hidradenitis suppurativa

Question

For years, I thought I just had bad luck with boils, but now I know it's hidradenitis suppurativa. It started in my early 20s with painful lumps in my armpits, but then they spread to my groin and even under my breasts. At first, I thought it was just sweat or friction, but these lumps don’t go away like normal pimples. Some get bigger, burst, and leave scars, and others just stay there, making it painful to move. Some days, I can't even wear tight clothes because it hurts too much.

Doctors gave me antibiotics, and they help a little, but only for a while. One doctor even mentioned surgery, but I really don’t want to go down that path. I started looking into alternative treatments, and that’s how I found Ayurveda. I read that hidradenitis suppurativa could be connected to excess heat and toxins in the body, and some say diet plays a huge role. I did notice that when I eat spicy food or dairy, my flare-ups get worse, but I don’t know if that’s just a coincidence.

I saw that Ayurveda recommends detoxifying the blood and balancing Pitta for hidradenitis suppurativa. Some people say neem, turmeric, and manjistha can help, but I have no idea how to use them properly. Should I be taking them internally, or are they better as a paste on the skin? Also, is there a specific Ayurvedic diet that can stop new flare-ups from happening?

If anyone has used Ayurveda to manage hidradenitis suppurativa, please let me know what actually worked. I’m so tired of dealing with this pain, and I just want a natural way to heal my skin without constantly taking antibiotics.

Dr Sujal Patil · Answer

Hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) is often seen in Ayurveda as a result of an imbalance in Pitta dosha, which governs heat and inflammation in the body. To manage this, Ayurvedic remedies focus on cooling the body and detoxifying the system. Neem, with its powerful antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, is commonly used both internally (as a supplement) and externally (as a paste) to reduce the swelling and infection associated with HS. Turmeric is another great option, known for its anti-inflammatory properties, and can be used topically or consumed in golden milk or capsules to help calm inflammation from the inside out.

Diet also plays a critical role in managing HS. Ayurveda recommends a cooling diet that includes foods like cucumbers, coconut, mint, and leafy greens. Avoiding spicy foods, fried items, and dairy—which you’ve noticed may worsen flare-ups—can help reduce the triggers of HS. By focusing on fresh, whole foods and adopting a diet that cools and nourishes the body, you can better manage the condition.

Incorporating lifestyle changes such as stress management and detoxifying practices can also be helpful. Practices like yoga, meditation, and pranayama (breathing exercises) not only balance the Pitta dosha but also help calm the overall heat and stress in the body, potentially reducing the frequency and severity of flare-ups. Combining these approaches with the guidance of a healthcare provider or an Ayurvedic practitioner will help you find a balanced, holistic approach to managing HS naturally.

Dr. Harsha Joy · Answer

In Ayurveda, Hidradenitis Suppurativa (HS) is linked to excess Pitta dosha (heat and inflammation) and Ama (toxins) in the blood. Managing HS requires a holistic approach, including blood purification, cooling the body, and reducing inflammatory triggers. Herbs like Neem, Manjistha, and Turmeric can be taken internally as capsules or decoctions to purify the blood and reduce infection. A paste of Neem and Turmeric with aloe vera can be applied externally to soothe flare-ups. Avoid spicy, oily, and dairy-rich foods, as they can aggravate Pitta and worsen symptoms. Favor a cooling, anti-inflammatory diet with bitter greens, coriander, coconut water, and light, easily digestible meals. Panchakarma therapies like Virechana (purgation) and Raktamokshana (bloodletting) may help in severe cases. Stress also plays a role, so practices like cooling pranayama (Sheetali breath) and meditation can help. Ayurveda takes time but can reduce flare-ups and improve skin health naturally.

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