Hidradenitis Suppurativa (HS) is a chronic skin condition that can be challenging to manage, especially during seasonal changes. As temperatures soar and humidity rises, many individuals with HS find their symptoms exacerbated. This blog explores how people with HS cope during different seasons, particularly the summer, and offers practical advice for managing symptoms effectively.
How People with HS Cope When It's Miserably Hot Out
The Impact of Summer Heat on HS
- Heat and Sweat: Summer heat and sun exposure can significantly impact HS. Excessive heat leads to increased sweating, which may worsen HS symptoms. Increased sweating can exacerbate inflammation and contribute to developing new lesions or enlarging existing ones. Heat and humidity create an environment conducive to bacterial growth, increasing the risk of infection. To manage these issues, individuals with HS should keep calm, avoid overheating, and manage excessive sweating. You can manage these issues by wearing loose-fitting, breathable clothing and using absorbent materials. Additionally, blow-drying moist areas such as the armpits, groin, and under the breasts can help keep these sites dry.
- Individual Responses: It’s worth noting that responses to heat and sun exposure can differ from person to person. What works for one individual may not work for another, so paying attention to how your body responds and taking necessary precautions to manage your HS symptoms is essential.There are several types of psoriasis, including plaque psoriasis (the most common form), guttate psoriasis, inverse psoriasis, pustular psoriasis, and erythrodermic psoriasis. Each type has unique symptoms and challenges, requiring proper management and care.
A Different Approach to Clothing
- Moisture-Wicking Fabrics: Moisture-wicking fabrics, especially yoga gear, can work better than loose clothing to manage sweat and prevent flare-ups. Form-fitting clothes of moisture-wicking fabrics that dry quickly help manage sweat and to avoid irritation.
- Infrared Sauna Experience: Generating body heat in an infrared sauna or during a workout can help reduce HS flares. The key is to shower immediately afterward to remove sweat and prevent irritation.
Air Conditioning is a Must-Have
- Cooling Strategies: Air conditioning is crucial for managing HS symptoms in hot weather. If the temperature exceeds 85 degrees, using air conditioning can help prevent flare-ups. Wearing tight slip or bike shorts as undergarments can also reduce sweat and skin friction. Breathable, moisture-wicking fabrics are essential for staying comfortable.
- Body Positivity: Embracing clothing choices that make you feel good, regardless of HS scars or body size, is crucial for managing HS and maintaining mental well-being.
Try a Dip in the Pool
- Indoor Activities: Spending time indoors during the summer to stay cool is vital for managing HS. Using cooling towels and a battery-powered neck fan can help manage the heat when you venture outside. Swimming in a pool provides a cooling effect and can be soothing for HS.
- Support Systems: A support system, whether through family, friends, or online support groups, can make a significant difference in managing HS. Surrounding yourself with people who understand and support you is crucial.
Additional Tips for Staying Cool in the Summer
- Running cold water across your wrists helps reduce body temperature since most of your blood flows through your wrists.
- A cold, wet towel across your neck is another effective way to lower your body temperature while you’re out and about.
- A neck cooling fan is a small, powered unit that you wear around your neck to help cool your body.
Personal Insights and Recommendations
The insights from real people with HS highlight the importance of finding what works best for each individual. Doctors’ general advice often includes wearing loose-fitting clothing to reduce skin friction and avoid sweating. However, some people with HS find that tight but comfortable-fitting clothing works better for them. These personal experiences provide valuable alternatives that might be more effective than traditional advice.
Managing HS through seasonal changes, especially during hot summer, requires a personalized approach. It’s crucial to experiment with different strategies, such as using moisture-wicking fabrics, embracing cooling technologies, and finding supportive communities. By paying attention to how your body responds and adapting accordingly, you can better manage your HS symptoms and enjoy a more comfortable life.