Hello everyone, I had Hidradenitis Suppurativa and my Hidradenitis Suppurativa (HS) was classified as stage 3. Stage 3 is the worst case of HS a person can have. The severity of my HS kept me from doing normal things and crushed my social life. I was embarrassed to be out in public. No matter how much I showered or how much deodorant or cologne I used, I had extreme body odor. People avoided me and could not stand to be around me. I could not stand to be around myself.
I have tried various methods that I have found in searching the internet and from multiple doctors. Most, in my opinion and experience, had no effect with this stage of HS. I have been through different surgeries and even radiation, none of which helped me.
After so many methods, I have found what did work for me and as of now, I am HS free.
Here is a list Hidradenitis Suppurativa treatment I have tried personally, along with the results of each one.
Surgery:
One of the first Hidradenitis Suppurativa treatments I underwent was surgery to remove cysts / boils. This left me with horrible scars and no other effect on my Hidradenitis Suppurativa. About 3 weeks after the surgery, they were coming back again. Never again would I have this kind of surgery.
Doctor Prescribed:
Tetracycline – No effect. The prescribing doctor tried this because it is known for Acne treatment.
Vibramycin – No effect. Again, this is known for Acne treatment, and also known for being used for sexually transmitted diseases.
Clindamycin – No effect. I am unsure of the normal use of this medication.
Dapsone – No effect. Mostly known for dermatitis uses.
Dynacin – No effect. Acne uses.
Prednisone – Helped reduce the size of the boils and reduced some swelling. No major effects that made it worth spending the rest of my life taking. (They are not recommend for long term use.)
Found Around The Web:
Zinc – Reduced the swelling and the areas seemed to be a little better.
Vitamin C – Seemed to help control it better but still did not cure my HS completely.
Turmeric w / Burdock Root Powder – Another one that helped but not enough to stop my HS altogether.
Emu Oil – The oil seemed to make things worse for me. The boils got bigger and they oozed worse than they ever had. I have been told that other people have had good luck with it. I surely did not.
Aloe – One site I read said to drink it. Another site said to rub fresh Aloe on the affected areas. I tried both. Neither one worked at all. Drinking it made for many trips to the bathroom.
Black Onion Seeds – This seemed to slow the boils but not consistently.
Other Methods That I Tried:
Anti-Bacterial Soap – No great effect other than helping with the hygiene and odor issues.
Rubbing Alcohol – Burns if the boils are open. No help with getting rid of HS altogether.
Tea Tree Oil – Another forum recommendation. Had no effect on my HS.
Apple Cider Vinegar / Baking Soda – Tried it because other people have had good luck with it. I personally had no change.
Misc – Other vitamins and supplements. Natural therapies. Nothing that made a significant change or difference.
Now, for the Hidradenitis Suppurativa treatment that did work:
My Diet – Although I was not severely overweight, I was still in a position to eat better and could stand to lose about 30-40 pounds.
T Cell Therapy – This method starts with a Gluten-Free diet. Once you have been on the diet for 14 days (to be sure you are Gluten-Free), then you begin taking the courses they provide. Which consists of capsules. The results were not over night but I could see them within a few days.
In Conclusion: I am now completely Hidradenitis Suppurativa free. I have not had any incident or recurrence at all in the last 7 1/2 months. I would have never imagined my life being free from HS. Although I believe HS made me a better, more appreciative person overall, I am much happier with my life. I have friends that are not ashamed to be around me. People do not avoid me due to the body odor caused by the cysts / boils leaking.
I hope for this great success to anyone who reads this, tries it, and it works for. Always remember, you are not alone. The more people who are aware of this disease, the more research that can be done. I hope one day there is a more stable Hidradenitis Suppurativa treatment.