Remember doctors are only people, DO NOT BE INTIMIDATED if you are unsure question them and if your still unsure don't be afraid to refuse treatments which YOU are not happy with.
There are a number of clinics across the country where they will help identify which method will give you the longest and best relief from the chronic pain associated with HS, method's of pain control may include Tens, Acupuncture or drug's. To find your nearest clinic contact the pain foundation in your local area but for treatment you must be referred by your GP.
When it comes to HS - a general surgeon should be avoided. Sufferer's who have undergone surgery which has been performed by a General Surgeon, have overall not seen what they would consider an improvement. Although in the surgeons eyes the operation had been a success!
The consensus is, if surgery is to be undertaken then a plastic or reconstructive surgeon is the best option.
It has not been proven that any type of surgery will cure HS completely, it is however worthy to note that where there has been success in the patient's condition is when treatment has been received in the early developing stages of HS.
In the majority of cases the outcome is normally a reduction in the immediate area of infection for up to several month's (sometimes years), which is followed by the eruption of new infection adjacent to the area which has been operated upon or in some cases a completely unrelated new area.
It must be stressed that some people have had success with surgery but from the feed back we have had, in the main it is unlikely to have the result which most HS sufferer's are lead to expect.
Skin grafts are used following surgery to improve the cosmetic appearance of the area. A new process is being developed using the cartilage of sharks which when embedded in the skin following surgery encourage growth and formation of 'new' skin and hair follicles (although this is in the experimental stage), which replaces the need for painful skin grafts.
Using liquid nitrogen the doctor or consultant will freeze the area of infection, because liquid nitrogen freezes on contact it instantly kills the surface layers of skin.
This treatment resulted in some relief initially but on return the HS infection was more severe.
We have not had any positive feed back on this treatment whatsoever.
Accutane (USA) and Roaccutane (UK) are drug's which were developed to help cure prolific teenage acne.
As most people with HS are referred to a dermatology clinic they are at some stage normally offered this as a possible cure for HS.
From the feed back we have had from fellow HS sufferers who have tried this treatment it has been shown that it does NOT have ANY positive affect on HS in the majority of cases.
The drugs themselves have some extremely unpleasant side effects. If your condisering this course of treatment, ask about all the possible side effects, some are minor and may be worth the while if it works for you.
Women will normally be asked to take precautions against becoming pregnant during their treatment and for three months after the end of the treatment.
 | Always wear loose cotton clothing. |
| Avoid wearing underwear garment's whenever possible!!. |
| Keep a 'plant spray' bottle in the fridge, filled with saline solution for reducing the itching feeling. |
| Tea Tree oil soap helps reduce the burning/itching. |
| Don't use antiperspirant or deodorant [even sensitive one's] under your arm as these can irritate the skin and cause a 'flare up'. |
| Reduce or cease any activity that make you sweat. |
| Exposure too sunlight may help some - But be careful where you sunbathe especially if your HS is located in the lower part of the body!. |
| The use of 'Jelonet' a paraffin based gauze in your dressings stop them from sticking. |
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