Summer can be especially challenging for people living with hidradenitis suppurative (HS). This chronic inflammatory skin condition causes painful bumps, abscesses, and tunnels to form in areas where skin rubs together, such as the underarms, groin, and under the breasts. Heat, sweat, and friction can often trigger flare-ups, making symptom management even more important during warmer months.
In a recent article from HealthCentral titled “Your HS Summer Survival Tool Kit,” Dr. Corrie Alford, Board-Certified Dermatologist at MetroDerm in the Atlanta Metro area, shared practical advice to help patients stay comfortable and reduce irritation throughout the summer season.
One of the key recommendations Dr. Alford emphasized is choosing the right clothing fabrics to help minimize moisture and friction. “We say ‘cotton is rotten’ because it holds moisture close to the skin,” she explains. “Wicking fabrics [think: polyester or nylon] move perspiration away from the skin. Look for microfiber underwear with fewer seams that can rub.” She also noted that loose, flowy clothing can help people with HS stay cooler and more comfortable during everyday activities.
Dr. Alford also discussed the importance of managing excess moisture and protecting sensitive skin. “Bra liners can help absorb moisture under the breasts,” she says, noting they can also help reduce painful chafing. She highlighted specialty garments from HidraWear, specifically designed for people living with HS, combining breathable undergarments with tape-free dressings to help shield inflamed skin. “Wound care is important for larger lesions where there may be drainage too,” she says. “Those can stain clothing and smell really bad.”
Because friction is a common trigger for HS flare-ups, Dr. Alford encouraged patients to be proactive about reducing rubbing during exercise and daily movement. She pointed to anti-chafing products, such as lubricant sticks and gels, as helpful tools for preventing irritation in high-friction areas. “There’s also an anti-chafing gel made by Monistat® that helps reduce friction,” she says. “When it dries, it creates a film.”
Most importantly, Dr. Alford stressed the importance of consistency in managing HS symptoms. “You have to stay on top of HS flares,” says Dr. Alford. “If you don’t control them, the inevitable end is it will get worse.” She encouraged patients to remain diligent with antibacterial cleansers and healthy lifestyle habits, including avoiding smoking and maintaining a balanced diet. The American Academy of Dermatology has some helpful self-care tips on its website.
Through expert insight and compassionate care, MetroDerm’s team of Dermatology Providers continues to help patients better understand and manage chronic skin conditions like hidradenitis suppurative year-round.
Dr. Alford sees patients in Atlanta-Sandy Springs and Hiram. She specializes in Medical Dermatology, Cosmetic Dermatology, and Skin Cancer Treatments. Request an appointment with Dr. Alford right here on our website.
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