Stay Confident and Fresh: Top 5 Tips for HS Management

Hidradenitis suppurativa (HS), a chronic skin condition, is more than painful, unsightly lumps, abscesses, and lesions. It is also a biased condition. That’s to say, Black individuals are up to 3.5 times more likely than white folks to get diagnosed with HS. They’re also more likely to suffer severe complications, like scarring. Beyond its uncomfortable discharges and lesions, however, HS also greatly impacts self-esteem.  Especially the odor.  Fortunately, there are effective strategies to combat that sometimes unbearable stench.  Wanna stay smelling fresh? Here are five practical ways to manage those darn HS odors. 1. Keep It Clean! Call it regular cleansing, call it staying fresh, whatever you do, you gotta ensure the bacteria and sweat are getting cleaned up. Gentle, consistent washing is the best way to eliminate odor while reducing the risk of infections that can exacerbate your HS symptoms. Not sure how to do it?  It’s simple. First, start with a relatively mild and fragrance-neutral soap so that sensitive skin isn’t bothered. Don’t use harsh cleansers, as they can mess up your natural oil levels. When cleaning, use gentle strokes and don’t scrub – that can worsen lesions. Finally, do it daily, especially after exercise. When done, pat...