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Returns What Is Hidradenitis Suppurativa Disease?
As you know if you read our blog posts recently, our content ideas come from many places. In this instance, during a Tiktok Live, one of our lovely community, Nia, mentioned that she suffers from Hidradenitis Suppurativa. Due to this condition, she finds periods tricky to deal with and was delighted to find our range of 'Simple Reusable' pads and pads which really helped.
So What Is Hidradenitis Suppurativa? I have to admit that I hadn't come across this term before, however I have a friend locally who always uses sunbeds because, in her words 'she gets spots around her vag if she doesn't'. This may well turn out to the same thing but it is undiagnosed!
Hidradenitis Suppurativa (HS) is a chronic long-term skin condition that causes painful lumps, abscesses, and scarring, typically in areas where skin rubs together or where there are sweat glands—like the underarms, groin, and under the breasts.
It happens when hair follicles become blocked, leading to inflammation and painful flare-ups. HS can be uncomfortable, and embarrassing, and impact daily life, but there are ways to manage it effectively.
HS affects about 1-4% of the population, though many cases go undiagnosed for years. It usually develops after puberty and is more common in women.
While it isn’t contagious, it can really impact your life. If you think you may have HS, take a look at the NHS website for guidelines for Hidradenitis Suppurativa and get checked out by your GP.
What Is Hidradenitis Suppurativa Caused By?
Although the exact cause of HS isn’t fully understood, experts believe it’s a combination of genetics, lifestyle, and immune system issues. Here are some of the key risk factors thought to contribute:
1. Blocked Hair Follicles
When hair follicles become blocked, they can trap sweat, bacteria, and oil under the skin. This leads to inflammation and the formation of painful lumps. Unlike acne, HS lumps form under the skin, don’t always break open and often lead to scarring over time.
2. Genetic/ Family History
If there's a family history of HS, you may be more likely to develop it yourself and this has certainly been the case for both Nia and her daughter. Studies suggest there is a genetic component to the condition, although more research is needed to understand exactly how it’s passed down through family members.
3. Lifestyle and Environmental Triggers
Smoking and being overweight can also play a role in more severe HS symptoms. While not direct causes, these factors may worsen flare-ups and make symptoms harder to manage. Additionally, excessive sweating and friction in certain areas of the body can contribute to discomfort and irritation.
4. Hormonal Influence
People with Hidradenitis Suppurativa notice that their symptoms worsen around their menstrual cycle. Hormonal fluctuations can trigger inflammation, making flare-ups more frequent or severe. This is why HS often develops after puberty and can change in severity during pregnancy or menopause.
Recommended Products:
Prefer something full coverage and super comfy - our shorts are perfect for night time!
How to Deal With Hidradenitis Suppurativa While on Your Period
Your period can make HS symptoms worse due to hormonal shifts, increased moisture, and extra friction. Here's how to deal with Hidradenitis Suppurativa while on your period:
1. Choose the Right Period Products
The wrong period products can cause irritation, especially during an HS flare-up. Disposable pads with fragrances and synthetic materials can make you sweaty and worsen skin sensitivity, so it’s best to avoid them.
Instead, consider using period pants or reusable cloth pads, which are soft, seamless, and breathable, reducing friction and irritation. Options like Cheeky period pants and reusable pads are made from gentle fabrics like bamboo and organic cotton.
Menstrual cups can also be a great option since they reduce external friction, but they might not be suitable if you have HS lesions near the vulva.
2. Reduce Friction
HS thrives in areas where skin rubs together, so reducing friction is key. Opt for loose, breathable clothing and avoid tight underwear or leggings that can trap heat and sweat. Cotton underwear and moisture-wicking fabrics can help keep affected areas cool and dry. Nia recommends our bamboo period shorts for comfort and even the heaviest periods!
3. Manage Pain and Inflammation
When a flare-up strikes, applying a cold compress to painful areas can soothe inflammation and reduce discomfort. Some people also find that warm compresses help drain lesions and relieve pain. Anti-inflammatory pain relief (like ibuprofen) can also be useful, but always check with a doctor before taking new medications.
4. Keep the Area Clean and Dry
Since moisture can worsen symptoms for people with HS, it’s essential to keep affected areas clean and dry. A gentle, fragrance-free antibacterial wash can help prevent infection, and patting (rather than rubbing) the skin dry after washing can help avoid irritation. We love this antibacterial soap which has been amazing for reducing fungal outbreaks at Cheeky HQ.
Final Thoughts
HS can be challenging to live with, but making small adjustments—especially during your period—can help reduce discomfort and manage flare-ups. Choosing gentle period products, minimizing friction, and keeping the area clean are all great ways to support your skin.
For more tips and product recommendations, check out our other blogs:
Need more help? Get in touch with our team for more advice, we chat pee, poo and periods all day long and NOTHING it TMI. Together, we can make simple, sustainable swaps for a healthier you and a happier planet!
About the Author: Helen Rankin founded Cheeky Wipes, the original reusable wipes kit back in 2008 after disposable wipes caused her eczema to flare up. 4 kids later, she went on to develop their range of 'Simple Reusables' to include period pants, reusable period kits and reusable sanitary pads. Both she and the rest of the leadership team are now navigating menopause, with all the joys it brings!
The Cheeky customer services team pride themselves on providing honest, friendly advice and just LOVE to chat pee, poo and periods all day long, helping people make the switch to reusables! The Company was recognised for their hard work in developing environmentally friendly products with the Queens Award in Enterprise for Sustainable Development in 2021.
