Epsom Salt And Bleach Baths Provide Hidradenitis Suppurativa Symptom Relief

Using Epsom Salt and Bleach to Help Manage Hidradenitis Suppurativa Symptoms

Hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) is a painful chronic skin condition causing boils and abscesses, typically in areas like the armpits, groin, and under the breasts. Finding an effective treatment plan requires trying various remedies, either separately or in combination depending on an individuals response. Some patients have success using common household staples like Epsom salt and bleach to help manage HS flares.

How Epsom Salt Might Help With Hidradenitis Suppurativa

Epsom salt is comprised of magnesium and sulfate. When dissolved in warm bathwater, these minerals may provide several benefits for HS symptoms:

• Reduces inflammation and draws out infection
• Helps soothe pain and discomfort
• Softens and loosens dead skin and debris
• Cleanses skin pores and allows drainage

To use it, add 1-2 cups Epsom salt to a warm bath and soak the affected area for 15-20 minutes. Be sure to rinse the skin well and pat dry afterwards. For localized problems, making a compress with a strong Epsom salt solution may help decrease swelling and promote healing when applied to flares.

Why Bleach Baths Can Help With HS Management

While bleach seems like a harsh substance, dermatologists actually recommend diluting household bleach in bath water to treat various inflammatory skin disorders. Bleach baths may improve HS by:

• Killing bacteria on the skins surface
• Reducing infection inside cysts and tunnels
• Drying out existing boils and preventing new ones
• Lowering overall skin inflammation
• Removing debris and dead skin cells clogging pores

For bleach baths, use 14 to 12 cup of bleach per full 40-gallon tub, soak 10-20 minutes, then rinse. Be cautious using bleach on irritated or recently drained tunnels to avoid stinging. Combining bleach and Epsom salt in the same bath provides complementary benefits.

Other Home Remedies That May Help Hidradenitis Suppurativa

While home care cannot eliminate HS entirely, various familiar options offer additional ways to manage flare symptoms when used properly and consistently:

• Aloe Vera Gel - Soothes tender skin and facilitates wound healing
• Apple Cider Vinegar - Has antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties
• Tea Tree Oil - Reduces infection risk in open HS wounds
• Turmeric - Decreases swelling and tenderness due to its curcumin
• Honey - Helps heal damaged tissue and prevent secondary infections
• Zinc Supplements - Can help moderate the immune response in HS
• Warm Compresses - Improve drainage and comfort in swollen areas

Keep in mind home remedies work best alongside standard HS treatments. Get guidance from your dermatologist when self-treating at home.

Understanding Main Medical Treatment Approaches for Hidradenitis Suppurativa

Since HS involves extensive inflammation deep under the skin, home care cannot reach or resolve the root issues. Working closely with your dermatology provider allows access to medical therapies that address the disorder more comprehensively. Combining home remedies and medical treatment delivers optimal relief.

1. Antibiotics for Reducing Infection and Inflammation

HS areas often harbor bacterial colonies, which trigger and worsen swelling and skin damage. Oral antibiotics in the tetracycline family remain first line for their antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. Typical antibiotics for HS include:

• Doxycycline
• Minocycline
• Lymecycline

Topical antibiotics like clindamycin may also help when applied directly to problem zones in combination with oral drugs. Your provider can determine the best single or multi-drug regimen for your HS severity.

2. Biologic Injections for Suppressing the Immune Response

In many patients, HS represents an inappropriate inflammatory reaction causing significant skin injury. Powerful biologic medications can selectively block parts of the immune system responsible for this inflammation.

The FDA approved adalimumab (Humira) specifically for moderate to severe HS. Other biologics showing promise include infliximab and anakinra. Providers choose particular biologics depending on patient factors.

While these injectables dont cure HS, they may induce remission and bring substantial relief when other options fail.

3. Surgery for Removing Damaged Tissue

Over time, chronic HS inflammation produces significant scarring under the skin interfering with healing. Surgical removal of this fibrotic tissue and closure of tunnels provides the best chance to resolve areas of recurrent infection flares.

Various surgical techniques include:

• Incision and drainage of individual cysts
• Wide local tissue excision
• Carbon dioxide laser of affected areas

Careful post-surgical wound care helps optimize recovery and outcomes. Adding home treatments can support healing after these invasive procedures as well.

Achieving HS Remission Through a Combined Treatment Approach

While HS currently has no definitive cure, long term remission remains possible through an individualized management plan using both medical and home therapies. Paying attention to lifestyle factors also empowers patients to take control of this difficult disorder.

Strategies for Gaining Control Over Hidradenitis Suppurativa

Making certain lifestyle adjustments reduces HS severity for many people when combined with traditional treatments:

• Losing excess weight to reduce skin friction
• Eliminating smoking which worsens HS inflammation
• Adopting a regular gentle skincare routine
• Wearing moisture-wicking breathable fabrics
• Learning techniques to manage emotional stress
• Establishing an HS support network

While frustrating to manage, hidradenitis suppurativa responds best to a whole-person approach engaging both medical providers and the patient themselves through lifestyle adaptations and home remedies like Epsom salt and bleach baths.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.