When it comes to health in our community—especially among Black women—too many conditions go undiagnosed, untreated, or flat-out ignored. One of those is hidradenitis suppurativa (HS), a painful, chronic skin condition that doesn’t get the attention it deserves.
If you’ve ever dealt with mysterious bumps or painful boils under your arms, between your thighs, or under your breasts, this post is for you.
What Is HS?
Hidradenitis Suppurativa (HS) is a long-term, inflammatory skin disease that causes small, painful lumps under the skin. These lumps can become inflamed, drain pus, form tunnels under the skin (called sinus tracts), and eventually lead to deep scarring.
HS often shows up in areas where the skin rubs together:
- Underarms
- Groin area
- Under the breasts
- Inner thighs
- Buttocks
Though it looks like acne or boils at first, HS is much more serious and persistent. It’s not caused by poor hygiene, and it’s not contagious. It’s an autoimmune-type condition that affects hair follicles and sweat glands, often flaring up due to inflammation, hormones, or an overactive immune response.
Why Black Women?
Research shows that Black women are about three times more likely to develop HS than white women — yet we’re often undiagnosed or misdiagnosed for years.
Possible reasons include:
- Our pain is frequently dismissed in medical settings
- Skin issues on darker tones can be harder for doctors to identify
- Cultural taboos or shame keep us from discussing these symptoms openly
- Lack of access to dermatologists who specialize in skin of color
Many sisters end up being told they just have “ingrown hairs” or “boils,” when in reality, it’s HS — a complex condition that requires long-term management.
The Physical & Emotional Toll
HS isn’t just a skin problem. It’s a life problem.
The pain, the drainage, and the scars can affect how you move, how you dress, and how confident you feel in your body. Some people can’t wear sleeveless tops or swim comfortably because of the scars and swelling. For others, intimacy becomes stressful or even painful.
Emotionally, HS can trigger anxiety, embarrassment, depression, and isolation. When you’re dealing with something that people can’t see or don’t understand, it can feel lonely.
But please remember this: you are not alone, and you did nothing to deserve this. There’s nothing “dirty” or “wrong” about your body. You are fighting something real—and your pain is valid.
What Causes HS Flare-Ups?
While there’s no single known cause, researchers believe HS results from a combination of:
- Genetics — it often runs in families
- Hormones — flares can worsen during menstrual cycles or pregnancy
- Obesity or friction — skin rubbing can aggravate inflammation
- Smoking — nicotine is known to trigger HS
- Diet & inflammation — dairy, sugar, and processed foods may make it worse
Knowing your personal triggers is key. Keeping a small journal of your flares, diet, and stress levels can help you notice patterns over time.
Natural & At-Home Remedies for HS
If you’re dealing with HS, you may want to explore natural ways to ease symptoms—especially while you work with a doctor or wait for specialist care.
Here are some holistic options many people with HS have found helpful:
- Warm Compresses with Turmeric or Sea Salt
- Why it helps: Heat reduces inflammation and promotes drainage.
- How to do it: Soak a clean towel in warm water with a pinch of turmeric or sea salt. Apply it to the affected area for 10–15 minutes a few times a day.
- Turmeric (Internally or Topically)
- Why it helps: Turmeric is a natural anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial.
- How to use: Take turmeric capsules, add it to tea or smoothies, or make a paste with honey and apply it directly to flare-ups.
- Tea Tree Oil
- Why it helps: It has antibacterial properties that may prevent infection.
- How to use: Mix 1–2 drops of tea tree oil with a carrier oil (like coconut or olive oil) and apply gently to affected areas. Always do a patch test first.
- Zinc Supplements
- Why it helps: Zinc supports skin healing and can reduce inflammation.
- How to use: Take daily zinc supplements (after checking with your doctor) or apply zinc oxide cream directly to problem areas.
- Apple Cider Vinegar (ACV)
- Why it helps: ACV is antimicrobial and astringent.
- How to use: Mix with equal parts water and apply with a cotton pad to flare-up areas.
- Anti-Inflammatory Diet
- Why it helps: Diet affects inflammation levels in your body.
- What to eat: Leafy greens, berries, turmeric, ginger, and omega-3 foods (like salmon). Try reducing dairy, sugar, and processed foods.
- Bonus: Sea Moss — It’s anti-inflammatory, antiviral, and antibacterial. Because it contains nearly all the minerals our bodies are made of, it helps replenish what’s missing and may support skin healing from the inside out.If you’d like to try sea moss, email me at earkandyradio@gmail.com (subject line: SEAMOSS) for details on how to get it.
Mental Health & Support
HS can take a toll on your mental health just as much as your physical body. Finding community support can make all the difference.
- Join HS support groups (online or on Facebook) to connect with others who understand.
- Talk to a therapist familiar with chronic illness and body-image issues.
- Practice self-care rituals: meditation, warm baths, journaling, and affirmations.
- Remind yourself daily that your worth isn’t tied to how your skin looks.
Let’s End the Stigma
Black women are warriors, but we shouldn’t have to suffer in silence. HS is real, it’s painful, and it’s more common than people realize. The more we speak up, the more awareness, research, and compassion we can create.
Let’s normalize talking about HS, sharing remedies, and demanding better care for our community.
And remember: while natural treatments can help manage symptoms, they’re not a cure. Always talk to a healthcare provider—preferably one who understands skin of color and listens to Black women.
Have you tried any natural remedies for HS? What’s helped you feel better—physically or emotionally? Drop a comment below or DM me. This space is for us. If you are experiencing feelings of sadness and/or depression, >>>know that you are not alone!
Sources:
This article is for informational and educational purposes only. It is not intended to diagnose, treat, or replace professional medical advice.
About The Author
