My first experience with my hs in my body was around age 10 when my menstrual cycle started. In the beginning, I would only get a few bumps in my armpits around menstruation. Every year the outbreaks were worse around mensuration but I learned to manage. It's hard to get sad about someone you use to dealing with in private.
I didn't know how to look at it and I was too embarrassed to ask for help. It went from my armpit to my inner thighs by the time I was 16 years old. At this point, I had become an expert at covering my scars so I didn't have to answer questions. At this point, I knew that it was not normal. All my friends had clear and smooth underarms with no scars or bumps.
When we undressed in the gym they had nothing to hide there were no dark spots or scars between their legs and they never talked about the things I went through in private. This made me more self-conscious so I found better ways to hide and I was amazing at it. My life was great, living like this was normal for me I didn't know anything else.
At 20 years old I was married and pregnant with my first child, my baby girl. This was the worst year of my life with HS! I always worked with it I was used to living with it. By the time I was 6 months, I couldn't even put my arms down due to the size of the boils under my arms. Walking was so painful because I'm a thicker woman and my thighs rubbed together with boils the size of small golf balls under my skin. I was used to dealing with it but this was a different level of pain.
I started looking for ways to heal myself and then I came across a YouTube video where a woman spoke of all the symptoms I had been dealing with my whole life. She gave it a name, which was the beginning of my healing journey, so let me give you a name!
Hidradenitis Suppurativa (HS) is a chronic skin condition that causes painful, recurring, and inflamed abscesses or boils to develop in areas where the skin rubs together, such as the armpits, groin, buttocks, and breasts. HS can also lead to the formation of tunnels or tracts under the skin, which can cause further infection and scarring.
The exact cause of HS is unknown, but it is believed to be related to the blockage of hair follicles and apocrine sweat glands, which leads to inflammation and the formation of abscesses. HS is more common in women than men and typically begins in early adulthood.
HS is a chronic condition that can be difficult to manage, and treatment options may include antibiotics, anti-inflammatory drugs, pain relief medications, and surgery in severe cases. It's essential for individuals with HS to seek medical attention and develop a treatment plan with their healthcare provider.
This was a game-changer for me. I knew its name so I could focus on fighting the effects in my body. If I can understand the cause I can change the impact.
WATCH MY LIVE LECTURE
Let's talk about some of my favorite skincare products I use to manage HS with no medication or surgery.
Piper Wai!
Activated charcoal deodorant and body wash
Here are some of the things you need to know about the products.
NATURAL, EFFECTIVE, & SOOTHING
ACTIVATED CHARCOAL
EASY APPLICATION
GENTLE ON SENSITIVE SKIN
SMELLS LIKE A SPA
Activated Charcoal Deodorant
The body sweats as a natural mechanism to regulate temperature. When the body gets hot, the sweat glands begin to produce sweat, which is mostly made of water and salt.
As the sweat dries on the skin, it cools the body down. This process helps to maintain a stable body temperature and prevent overheating, which can lead to dehydration, heat exhaustion, and other heat-related issues.
Sweating also occurs as a response to stress, anxiety, or other emotional states. In these cases, the sweat glands are activated by your nervous system, which is responsible for the "fight or flight" response. This type of sweating is different from the sweating that occurs as a result of physical exertion or exposure to heat, as it is not related to the regulation of body temperature.
There is no scientific evidence to suggest that charcoal has any specific benefits for sweat glands. Charcoal is sometimes used in skin care products and deodorants because it has adsorbent properties, meaning it can attract and trap impurities and odor-causing bacteria on the surface of the skin.
This is why I chose Piper wai for its trapping properties of moisture or overproduction. This literally absorbs all of my overproduction in the sweat glands.
There is no research to support the claim that charcoal has any specific benefits for the sweat glands themselves. but it works for me.
Coconut oil and activated charcoal
are sometimes used in natural deodorants for their potential benefits in reducing odor and sweat. Here are some of their potential benefits:
Coconut oil: Coconut oil has antibacterial properties, which help to reduce the growth of odor-causing bacteria. It also contains lauric acid, which can help to moisturize and prevent irritation.
Activated charcoal: Activated charcoal is a highly porous substance that can attract and absorb impurities and bacteria on the skin. This also helps to reduce odor and prevent the growth of bacteria that can cause skin irritation.
When used in combination, coconut oil, and activated charcoal can help to provide natural odor protection without the use of synthetic fragrances or harsh chemicals.
Benefits of Ginger on skin
Ginger contains compounds called gingerols and shogaols, which have anti-inflammatory properties. This can help to reduce redness, swelling, and irritation on the skin.
Ginger contains antioxidants, which can help to protect the skin from damage caused by free radicals. This can help to prevent premature aging, such as wrinkles and fine lines.
Ginger has antibacterial properties that can help to kill acne-causing bacteria on the skin. It also has anti-inflammatory properties, which can help to reduce the inflammation associated with acne.
Ginger can help to improve skin tone by increasing blood circulation to the skin. This can help to brighten the skin and improve its overall appearance.
Ginger has a soothing effect on the skin and can help to calm irritation and redness. This makes it a great ingredient for those with sensitive or reactive skin.
Overall, ginger has several benefits for the skin and can be used in a variety of skincare products, such as cleansers, toners, masks, and moisturizers. It is vital to note that everyone's skin is different, and some people may experience reactions to ginger or any other skincare ingredient. It is always a good idea to patch-test a new product before applying it to your face or body.
Benefits of Chamomile on skin
Chamomile contains compounds that have anti-inflammatory properties, such as chamazulene and bisabolol. This can help to reduce redness, swelling, and irritation on the skin.
Chamomile has a calming effect on the skin and can help to soothe irritation and sensitivity. This makes it a great ingredient for those with sensitive or reactive skin.
Chamomile contains antioxidants, which can help to protect the skin from damage caused by free radicals. This can help to prevent premature aging, such as wrinkles and fine lines.
Chamomile has been used for centuries to promote wound healing and reduce scarring. It can also help to soothe and heal minor burns, cuts, and insect bites.
Chamomile can help to brighten the skin by reducing the appearance of dark spots and discoloration. It can also help to improve skin tone and texture.
Overall, chamomile is a gentle and soothing ingredient that can be used in a variety of skincare products, such as cleansers, toners, masks, and moisturizers. However, it is important to note that everyone's skin is different, and some people may experience adverse reactions to chamomile or any other skincare ingredient. It is always a good idea to patch-test a new product before applying it to your face or body.
No ingrown hairs/follicle irritation or blockage with these.
Scalp
Off-the-scalp hair follicles
The best shampoo to treat HS outbreaks on my scalp!
