may relieve itchiness, sores, and minor skin eruptions. This ingredient may have some antibacterial properties and help protect and soften the skin. Side effects may include discoloration and peeling skin.

Hepar Sulphuris Calcareum

Hepar sulphuris calcareum may help relieve pain and itching from boils. This homeopathic remedy is made by combining calcium from oyster shells with flowers of sulfur, then burning the mixture.

Inactive Ingredients

The inactive ingredients in Prid are listed as:

• Beeswax
• Ethyl alcohol
• Glycerin
• Petrolatum
• Purified water
• Stearyl alcohol
• Wood rosin

Beeswax, petrolatum, and glycerin may help protect skin boils. HS guidelines recommend applying petroleum jelly to wounds before covering them with a bandage to keep the wound moist and reduce the risk of scarring.

What Risks and Precautions Come With Prid?

Prid should only be used on intact skin. It should not be applied to:

• Eyes, mouth, or nose
• Broken skin or open wounds
• Puncture wounds
• Animal bites
• Serious burns

According to the product label, you should stop using Prid and call your doctor if:

• You have more irritation, pain, swelling, or discoloration after starting Prid.
• Your symptoms don’t improve within seven days.

If you’re pregnant or nursing, you should consult your doctor before using Prid.

Side Effects

Like all medications, Prid can have side effects. Many of its ingredients can irritate the skin. If you notice skin irritation or a new rash, stop using the salve and call your healthcare provider.

A few myHSteam members have also shared that Prid can be messy to apply, may discolor clothing, and it has an unpleasant odor. One member wrote, “Prid is great, but it stains, and it stinks!”

Allergic Reactions

You should be especially cautious about using Prid if you’re allergic to ragweed or any related plants. Arnica, calendula, and echinacea (active ingredients in Prid) are related to ragweed and may cause an allergic reaction in some people.

Should You Use Prid?

Some myHSteam members have had success using Prid for their HS symptoms. However, no studies have examined the safety and effectiveness of Prid for HS or any other condition. Additionally, this homeopathic remedy is not regulated by the FDA. Although the ingredients in Prid are safe for most people, they may cause allergic reactions in others, which can aggravate and worsen HS symptoms.

Talk to your doctor before using Prid — or any other home remedy or supplements — for HS boils. Your healthcare provider can help you work out the best regimen, including topical treatments and prescription medications, to give you the best quality of life with HS.

Talk With Others Who Understand

On myHSteam, members come together to share their experiences with hidradenitis suppurativa, get advice, and find support from others who understand.

Have home remedies like Prid helped your HS symptoms? Let others know in the comments below.