All of that said, sometimes snug clothes can be helpful too.
Just be sure to change right afterward if you get sweaty.
Loofahs and scrubs can cause irritation that leads to flare-ups and new lesions.
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Shaving
As with scrubbing, shaving can cause inflammation that worsens HS symptoms.
Counterintuitively, some people with HS find that antiperspirants make their armpit sweat glandsmoreclogged and trigger flare-ups.
Read on to the next tip for some alternative armpit tactics.
Deodorant
Many people with HS find deodorant triggering, especially gel formulas and those with strong scents.
At the same time, finding an effective way to minimize armpit sweat can help with HS symptoms.
Some people with HS swear by using feminine wipes to refresh their armpits.
Your dermatologist can recommend good options, too.
Skincare products
Deodorant isnt the only topical HS trigger you might be unknowingly applying to your skin.
Its best to stick to items with descriptors like “sensitive and fragrance-free.
Smoking
Smoking is one of the best-known risk factors for developing hidradenitis suppurativa.
It is also associated with more severe cases of HS.
Smoking is also closely associated with other skin conditions that involve the immune system, like psoriasis.
Here are sometherapist tips for quitting smoking; maybe 2025 is the year you make it happen.
Weight-loss isnt always a solutionor an optionbut its worth a conversation with your doctor.
It can be worth trying an elimination diet to identify your own food triggers.
The big picture of your diet also matters.
Of course,havingsymptoms of hidradenitis suppurativa is, in and of itself, stressful.
The good news is that there are many newtreatment optionsfor HS coming out, and more in clinical trials.
Talk to your dermatologist about which ones might work for you.
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