Vicks Vapo-Rub for Hidradenitis Suppurativa
One of the most common Hidradenitis Suppurativa home remedies, recommended over and over again by patients, is Vicks VapoRub. Obviously, being marketed as a cough suppressant, people have a lot of questions the first time they learn of this! So what is Vicks VapoRub, how is it used in Hidradenitis Suppurativa, and how does it work?
Vicks VapoRub is an over-the-counter topical ointment manufactured by Procter & Gamble and first sold in 1905. VapoRub is intended for use on the chest, back and throat for cough suppression or on muscles and joints for minor aches and pains. Vicks Vaporub can be found readily at nearly every pharmacy or grocery store, but it can also be purchased online on Amazon, Walgreens, Walmart, Target, and through the Vicks website.
Its ingredients are listed as:
ACTIVE INGREDIENTS
- Camphor 4.8% (Cough Suppressant And Topical Analgesic)
- Eucalyptus Oil 1.2%
- Menthol 2.6% (Cough Suppressant And Topical Analgesic)
INACTIVE INGREDIENTS
- Cedarleaf Oil
- Nutmeg Oil
- Petrolatum
- Thymol
- Turpentine Oil
With two of the active ingredients listed as a topical analgesic (analgesic means pain reliever), patients report most frequently that they can use Vicks Vaporub for temporary pain relief when applied directly to an HS spot.
Nearly all of the ingredients used in Vicks – both active and inactive – have a strong odor, reported to also help combat any smells related to HS.
Both Menthol and Camphor are used in over-the-counter anti-itch lotions, like Sarna. Patients reporting itch near their HS spots may benefit from the additional anti-itch action from these ingredients.
Among the inactive ingredients, nutmeg oil is reported to reduce swelling and inflammation when applied topically, as well as acting as an antimicrobial agent. Thymol, or thyme oil, has been reported to have anti-fungal properties in animal studies, and naturally occurring fungi in the skin microbiome could contribute to the itch reported in some HS patients.
Patients also report that it can encourage painful abscesses to rupture and drain, providing relief. A clean, dry lesion topped with Vicks and covered with a band-aid, with or without the use of a heating pad, can bring a painful bump to a head.
Because this is a home remedy discovered by HS patients, there are no specific guidelines for the application of Vicks Vaporub on HS lesions, but the manufacturer recommends using Vicks as a topical analgesic (in the case of muscle/joint pain) no more than three to four times daily. It is always a good idea to make sure that an area is clean and dry before applying a topical product such as Vicks Vaporub.
CAUTIONS
Vicks Vaporub is not approved by the FDA for use in HS. There is no scientific evidence that points to its safety or efficacy. It is important to note that the manufacturers say that Vicks should not be applied to broken skin (though patients report that they have no problem applying it near their HS wounds) or areas near mucus membranes (like the eyes, anus, or inner labia) so take careful care in deciding which areas to try this topical product! Vicks has a strong hot-cool effect, so applying to delicate areas is not advised. It is important to note that these same ingredients that provide relief can also cause a skin reaction in some people, including burning, redness, or rash, so use sparingly until you know how your body will react.
Do you use Vicks Vaporub to manage your HS? Have some tips you’d like to share? Let us know in the comments below, and reach other HS patients and doctors curious about how patients are using Vicks Vaporub for Hidradenitis Suppurativa.
Anja
It dont helps me with my HS. Greets froh Germany anja
Sandra Guilbault
Thanks for sharing your experience, Anja! Do you have any over-the-counter products that you like?
Telia
Do the Hs cause chest pains i only notice because one i feel chest pain and touch it it leads to my armpits so im wondering do that cause the pain i have had it for 5 years but it seem like ita getting worser than it ever was please help me out with this one
Missi
This has been happening to me for the last year since I had in my armpit.. try to tell my doctors says pulled muscle.. I know it’s not and related to this.. takes my breathe away.. someone help us!!
Christian
I think there is a link with people who have precordial catch syndrome and HS. I have both, my mother had both, a friend with HS also has PCS and a nurse I spoke to who suffers from HS also has PCS. It may be a coincidence though as I have HS but only in my groin; I’ve never had HS in my armpits. Same with my mum.
Jennifer
Ive also had these in my armpits but I always assume they were ingrown hairs that turned into cysts. I used warm compression (warm.cloth or heating pad) on those and within a few days it would drain and heal. A week ago I had a blind pimple under the skin on my chin. You couldnt see it but I could feel it so I kept trying to pop it and nothing. It ended up turning into a cyst (I think?) And its started swelling so much that the whole left side of my face was lopsided and if looked deformed. It hurt beyond belief and was super red and hot to the touch. I tried all sorts of home remedies to ease the pain and also try and bring it to the surface so its would drain but I had no luck at all. I didnt want to go to the hospital and get cut open and have the doctor drain it and be left with a nasty scar. As I say staring at my bottle of Vicks Vapor Rub it remembered using it on pimples in the past and had success so I coated this so called cyst in my chin with it and within mins the pain faded and within an hour it drew the poison to the surface and started draining on its own. I was so so releived. As I sit here the next day I am still coating it with the vicks and its still draining but its working tremendously and i couldnt be happier. I just cant wait for it to heal 100% and look normal again. Vicks definitely most certainly 100% helped take the pain away from this humongous painful cyst AND opened my pores and drew the poison to the surface as a head like a whitehead pimple but way bigger. I reccomend Vicks for pimples and cysts before I got to see a doctor. I hope this will help you in the future if you get anymore of those painful armpit lumps. Or anywhere else on the body! Good luck and God Bless!
Michelle P
I just applied the vicks and it definitely is helping with the pain.im gonna keep using
Valerie Gross
I have been in excruciating pain for 2 days now so tonight I ran o rite aid and got vicks applied to armpit covered with bandage and applied heating pad, I also am taking antibiotics for infection so prayerfully this helps , I too have been experiencing breakouts since 2011, will update tomorrow
Jennifer
It definitely helps with pain…. I literally just used it least night in a cyst that formed on my chin. Its was humongous and so painful i didnt think I was going to be able to handle it another second! After trying a million other home remedies at no prevail…i finally decided to put Vicks on it and within mins the pain started to fade annnnd within an hour it started to bring all the poison in the cyst to the surface and started to drain! I was honestly amazed. Im so so so very thankful I had Vicks on hand! I did not want to go to the hospital at all! It is still draining at the moment and theres still a lot to come out. I dont understand how theres still so much left after all thats already came out! It was like all the fluid in my face had drained out through the pores lol but I am sure its will call come out soon and heal and i will not have to go to the hospital and have them.cut and drain it and leave me with a nasty scar! Good luck to you if and when this ever happens! God bless
Brooke
I was having the worse flare up, I had in all my years of having HS, i’m 20 years old and been suffering from this since I was 13, 14ish. Due to covid, none of the ER’s are willing to take me to get it lanced so I made an appointment with my primary for this upcoming wednesday. The boil wouldn’t come to a head and I have literal PTSD from getting lanced constantly, the pain is so excruciating.. so I looked up how to get rid of a boil and I seen this page and finally tried vicks. After applying it twice and within a 5 hour span, it came to a head and is currently draining so much. I tried so many other medications such as PRID, different boil reliefs and nothing seemed to help me. Moral of the story is, this disease sucks & vicks is a cheap easy way to relieve your boils. I just want to thank you all for your comments, suggestions and even this page. Keep fighting on and stay safe during the Covid!
Tiffany Walker
Oh Brooke that was so helpful to read and I’m so brave enough to try it now thankyou I completely relate to every word you said I’m in the exact same boat! So happy it worked for you!!! Thankyou for the reassurance!
Cally
Thanks for this info Brooke. I have got abscess size of an Apple in buttock. Hospital cancelledoperation i had planned twice now january and February . Can’t take anymore pain, just applied Vick after reading your post.
Fran
I’m 60 and constantly bite my nails and every now and then I will get and infection on one of my fingers. I will like to believe that I will stop biting my nails but know I do it every time. I’m going to try the Vick method because my primary doctor said for me not to come back to him to get landed. I truly understand I performed the last time.
Amber
How did it Go? Did it Work?
Rare
Oil of Oregano helps too.
It burns ? so you can put it in a carrier oil. Olive oil is a good one.
Christina L Campbell
I have never heard of oil of oregano where do you get that? How do you apply just rub it in like a skin oil rub?
Christina L Campbell
What disease do you have? I was diagnosed with Lupus and for the last few yrs I have been dealing with these boils that get so big and so painful. I’m wondering if they are causing me to be sick like flu like sick throwing up uncontrollably when I get these? I have yet to see a speacialist for it so ive pretty much been suffering for 7 yrs since i was diagnosed. how did you put it on the boil like how much and did you cover it while it did its thing with like a band-aid or something or no? and how long before you applied the second time to the boil?
Tru
I also have lupus (SLE) and this lovely inflammatory response just started about a year ago (in the middle of a pandemic – go figure)…thought it was a pressure ulcer from working longer hours from home and sitting too long. Vaporub helps – I put a thin layer on a bandage with a clean q-tip and then slap it on (gently) and I feel like it helps it go away faster…although, this current flare I’m in is worse than the previous 5 so I think it’s progressing. Change at least 1x per day – 2x if draining.
MCW
Thank you so for sharing your experience and endorsing this as an option. I’m currently in the exact same position and rather drain it home than go to another urgent care. Thank you so much for the advice!
Sandy
I can see how VVR could help with the pain. I am skeptical about it being on when a rupture occurs. I might try it. I am in my 40s. Have endometriosis. I took Lupron injections before scheduling my first hysto ablation and noticed that my HS was not appearing during treatment. I was in my late teens early twenties when HS first appeared in my groin area, then it went to arm pits and then under breast. I get it in all 3 areas now. Most painful in the groin – hard to walk. I have tried antibiotics for 2 years then stopped. Post Full hysterectomy surgery, the flare ups are far more often. Also have a psoriasis condition now on forehead scalp. HS Flare ups are worse when losing and gaining weight. The best remedy I have personally found for my HS 1. Self lance at close to rupture. 2. Clean thoroughly with hydrogen peroxide. 3. Neosporin and a bandage for 24-48 hrs.
Also found heating pads or hot water brings to surface when applied directly to the HS area. Once rupture occurs I finally get relief. Since my full Hysterectomy my HS has definitely gotten worse. I pray for relief for all and God bless everyone.
Stephanie
I have every symptom of hs. Never confirmed by a Dr bc I’m too embarrassed 🥺 I have tunnels on my butt and some under my armpits. I hate it. I’m over stressed so it won’t stop. I have a few auto immune disease and it’s hard to eat correctly with celiacs but I try to what is the best for healing and keeping the color and scars away. Any help is very much welcome.
MWC
Thank you so for sharing your experience and endorsing this as an option. I’m currently in the exact same position and rather drain it home than go to another urgent care. Thank you so much for the advice!
Kathy Taylor
I am 52 and have had this problem since my late teens. I had no idea it was a recognised condition until reading this. I have always been ashamed of it and suffered in silence. Your description of the boil being lanced brought back the painful memory. Thank you for sharing. I will try Vicks ☺️
C
Thank you. I am 54 and I have never ever met any medical professional that considered the quality of life that I have/don’t have due to HS.
Vince
Putting apple cider vinegar on a cotton ball and placing over an irritated area for a day cause mine to decrease and fade away quickly. Mine are generally in the groin region so it can be difficult but effective.
Tammy Thomas
Brooke after reading your commit i decided to try it. I had my first flare during hurricane Ida. I live in Terrebonne parish in Louisiana one of the hardest hit areas. We had no way out to get any thing for 5 days. I needed some help was in such pain. The vicks within minutes started soothing my pain. I literally couldnt move. Then within 36 hours it brought it to a head and started draing. Omg the relief I felt. Thanks for sharing story. Helped the bayou country girl so much
Angel
Hey, I’ve tried many things to prevent boils, flare ups, the itching and the blisters. Right now I’m trying apple cider vinegar to reduce a recent boil in my groin area and hoping it works. I didn’t think of using vicks so I’ll give that a try to and I’ve tried using regular deodorant but that’s what caused my recent boil which sucks because it helped with the itching and the blisters, now I’ve switched to powder deodorant for my lady parts and that seems to be helping so I hope it sticks. I’ve combined it with calamine lotion and that helps to but it dries out my skin to much and makes the itching even worse. I’m in desperate need of more home remedies or OTC medication if anyone’s got any suggestions. I replied to your post because I’ve only recently found out what my condition is through my mom’s diagnosis, she has it and passed it on to me and my brother but me and her got it worse than my brother. Plus I just turned 21 so I thought we could relate. I’m probably gonna get mine lanced tomorrow because I’m so fed up with it, regardless I would still like some home remedies or OTC medication for future use and would really appreciate it!
Hunter Howard
I just wanna thank you for this post. I did not know this site existed until today. This remedy worked so well for me. I’ve been suffering from this since I was 14 years old. I’m gonna forever use this remedy.
I’ve had a big one on my butt for 2 days. It’s been hard to walk, sit, sleep and I’m 6 months pregnant on top of that. I wanna cry I’m so happy.
Lisa Davidson
I have been dealing with this my whole life. Desperate for relief I looked it up last night. Nothing has ever worked. I tried the Vicks last night on a boil I have in my groin area. Omg this morning it already drained. Thank you for sharing this. This is a life changer for me. Thank you thank you thank you!!!!!
Sena
If you have clusters like I do a small bandaid certainly won’t do. There is a bandage called HepaFix, it comes in different widths. The ER used it on my latest flair as it was on my lower abdomen and was huge like an apple !!! They lanced it…..never again ! and then disinfected it with Providiodine, put a good bunch of gauze padding and then cut the Hepafix large enough to fit over it. I had to go back every two days for 10 days and now I take care of what is left of it myself once a day. It’s almost gone. Next time I will try the Vicks and not allow it to get that huge !
Rita jo
I came across your site by pure chance. Was googling a drawing salve DIY. I’ve had HS for about 45 years. They didn’t have a name for it back then.Started under my breasts. Then went to armpits and worked it’s way on down. I felt like I was alone I’m so over this pain that as soon as I started reading about the vapor rub an immediately went an found mine and bandages. Bandaid won’t help me because in my areas, it’s the whole area with a dozen or more clustered.some places haven’t ever went away in all these years. It really limits your life. If I sweat, even a little, it’s a full force flare. I so hope this works. Even a little.
Uzma Parveen
Turmeric tea also helps in curing HS
Brenda
Omg you don’t know how much I thank you for this. I’ve been suffering for 3 days with a painful boil in the armpit. Cleaned the area applied Vicks and bandage and sat with a heating pad for 2hrs. You are my savior. I can’t thank you enough
Melanie
Some things that help me are tea tree oil ointment and witch hazel. I will try Vics
Sharon
Guy I use Vicks all the time put I just started using a heating pad while I sleep an it bought it to a head the same light I use it just the heating pad
DONNA A PISTOKACHE
I have found that Vicks Vapor rub is a godsend as far as HS,I have bottles of it everywhere in house and car and my purse for when i have a flare up and need relief.To me it not only helps with the itching but it also helps with the pain from skin to skin friction.I love having my vicks with me!!
Sandra Guilbault
I’m so glad to hear that it works, Donna! Keeping some in your car, purse, etc is a great tip!
GRACE MINDE
Thanks to Vicks vapourab it work fo me too
Michelle M Sears
I have been using Vicks for about 36 hours on my inner thigh. Should I see a difference by now? It seems like its coming to a head but hurts like crazy…first time so I have no idea of what I’m doing.
Pat
Can you put Vicks on fissure down there???
Vanilla1
Yes. Patch test it to make sure your skin isn’t too sensitive. Years ago had a doctor recommended my bf use Vick’s for hemmorhoid swelling. It worked well for that also.
Deb
I have found that Lanacaine Anti-Friction Gel has been absolute godsend for me! I order it in bulk from Amazon. It is especially helpful to the inner thigh wear the seams on your pants always seem to be irritating the skin.
Joe’s Mamma
Thanks for the tip! Just ordered some! My problem area has always been upper thigh/groin and I’m seriously hoping this helps prevent!
Myra Barrow
I have had it forever. Never knew it was an actual condition. I currently get them when my weight fluctuates, my pants seam rub, etc. It’s embarrassing to wear shorts. I just put yeast infection medication on it. Fingers crossed it helps!
Liesl De Beer
Vick’s Vaporub reliefed me of 3 eggs about 1cm apart!!! Thank you for the advice. Took 1 hour to head and start draining. Ruined a panty, but I can walk normally again!!
Jcyrus
I’m so afraid to try it. I get awful bumps under my arm. I have one now I’ve tried everything and can’t get to drain
Yvonne225 Lawrence
Does it help with making it go away?
Nikki
I’ve had HS for the past 10 years. It has gotten worse over the last 3 years. I have two boils- one on each buttock check and they are pressing against each other. I can barely move from all the pain. I saw this article and tried Vick’s. I immediately felt less pain, and it is amazing. Idk if it will help drain and what not but ??Here’s hoping!!
Aiyannah Billie
I just applied some vaporrub to my boil on my inner thigh it is buring greatly but i am no longer in the pain I was once in I could barely walk.
Tracy Alberry
I did Vicksburg 1 time a day 2 days in a row and now it is draining. When before it was just growing. Applying heat helped too.
Sb
May seem like too much information but.. it’s the nature of the HS beast..
Has anyone dared to put this “down under”? Should I dare or definitely not?
Vm
I have and trust me it felt great and took the pain away
Rhianna lamontain
Not necessarily there but i get bad flare ups on my inner tighs and often apply the vicks there sometimes it travels and i feel it down there but its just a cooling sensation. I wouldnt recommend apply a lot directly but if u need the relief and dont have reactions with it on other sensitive areas it may work for you
Lisa
Just tried it. My armpits hurt terribly before I put on the Vicks. Feels relaxing now. Not burning like I thought. I would not put it “down under” delicate area. I might try it on a cotton ball in a crease on the leg in that area though.
Rita jo
The Lidocaine patches that you can get for your back help with the pain. Try it.
Karen Butler
I was diagnosed as a teen in late ‘80s. The doctor told me not to use deodorant sticks, that they would make the lumps worse. I used Roll-ons instead. Still a bit lumpy, but not as painful. A few years later I noticed female deodorant spray, and began using that as deodorant under my arms.
In the last 2-4 years, noticed aluminum free deodorants. They are wonderful.
Hoping that my experience can help someone.
Kisha
I will definitely try this! I am at the point where I will try anything natural. Has anyone tried turmeric?
Essence
I take tumeric capsules 2-3 times a day. From wat I can tell it doesnt stop my flares but it does decrease the pain, inflammation, and amount of time the flare last. Hope this helps!!!
Rhoni
Yes I take twice a day it does help with the inflammation. I have a friend who drinks the tea and she can tell the difference
Rhonda
What do you take twice daily? Vicks or tumeric capsules? And what kind of tea
Emily
i just did same wow what releif, also i think i will try and start putting under my arms as a preventive measure just a thin barrier? who knows if its anti fungi? I too take turmeric
Christine
Hi ! When I had this the first time a few years ago I trod things doctor said. Nothing worked. So I took turmeric supplement from health food store and Within the week it was almost gone. Fast forward 4 years to second flare up, not having the same great results as the first. But I’m not giving up and I’m taking them again. I bought more today. Good luck!
J
I have done turmeric and honey it burst the boil open and drained I also added epsom salt to the honey tureric mixture like a paste and it worked
Tc
Turmeric is good. But use without pepper.
Shawn Ramadhin
When I get a HS Flair up I immediately start taking high dowse of turmeric pills, it help right away to bring down
Shawn
When I get a HS Flair up I immediately start taking high dowse of turmeric pills, it help right away to bring down
Erica
Turmeric is a godsend for me! I take two tablets a day. It is costly though. Came looking for information on the use of Vick. Trying it asap!
Natalie
Hi Erica, the turmeric in the capsules is the exact same as the turmeric spice you can buy at a tiny fraction of the price. You can also buy some empty capsules on amazon or ebay if you prefer to take it in tablet form and it still wont cost nearly as much. Turmeric capsules are way overpriced because they’re advertised as a “health product” but regular turmeric is exactly the same thing you’re just paying more for the “special advertizing”. Save yourself some money and buy regular turmeric and some capsules!
Ian
I’ve become a recent sufferer of HS, and tried Vapor Rub after seeing someone rub it on their acne…applied it the morning and when i later checked it had ruptured painlessly 🙂 ALL previous abscesses were surgically drained as it would not rupture naturally, even after applying all sorts of medicated creams.
Bernadette
I am definately trying this. Tried almost everything. I have been living with this since I was a teenager, now I’m 29. It’s a very uncomfortable feeling and I hope this finally relieves the pain with out spending so much money on dermatologist and medication.
Brenda Carrera
You should try PRID from Wal-mart. It’s like $5. It helps me with all my flares. They dont errupt, they pretty much disappear. It is so strange. It helps very much. I also wash my break out areas with some baking soda and water and then rinse. I follow with Eucerin calming cream as it can be drying. I also exercise and drink a lot of water.
Steph
Yesss Prid works wondersss!!
Micha
Yess I use PRID before I knew what beast I was dealing with
Christine
Hello, what is PRID?
Martha
It’s a salve, smells funky but it does help. For me, I use Prid if I catch a flare up early. You can buy from Walmart
Karen Henry
I have suffered with HS from the age of 16. I am 50 now and still suffer if I don’t watch what I eat. After reading an article about nightshade vegetables causing flare ups I decided to try my diet without them. I have found that if I eat tomatoes, chillies or peppers I get a flare up within a day. Trying to avoid foods with tomatoes which I love is very hard but over the last 15 years I can honestly say I’ve only had 2 or 3 flare ups in all that time. If your not already avoiding these I would suggest to give it a try. BELEIVE ME IT WORKS. GOOD LUCK XX
Monica Pierce
Me too Karen. I kept a food diary and found that nightshades caused my flare ups. Eliminating peppers, tomatoes and even potatoes has helped a lot.
Leslie Lopardo
I have found that the essential oil frankincense works well if used at the very first sign of a flare.
It’s potent though, so sometimes I rub coconut oil on first then a drop of frankincense. I’ve made the mistake of having a little go in an open lesion and it burns.
Audrey Moore
I’ve had flares down under (which is horrible for ladies during that special monthly time) and underarms, I tried apple cider vinegar on one on my thigh but it BURNED, and I wasn’t sure what to do, so I chatted w/ other women w/ HS. First the flare must be cleaned, (Hibiclense is best recommended because it deeply cleans the skin), then air or patted dry w/ clean sterile cloth. Next heat may be applied by using heating pads or hot sterile cloth on HS flare directly as warm as you can stand and for about 5 to 10 minutes to assist in forming head. Finally I put VICK’S vapor rub on my flare only and try to cover w/ sterile gauze overnight. It usually pops itself before I wake up, so I clean with the Hibiclense again allow to air dry and apply VICK’S around the open wound area then cover to assist w/ additional draining. It works wonders, even down there. I consider Vick’s and Hibiclense the best sidekicks to have on your team when you’re fighting an HS flare. Happy Healing to all #HS WARRIORS!!!
Tanya
Ive just used vicks on my armpit as im having a bad HS flare up and honestly it has helped the pain, im so glad i heard about this x
Brenda Carrera
I will try Vicks, I have had HS since my teens and I am 40 now. I discovered PRID from Wal-mart and that has helped me for years. It doesn’t burst it just makes the swelling disappear. So strange! I have also started to work out 4-5 days a week and has helped tremendously. I drink a lot of water. I cut out dairy. Certain foods will cause me to break out like milk, peanut butter and certain other foods, I have been washing my break out parts with water and baking soda… just a few seconds and then I rinse. I pat dry and apply Eucerin calming cream. I only apply PRID (Wal-mart $5) to what I call starting break-outs. As soon as I feel that bruise feeling near my panty lines I immediately apply PRID and I notice the sweling go down and down. It does wonders. I pray that my remedy helps someone as I know it is a very painful disease that can be debilitating. I usually break out more when it’s that time of the month. I also switched from deodorant stick to a spray and I haven’t had issues under my arms. Please continue to post as we all need relief 🙂
Alexis L
Is there anyone that lives I the Louisiana area with HS? My fiance has HS an wanted to find him a support group, because he has had this for 4 years an he has be down an depressed the whole 4years and I would like to find someone or a group of people that could help him out with his HS.
Erica
Hi Alexis. I live in Louisiana and suffer from HS. I am in Stage 3. I am not part of any face to face groups because I don’t think there are any around here. I am in a few online though. Please feel free to message me back on here or email me if you ever want to talk about this or have any questions. Good luck to your husband, and to you as an HS caregiver.
Christine
Hello, can you share the on line group you belong to? Thank you!
Ieshay
I have been suffer from this hs for 10 yrs I’m 30 now but I’m looking for relaxation and can’t seem to find it with this painful stuff when it drains the drainage smells alful so if anyone can help and give tips I would appreciate it but I’m also a diabetic so with that being said I’m looking for help anyone
Sharon Ross
Great information! Thanks everyone for sharing!
Thibeaux buckley
I too suffer from hsbfor 30 yrs now,several surgeries in,the relief is bread but any is better than none,it is bad on my buttock but have had surgeries under my armpits,clydimician and ryfamprin (antibiotics) help keep it a bay but doesn’t cure,as we all know,but i am willing to talk to and support any Gs warrior,i can be reached on Facebook….Thibeaux Buckley,from Louisiana,living in Mississippi now,this disease is so painful and so nasty,for lack of a better term,ANYONE feel free to contact me,anytime,God bless and good nighy
Felicia JOHNSON
I KNOW HOW YOU FEEL WITH HS IT’S NOT NO JOKE VERY PAINFUL AND DEPRESSING AND SMELLING TO BUT GOD BEEN HELP ME THROUGH IT AND I BEEN HAVING FOR 11 YEARS NOW MY AGE IS 31 AND I AM ON FACEBOOK TO
Heather
Is it okay to put it on the stubborn holes, that refuse to close completely, and you’re stuck with little pinholes draining stuff out of? I’m so aggravated at this point, be cause I suffered with this since a teen, mostly in the groin area where your underwear would rub. I’m now 47 and it seems to have become so much worse in the last few years! Before I had NOTHING under my left arm, and I’d only get an occasional lump under my right arm, now I have scars, and holes that refuse to close, under both! I really need to figure out how to get this under control!
Sandra Guilbault
That described my underarms before I had surgery. I used it under my arms – it helped with pain, and I felt like it encouraged thing to drain if they needed to, but it didn’t help with healing or prevention of new spots in my experience. I hope that helps you!
Jane
My problem is also that the holes are open and i am wondering the same…have you found out anything?
Heather
Jane,
I haven’t, and I totally forgot about the whole Vicks Vaporub up until now. I went to the dermatologist and he gave me a steroid shot under my left armpit. It took the swollen lump away, but didn’t heal the hole. It took MONTHS for that one to close. But now I’m having trouble with my right armpit. There’s a lump the size of a golf ball, and I can barely use my right arm because it’s so painful. The pain is actually making me feel nauseous! I’m going to try the Vicks tonight (like right now) and cover it with a gauze pad to see if it helps. I’ve been putting hot wash towels under my arm to try and draw it out, but it’s not working. I’m just so miserable and cranky at the moment, and I don’t want to go out to the dermatologist again because of this whole virus thing. I’ll check back in and let you know if it worked at all.
Heather
Okay, I’m so very pleased to let you know that I put a thin layer of Vicks on my flare up, and within a few hours it started to drain! This will be my new “go to” whenever I feel a flare coming on. And I actually put it ON the broken skin! I felt a tiny bit of a burning sensation on those areas for a few seconds and that was it. I put a gauze patch on it with some medical tape, and let it sit. I checked it before I went to bed and it was draining already! I cleaned it and put more gauze on it before I went to sleep, and woke up this morning and it was full, so i cleaned it again and put a new bandage on it. So far so good! I’m an extremely happy camper today! I hope this helps ANYONE reading this right now. Much love to my HS family!
Sonja
I’m about to go try this. I made an appointment to have them cut out but if I can relieve the pain and pressure at home until then I’m about that life
Martha
Vick’s helps drain them for me too but I’m afraid to put it on holes that won’t close. You’re saying it helped you with those?
Barbara
I am now 65yo and had HS since 16. I’ve had several surgeries down under and buttocks and they finally are gone except under my arm, which I plan on having surgery later this year. My dermatologist told me to wear while cotton underwear with cotton bands around the legs – not elastic ( can only find them in JC Penney- ie: granny panty- but helps!) I’ve also had several boils that’s stayed open with draining as well. I went to dermatologist and he injected a steroid inside the wound. Hurt sooo much but it closed 2 days later. He gave me antibiotics. I will now try the Prid and Vick’s and see what happens. Just found out about this site
Martha
Please let us know if the Vick’s helped heel open holes 🙂
Natalie
Hi Martha, Vicks wont heal open holes. It works by opening your pores, aka helps them to “breathe”, so the pus can come out. The only thing I know of that heals open cuts/wounds quickly is calendula (also known as marigold). I use calendula cream and it works like magic but it’s alcohol based so it will sting for a minute or so after you put it on. I usually just apply it once and be done with it but applying it once or twice a day until you see it working can’t hurt. Calendula works by beginning/speeding up the body’s natural process of stitching the skin back together. Just make sure everything, and I mean EVERYTHING, has drained out of the boil first. Vicks will help with that even if it’s already burst, just keep applying it directly around the wound until there’s no more fluid coming out and the gauze or whatever you cover it with stays dry. You don’t want to trap any pus inside and seal it with calendula because as soon as you apply it it will start the process of stitching the skin back together, it should take a couple days for you to visibly see the skin healing. I hope this helps!
Melissa
Long comment. I apologize in advance.
I am so glad I came across this thread! My daughter, who just turned 10, is suffering with this and we didn’t know what it was 🙁 It started a few months ago, as she is now entering puberty. The first time they thought it was water warts and gave her an antibiotic. That worked fine and cleared it up in a few days. Then she got it again within 1 month. We took her to urgent care and they wanted to lance the lump under her armpit to drain it, but she was too scared. They first time around the lumps weren’t too large and the antibiotics alone did the trick. So home with more antibiotics we went. I used a hot compress and the lump ruptured on its own. Over the next couple of days I drained it. She also has eczema so she already uses an unscented body wash (less stripping to the skin). We decided on having her use a separate wash cloth for her armpits since that’s the area the breakouts are prone to. She also changes her armpit washcloth everyday. We switched her to a spray deodorant as well.
Our precautions seemed to have helped as it slowed down how often this is occurring.
So just this past week I noticed another lump under her armpit 🙁 At least this time it was close to 2 months without a breakout. We haven’t taken her to the doctor yet. However, the newest lump hasn’t gotten any larger (about the size of a quarter), but has actually gotten smaller over the last couple of days. I am wondering if that has anything to do with her being in a hot tub a few times while we were in vacation ?
I was planning to put a hot compress on it tomorrow, then lance and drain it myself as I had done before. However, now I have some options that may offer her more relief and not be so painful for her.
She starts swimming tomorrow and is self conscious about swimming this year because of her changing body. She voiced this concern tonight because of having to use the locker room with other girls. I don’t want HS to be another thing she has to worry about ?? It’s really hard watching her go through this.
Thank you all for your comments!! I’m going to try some of the tips I got here.
KW
Hi Melissa,
1st try switching up your daughter’s diet. You can start with the AIP diet first to try and eliminate any foods that may cause her to flare. It’ll be hard for a young child to eat such a healthy diet, but we have to get back into the habit of eating to nourish our bodies and not for pleasure, especially HS sufferers. We put so many bad foods into our bodies that are unnatural to our natural body chemistry. For instance cows produce milk for THEIR babies, yet we feed it to our human children, in addition to highly processed foods, etc. Also, I wouldn’t put her in a pool, hot tub, etc. until her HS is under control or she’s in complete remission, those things are breeding grounds for all types of bacteria. I am really sorry that your baby girl has to go through this at such a young age, I couldn’t imagine dealing with this at the age of 10. I was diagnosed at 23 (pretty much diagnosed myself and my doctor agreed), and I what I’ve come to find out is the doctors are pretty much useless in this auto-immune disease. It’s truly a waste of time and money to keep going to the doctors, and the anti-biotics will eventually compromise the immune system even more. Things that have helped me are the following: diet change (mostly vegan at this point), turmeric, aloe vera, Neosporin, tea tree oil, lots of water (I used to hate drinking water), hot baths (or soaks) with Himalayan salt or Epsom salt, apple cider vinegar, baking soda, and essential oils. When showering I use a scrub glove to cleanse my body and I moisturize with pure coconut oil, this method works wonders for me – at minimum shower once a day (I shower at night and in the morning). I no longer use deodorant, I use a mixture of arrow root powder, baking soda, and essential oils (I like lemon and lavender oil). I also decided that smoking was the cause of HS for me (along with very bad eating habits but mainly smoking) and I stopped and I showed great improvement. I recently had some very stressful events happen in my life and decided to smoke to cope – very stupid idea, the boils came back with a vengeance. This disease is very painful, annoying, and can cause you to go into a deep depression, but I believe it’s the body’s way of telling us that something is wrong within, why else would your body be attacking itself in such a way? If you smoke, stop, if you’re eating unhealthily, stop – is this easier said than done? Absolutely, but I know for a fact that I’d rather show great will power and control my eating habits and completely eliminate my smoking habits than have to deal with this disease. Since I’ve made that decision, I’ve truly surprised myself with the amount of will power that I possess.
I hope your daughter can get HS into remission because it truly is possible, but it does require great will power. Blessings to you and yours!
Joscelyn Kelly
Melissa, I hope you and your daughter find a regimen that works!
This is a horrible disease. Prayers and blessings!
KW,
Your post really resonated with me…
I’ve been dealing with moderate HS since about 2015. Wasn’t diagnosed until about 1 year later. I’ve only recently been in the position to afford professional care. Before, I always just “dealt” with the flare-ups.
So now, my dermatologist recommended an oral antibiotic, a topical solution & OTC benzoyl peroxide soap. I’m also taking birth control. The combination seems to really help.
But, I’ve been on the antibiotic now for 3 months and now looking into a more long-term regimen, since antibiotics aren’t recommended/used long term. So, do you or does anyone have information or a personal experience with a biologic drug, such as adalimumab? My dermatologist prescribed it to me and to be honest I’m scared to start it! The side effects… are they really worth it???? I’ve thought about trying to focus on my diet and quit smoking before jumping into this TNF blocker… My daughter and I already eat a healthy diet, but I know there are trigger foods I could try harder to avoid. Increasing physical activity would help and increasing water intake will help. Which I have been doing more of. I’m so confused about what to do.
Lisa
Has anyone tried emuaid?
Jane
I have tried it but it did not work for me.
Shari
It is so good to see these threads. I had surgery today and I’m so sad and have a huge hole in my butt cheek! This disease sucks and no one gets it. I’m happy to see a community of people trying to tackle this horrible issue!
Kesha
How do you feel now?
Sydni
I’ve tried Emuaid. I haven’t tried Vick’s but from the comments emuaid does the same as Vick’s and way pricy. I think I’m going to buy Vick’s then compare the two because if I can save $50 a month I will.
Lisa
I use emuaid. It’s been a blessing! Helps control flare ups for sure. Some do not ever come to a head they just swell and go away without rupturing. I haven’t tried Vick’s but it would make sense they smell similar. Try emuaid if Vick’s doesn’t work. I pretty much use it for any skin condition.
Joy
It worked for me! As recently as 3 days ago I was struggling with another flare up and impulsively reached for vicks. Not that I have ever heard of it or read somewhere, it was purely impulse. The menthol helped me sleep and I woke to a ruptured abscess. It’s amazing because typically i would have had to bear the pain for days or go in to get it lanced. So yes, Vicks is a great home remedy. Thank you for the article!
Erica
I’m trying Vicks today. Been dealing with this for 3yrs. Worse pain of my life and embarrassing. Can’t even put my arm down. Thank you.
PATRICIA L LAFONTAINE
Is this for skin tags hun? If so have you tried it and did it work?
SD
I am so glad I found this site and thread because HS is difficult to talk about, especially where my flare ups are located. I’ve had a diagnosis for less than a year, but it was an undiagnosed issue for years. GPs were unhelpful because they don’t know what HS is. It’s been months without a flare up but today I got a bad one. Will be trying Vicks, but an a little concerned about applying vicks to an intimate area.
Celeste
PLEASE READ!! If you are suffering from HS and are looking for a dramatic and effective cure, PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE try turmeric!! It’s all NATURAL! You can find it in the spice aisle or you can purchase it as a supplement in the vitamin aisle. Or do both! I have suffered from HS since I was a child (always in the groin area and buttocks). I have had my share of antibiotics, lancing, and topical scrubs. I am 44 years old now and aside from an occasional HS flare maybe once or twice a year, I haven’t suffered from the condition for about five years now due to TURMERIC! Please Google the miraculous effects that turmeric has on HS. If you’ve tried everything else and are tired of searching for an answer, please try it. My go-to when I start to feel a bump coming on is to warm up 4 ounces (1/2 cup) almond milk, add half a teaspoon of turmeric spice and a teaspoon of honey to sweeten it up. Drink it down. You can use cow’s milk, rice milk, soy, etc. I don’t drink cow’s milk, so almond milk is my preference. Drink this 3 times a day and you will have a SIGNIFICANT reduction in the size of your bumps and they will either recede or start to drain within 24-48 hours. For very stubborn, large, and/or extremely painful boils, I have increased the spice to one full teaspoon three times daily in milk, but this can be harder to drink down since turmeric can be bitter. If you can get past the bitter taste of a full teaspoon, do it! I promise that you will see a difference if you keep drinking the turmeric milk. Once the boil goes away, I stop drinking the milk 3 times a day and I only drink one “dose” of it once a week or so as maintenance. You can also make a turmeric paste and apply it directly to the bump and cover with gauze. Do a Google search for paste recipes to apply topically. The paste, will attack the boils externally and the turmeric milk will work it’s magic internally. Doing both at the same time will increase relief and resolve the issue faster. Turmeric will stain clothing so be careful when applying topically. But I would rather have stained undergarments any day of the week over having these painful HS lumps! Best wishes to you all! Please come back and tell us how well the turmeric worked!
Rachel
Thank you so much for this information. This has helped me tremendously.
I have been suffering from HS since I was 13years old and have been in pain since then. This is life altering, embarrassing, depressing, and emotionally draining, not to mention the Awful pain. I have had surgery, countless of antibiotics, topicals nothing seems to work for me. I am in pain every single day and it makes me feel like a damaged good that got the shot end of the stick when my body was created.
Anyways thanks for this message, this information really helped.
Didn’t know that having Hs was a thing.
CB
I’ve had HS since 19, I’m 44 now. Only ever had them in the groin area. Took years to actually be diagnosed. One MD said it was an std of all things! I’ve been given topical antibiotics and oral antibiotics, offered other medications, but I’m very sensitive to meds, so I no longer try any of them. The dermatologist I’ve had for the past several years injects them with a steroid/lidocaine mix and they’re gone within a day. But that’s spendy, even though I only have to go in a few times a year. This last one occurred on the inner labia (minora), it was absolutely excruciating. I thought it was an inflamed gland, it lasted almost 2 weeks, only when it ruptured did I realize it was a HS flare. I appreciate this site and all the information people are willing to share and I’m definitely going to try these recommendations.
Martha
I just has a flare up on my labia as well. The worst pain. This sucks.
J
I’m going through this now it is the worst pain in my life. It started like a hard cyst and then over time has been softening but yet getting bigger and bigger I hope it drains on its own as I don’t want to bare my lady parts to some stranger for lancing that in itself is so painful and embarrassing. I hate this but I’m hoping the vicks works
Kathy Everett
I was just diagnosed with possibly having HS today, but I think it’s because I changed from a roll-on deodorant to a stick at the same time I changed from an antibacterial soap to CeraVe soap. This has happened a couple of times in the past too when trying different products and I never seem to learn! I first had a slight break in the crease of one underarm and boy did it sting and it hurt terribly. I put some steroid cream on it and the cut disappeared the next afternoon and then I discovered these painful lumps. Two days later one appeared in my other underarm. I thought it was swollen lymph nodes at first from an infection I had in my sinuses but my ENT said it wasn’t.
I rarely shave because I can’t reach my underarms easily because of muscular dystrophy so I let it grow until I can’t stand it anymore. I keep telling my husband he’s going to have to start shaving for me! I also have psoriasis though it’s mild and mostly in my scalp. I was reading on other conditions related to HS and found high blood pressure among them which I also have.
I’m hoping I might just have a mild case and was wondering if anyone else here has had this happen only when switching these two products as I did? I have never gotten these bumps before but have gotten the break in my skin. I’m hoping this isn’t going to get worse. Wishful thinking on my part. I guess one skin disorder isn’t enough for this life!
Butterfly
Yes..several times…very expensive..not the results I was looking, but it helps, just costs a lot
Lesz
OMG. Vicks is a God sent. I currently have a big flare up seems to just be everywhere I haven’t had one this big in years .I was just looking for anything to relieve this pain.
I thought it would hurt ,But this is the best feeling I’ve had in a long time .
Blackseedoil capsules it have been going fine for me as well . But I guess with all the uncertainty in world I’m a little stressed.
THIS WAS A GREAT FOR ME ?
Queen
I literally just stumbled on here but omg right now this is going on my inner labia. And I have no clue what to do.. I never knew what it was I just suffer til it leaves but for some reason this one won’t leave! It started to drain stopped and started growing again. Is this normal
Rose
I have a boil on my buttocks and it brought the boil up to the head but my boils are inherited
Kesha
I have one on my butt that won’t quit, been fighting it since May. I can’t get the painful center to drain. It’s the worst painful itchy one ever.
Hema
After 25 years of suffering and at least 9 boils at any given time in the groin I finally found an amazing dermatologist with whom I shared an article I read about treating boils with Botox which was published by a plastic surgeon in Australia. He happened to know all about it and I started a treatment of injections of Disport in the entire area every 6 months. Very uncomfortable of course which you can avoid with numbing cream. I get about 20 little injections. It’s unbelievable. Lasts for about 4-6 months. Minimal to no boils. But very expensive. I would pay double for this. Please share this with everyone. It truly works. Must use Disport. Not Botox that is used on face. Disport spreads over larger part of skin.
Francesca
Interesting! Can you share a link to the article? Any chance your dermatologist is in the NYC/NJ metro area? I really need to find a very knowledgable doctor here!
DS
In NYC, try Dr. Joanna Harp at Weill Cornell. She is great and knowledgeable about HS. https://weillcornell.org/jlharp
Treasure Mills
I will try this method. I just figured out what the name for this skin condition is and I’m glad that I’m not alone. I’m still a teen so talking about these things with my mother is scary and she would probably think it’s an STI but I’m relieved to know I’m not alone
Jamie
I am so grateful to find this page. I’ve been suffering from HS since I was 14. I had no idea why I was getting these cysts and lumps along with excruciating pain. And since it was so embarrassing, I never told my parents. Fast forward so many years (yikes) and after finally doing my own research (doctors were worthless) I’ve found this site and I feel normal again. I am going to buy Vick’s and PRID today and hopefully my pain will be more manageable in no time. Thank you!
Elisa
Hello. My daughter is 22. She has HS also. her area of concern is at bthe back of the neckat the base of her hairline and her face-cheek. This has been going on for 4 years. My daughter is special and has an underlying =medical condition. She requires complete care. She has a trash, a g tube, non ambulatory, now is non verbal. She has so much to deal with but now has this HS. She’s having a falre up on her face and Im using a tumeric paste- not much reduction in size of cyst. She take a med called Dapsone to keep flare ups at bay. But i have to be careful bc she is so fragile. We are from Toronto Canada. I will try the Vicks. Its always good to hear others peoples experience.
Elisa
Sorry for the spelling mistakes. I meant trach.
Serendipity20
After 23 years of having this condition, I finally got a proper diagnosis 3 years ago. I was prescribed an antibiotic (don’t remember which one) and Clindamycin topical solution. It helped at the moment but I’m not a fan of taking too many meds. I have found that using turmeric and raw honey mixed into a paste (I also use it for my face) calms the inflammation and eases the pain. I also use Vicks to ease pain and keep the left over scabs moist to help them heal as well as adding the Clindamycin. They take forever to go away but the Vicks helps. I also use cocoa butter, shea butter and coconut oil body butter for added moisture. Oil of Olay body wash has been the best soap so far since it doesn’t irritate the wounds and keeps my skin soft. I have learned that for me, regular exfoliation (I use exfoliating gloves found in stores and online) also helps to slow the frequency of flare ups, but those who have it know that it will flare when it wants. I keep Vicks and I always have for different uses.
Em
I’ve been battling this massive boil on the crease of my thigh for almost 5 weeks… it took around 2-3 weeks of it growing and filling with puss for it eventually burst and give me some relief and go down in size. I’ve had boils in the past but this was definitely the most monstrous in size. In the past I’ve had smaller boils but the infection was more intense because i would have either a fever or chills. Whereas this time, i didn’t have any fever or chills but instead when the boil became so big that it was impossible to really walk and i was in so much discomfort that it physically drained me. It honestly feels like it’s sucking the life out of me.
Anyway, back to the boil, after it first drained, it was pretty nasty and it was an open wound for over a week, but it was quite small in size compared to what it was but still slightly raised and a bit red around the sore. I continued to apply antiseptic cream and put gauze over it, i was careful with it and eventually it healed. The open wound closed up but it became a hard tip, like a hard pimple that is ready to pop. The tip looked like it had some puss and it was hard. I didn’t do much about it but one day it started to feel a bit sore again.. and i was scared that it would start to swell which it did. When it did, i applied a hot towel compress to try and soften it so the puss could come out again. The hard tip went away but the boil started to grow in size again. It became quite big and tender AGAIN. It grew so big that it started to look a bit purple… i continued with heat compress and hot baths but nothing helped. I also put some magnesium sulphate paste on it which usually helps with drawing puss to the head. I think it did help a bit but it wasn’t effective enough in making this burst again. So i found this thread on Vicks. I was slightly concerned about putting it on but i was so desperate. Last night i applied a thin layer around the boil after a warm bath and honestly within 15 mins i could feel something happening. When i looked down i saw some blood. Clearly, it had burst and blood was slowly draining. This is the first time i’ve seen blood come out of my boil like this so i was terrified. Before bed, i applied a bit more vicks again and went to sleep. This morning ive woken up to it so much smaller in size, definitely looks like it’s drained and it’s stopped bleeding. FYI, it was never that much blood or anything so don’t be too alarmed. However, it’s still raised but just a lot smaller than it was and i feel relief and can walk normally again. I took a shower and put on some more vicks and gauze. I’m not sure what to do now… my fear is that it will fill up again. ANyway, vicks really helped me and im so glad i found this hack. Thank you ALL for sharing your experience. It made me feel so much better in a time of desperation.
suki ??♀️✨??.
how is it now ?
Jg
Great info thanks
Summer
Thank you!!! Thank you!! Thank you!!! I have had HS for a few years not and have had to go to urgent care or the ER to have the bumps drained. Usually in my armpit and underwear line. Well yesterday I had a 1st… right next to my nipple on my areola. No joke I thought I was going to die!!! Used the Vicks at 11 this morning and 4 hours later it came to a head!! So much relief!!! Thank you all again!!!
Amber
I am so glad I found this thread!! I have been suffering from HS since I was 16 and I am now 34. I have gone through the ER visits and the countless antibiotics and nothing has helped to keep this under control. I notice when I’m stressed or when it is that time of the month the boils come full force. In the early stages I got them between my buttocks, then it moved to my armpits and now I am getting them on my inner thigh and near my groin area. This is really the worst pain I have rd ver felt in my life and people who dont suffer from this really don’t understand how devastating this disease is. I will definitely be trying
trying this vicks remedy next time. I am a little skeptical because I’ve tried ointments like boil ease which are completely useless. But when you have a flare up you will pretty much try anything to get relief. I also plan on changing to a Mediterranean diet as some people say that has helped them as well. Thanks again to all of you for the tips!
Pat
I have had this condition for many years. It started under my arms in my 20’s. The last several years it has been in the groin area. I now have a fissure in the crease between my leg and my private parts. I have taken two rounds of antibotics, used hot compresses, sitz baths and it still hurts and bleeds. It also sometimes has pus in the blood. I have tried polysporin, Triple paste AF, and medicated gauze pads and it still hurts like crazy. I will be 80 years old in July and I am so tired of this affliction. I appreciate all the suggestions and will try the Vicks and the Tumeric. If you know of anything else that would help I am open to all recommendations. Thanks to all!! Oh yes, if there is a support group please send me the link.
Leslie Lopardo
Sorry Pat, I’m 60 and developed this at 12 years old.
I have found that the essential oil frankincense works well if used at the very first sign of a flare.
It’s potent though, so sometimes I rub coconut oil on first then a drop of frankincense. I’ve made the mistake of having a little go in an open lesion and it burns.
Roberta A Collins
I am 61 and have had this since I was in my mid-20’s. I thought maybe you outgrew this or it went away after menopause. Of course, neither of those things happened. I wondered if others my age still had this. Not that I’d wish this on an enemy, but I guess I’m glad I’m not as alone as I thought I was.
Wes
Wow. I found this thread a few weeks ago and kept the Vick’s info in the back of my mind. Woke up this morning to the worst cyst, could barely move. It is deep and there was no head at all. Applied Vick’s twice and within 12 hours the cyst has now drained. Without the Vick’s this would have continued to grow for days. It was completely under my skin and hadn’t even turned into a raised bump yet.
A miracle. Thank you so much for sharing.
Tammy
Will the vicks help the armpit boil go down mines hurts right now but is not unbearable right now. I am afraid to put the vicks on because I think it will cause it become bigger. Also if I put on there will it take the pain away I can still put mu arm now as of now.
Michelle Westfall
Hi did the vicks work for your armpit boil. I have one right now that I just want to drain. Any help would be soooo appreciated.
Jo boy
Mine is on my left testicle very painful and sore will vicks not make it worse
Michelle Westfall
Hi I have just gotten my 2nd boil & it’s in my armpit. It’s been going on 7 days no sign of a head. I’ve been doing the warm compress & tumeric paste. I got antibiotics from my doctor so I’m hoping that helps. After reading this in bed I decided to get up & try the vicks. I really hope this works cuz the thought of having it lanced scares the crap out of me!!
Mary
Can you use it down below for absese
Sena
Vicks is not recommended on mucous membranes. If the HS is on the outer side of the major labia its okay but not inside the major or minor areas. For those try warm compresses several times a day till it bursts on its own.
Rachel
My 17 year old daughter has suffered terribly with us for years and we have tried the Vicks. It helped a bit. Has anyone tried Ichthammol ointment?
Natalie
Yes, I am using it right now. It soothes the pain a little bit and usually any boils “healed” on their own within a few days to a week. I just found a publication from a study showing that 90% of participants showed an improvement after applying the 10% one twice daily for ten days, so there is actually some kind of scientific evidence that it works. It might be better for sensitive areas or open wounds, too. However, I will try vicks after my shower. All these positive stories here convinced me and the down sides of Ichthammol are its horrendous smell and bad staining. I usually covered it with band aid but have developed an allergy over the years (to band aid, not Ichthammol).
Shania R.
Hello, I too have HS and am currently looking for a solution. I’ve had it as early as 14-16 yrs of age. I have mine in my groin area and ladies it’s not fun. It’s irritating and I’m desperate to finding a solution because the recurrence only causes more boils. It’s embarrassing and I’m learning to live with it at the age of 21. I need help in finding something that’ll slow down the recurrence. I’m going to attempt to change my diet very soon because I eat yogurt and love fries. But this is just soooooo discouraging. You’re not the only one. We’re in this together. When there’s a cure PLEASE tell me!
Diane
Try applying providone iodine directly to the area. I do this after every shower, and if it looks like another is coming I do it before bed after washing the area. I have been using this for a month now and have not had any major outbreaks and if one is starting it halts it and it diminishes. Iodine is antibacterial/antifungal so it will prevent those from forming and help heal. Vicks did not work well for me, but glad to see so many have some success.
NNTL
After reading a lot of comments regarding potential treatments, I am going to make a mixture of Vicks, Turmeric Essential Oil, and a low dose (0.5%) topical corticosteroid ointment ( has to be low dose otherwise can cause skin atrophy) and begin applying a thin layer nightly. Will report back with results
Martha
Please let us know! I think I’ve got the right combo for drainage now but I can’t figure out how to heal the holes closed faster 🙁
Kesha
How did everything go?
NNTL
20 years of breakouts in my groin and inner thighs have ended! My Vicks + Tumeric essential oil ( from Amazon) + 0.5% topical steroid ointment ( not cream – needs to be ointment) has worked! Basically looks like a yellow Vicks when mixed. After 6 months I was completely clear. I now only use for three or four consecutive nights if I feel some bumps starting. I’ve gone 2-3 months without needing to use at all! I should market this..
Terrie
Thank you so much for sharing!!! Would you mind sharing your ratio of each?
Alicia Ambrozy
I have been suffering from this most of my adult life, being misdiagnoised as acne and of course being a picker.
Its all over my body with the most on my face and back.
I have lanced them all myself and after reading your comment, I am trying vicks combo today!
Ericka Mosley
I’ve been dealing with this since I was 16. I’m 47 now. At first I was told they were lesions, probly herpes related. Then they (doctors) ruled that out and just called them boils. Finally, at 45 I was properly diagnosed after a tennis ball sized flair came under my arm. I couldn’t even get dressed to go to the doctor for a few days. He have me steroid creme, which didn’t help, and antibiotics which did. I figured if the doctors didn’t have a remedy, nature did.
The tennis ball shrunk to a ping pong and stayed that way for over a year. I was finna go get cut, but found out coconut oil was anti-inflammatory. Then I learned about tea tree oil’s antibiotic properties, and, knowing about Honey’s healing properties, I mixed 4 drops of tea tree oil, 3 drops of honey with two tablespoons of coconut oil, and not only did it relieve my pain, but drained it and reduced the swelling in about a day or two. I’m healing nicely now. I plan to use lemon slices (which also works on elbows) to remove the scarring once they heal. It, too, has antibiotic properties.
I read everyone before me. This page is amazing. I didn’t know about Vicks, but I’ll try it.
The diet is a big factor in my flair ups. Caffeine, once beloved, is now my enemy. No more chocolate ?. Sugar is also a trigger. So is smoking.
i appreciate what I learned here today, tho. And I hope my info helps as well.
Crisolina G
Hello, so glad to find this page. My daughter 10 has been suffering with HS for the past year and half. It kills me to see her suffer, on top of that, she was born with Down Syndrome, so she can always communicate her feelings. I will try the Vicks tonight. She has been taking Doxycycline since April plus Clindamycin cream which, doesn’t seem to do much. I will try all the recommendations on this page. THANK YOU so much for sharing. Any recommendations on a cream to help the scalps?
Keri Cartwright
How did it work out for your daughter?
Chyna
I’ve been suffering from boils since 17, I’m 36 now. I first used to get them under my right arm, I thought I was dying. I’ve had boils lanced, and it has left me keloid skin under my arm. I’ve tried everything. Raw onion, Raw garlic, Raw ginger, tea tree oil, castor oil, drawing salve, this pain is excruciating. Today I stumbled across a tic tok where some said use vicks. Mind you I have 1 under my arm, and 1 in between my best, the 1 in my groin area popped maybe 2 days ago. I used the vicks under my arm and in between my breast. So far the 1 in between my breast popped, I’m waiting on the 1 under my arm to pop so I finally can get some sleep. I’m tired of taking excerdin.
Terrie
My daughter also had Down Syndrome and HS- horrible boils in her groin area and armpits. Her dermatologist instructed us to put 3/4 cup of bleach in her bath water. As long as she gets this bleach bath every other day, she has had NO MORE flareups in her groin area. Her armpits still get one occasionally, so I’m going to try the Vicks and Turmeric regularly, hoping for prevention there. Maybe this will help your daughter as well!
Christina M Hart
Just tried vicks for the first time, I’ve had HS since my 20s, I’m now 44, why have I never heard of this. It’s instant pain relief, hoping it helps it drain too. I’ve used PRID & that doesn’t work for me, turmeric doesn’t seem to help either, I keep a small spray bottle of peroxide with me at all times, because I work in a dirty factory, it helps with bacteria at least. But the vicks is the first thing I’ve tried that actually helps me with pain relief, I just ran across this thread online, during a flare up, had some vicks on hand, & gave it a shot. Bless this thread. I’ll be taking it to work with me from now on, because my flare ups are sporadic & usually come on fast & unexpectedly. Thanks to all, & I hope one day there will be a cure for this crap.
Wanda Harris
Hi I’m just reading your girls comments and that’s just what I’ve got I’m going to start using Vicks thanks I read all of your comments and so helpful
Vibs
Glad I came across this, I’ve been suffering with this monster for 3-4 years now. Two I&D surgeries, and multiple big ones, have had terrible experiences,particularly got much worse during pregnancy. Got a big lesion in ym left armpit now, tried vicks now after reading this. Hoping to find relief!
Patrice
Battling HS since I was 11 now 56. My first introduction to HS, not that I knew it, was a lesion between the crack of the behind. Pain like I never knew, couldn’t walk. Those ones are the worst for me, but get them at the groin and the under arms too. Never heard about Vics before, wish I had, current one is large and angry under arm…Vics provided immediate pain relief, hoping it drains and stays down. Neosporin has worked for me but only for the ones that are at the crack, at the very first slight indication something is starting I put it on takes a day or 2 but it does not grow and goes away. The current one under my arm was a deep knot and hurt when it appeared, past the point when the Neosporin could help. Stopped going to doctors years ago, ignored by them and too painful to lance. Thanks to all for sharing your experiences!
Kay B.
This thread is god sent! Will be trying the vics. My armpits are mainly where my flares happen. But I also get them under my breast. More so just the lumps and not actual boils. They typically go away on there own and only hurt when wearing a bra. But they leave dark spots when they go away. Has this happened to anyone with HS? Went to the doctor earlier this year and finally got diagnosed with HS. Im 25, still trying to figure out what can cause a flare up for me. I’ve switched to using natural soaps and trying to find the best natural deodorant
Walter Akins
I have been suffering from this since I was 20 yrs old. I’m now 38 I remember the very first one I’ve ever had. Summer of 2002. Little did I know it was the start of something that I would have to deal with for the rest of life. Didn’t get them that often in the beginning fast forward to about seven years ago and get them so much I have lost a job because of it. I mean they come one after another, I have had surgery on my anus area to remove the core doctor took five cores from there. Haven’t got them back there since. But now I get them in the crease between my scrotum and anus right in the fold. My wife cries for me because I’m in such pain that I can’t bare it and cry myself. I have tried everything you guys talked about nothing helps me but, last night I tried the Vicks. It’s now morning and nothing has happened though the pain is not as bad I’m hoping this helps with the rupture I can’t afford another er visit. I have to be put to sleep for them to even cut it open because it’s so painful. I’m glad I found this forum now I have support from others who suffer the same as me. I wish everyone good luck and a speedy recovery from this monstrous disease called HS.
Diane
I have had success with 10% providone iodine. Vicks did not do it for me, but the iodine has antibacterial/antifungal properties so it can get at the cause better. It is not a cure, but I have not had a major outbreak for over a month when I started using it after showers and before bed if it looks like one is starting.
HL
I am 51 and have had HS since I was 15. I have recently had to have many of them removed from my groin area. I also had to have plastic surgery and a skin graph to closed the areas. The groin area surgery took place in Dec 2019 all of 2020 it didn’t close properly so I ended up having another surgery to remove the damaged tissue, in Sept 2020. It is still not completely healed. The longer that you let the cyst go the more damage it causes to your tissue. I had to have muscles removed from both of my inner thighs to cover the damaged area in my groin. If you can find a good surgeon that will removed them right away before it causes more damage. If they are caught early they can be removed in the office.
Helen
Hi everyone! Your suggestion helped me. I had an huge boil under my arm. The size of a golf ball. It was painful. I have a history of hair bumps off and on but nothing as huge as this. I went to urgent 1/18 and was told to follow up with primary care for surgery if antibiotics don’t help. So I’m not sure what exactly helped but this is what worked for me. The Monday/Tuesday I tried vicks, wday/Thursday banking soda with tea tree oil and Friday-Sunday prid. Sunday evening I finally saw a white pimple like bump and 5 minutes later with warm towel it started draining. I am so so happy. This boil had no head whatsoever I just knew I was going to have to lanced. But with prayer and the above remedies it went away
Jada
Y’all all my life I didn’t know anyway to make flare ups go away any faster than just suffering ….today I applied vicks three times in addition to using a blister bandage and it took days of pain out in a day. I tried cleaning it off gently and it just ruptured sooooo much. Thank y’all for this tip and I hope others can find comfort
Susan
Later in the game finding these posts.
I have an area right side, inner thigh, “down under” right where you panties would rub. What has worked for the open boil to heal/go away? Have anyone’s boil feel like it may be tunneling? I have one that opened but now is mainly draining clear or slightly colored fluid. I have another right above it that opens and closes and opens again. If during the day I feel some itching there, it’s the indication that it’s coming back.
Trying the Vick’s today. Ordered the prid. Just want to get rid of these things
Frieda
I am going to try Vicks right now, I have A boil that started tunneling about 3 months ago, now there are 3 and they are not rupturing. The main one has a very small tunnel hole draining a bit but not much. I have tried everything mentioned above, save for Vicks. Will post again later today with regards to progress.
Nicole
When I feel like one is starting in my armpit I rub vicks on it. The next day the bump and pain is pretty much gone. Thankful!
My situation is less severe than most. But thankful to have discovered this.
If I wouldn’t have, its very possible I’d be taking a prescription that I absolutely didn’t want to do.
Lisa Vergis
This vicks vaporub home remedy is awesome..I had used axe oil too earlier…has the same ingredients but Vicks Vaporub is better as it stays there for some time. The camphor, menthol, turpentine, eucalyptus etc., give the necessary hot and cold effect which one week of antibiotics on Septran by the dermatologist didn’t do…the moment I applied I forgot my pain in and around the lesions and within minutes I could walk without feeling any pain. This flare up happened after almost a year..and almost hitting menopause…I guess the harmones have taken a toll on a 50 year old! That said, on the second application on the second day,the two lesions on my thighs finally burst. What is the use of having taken a course of retinoids…Isotroin for three years..if I had to suffer so much 5 years later! I guess the Dermatologist now wishes that I take Adalimubab..TNF blockers injection and feel respite from no more flare ups! What is the surety? In case anyone has tried? I too was detected with arthritis and believe it helps in rheumatoid arthritis but I am RA negative (blood test) for it…so the RA doctor said take it only if you are advised by the skin doctor as my sacrophageal XRay of lower back and hip show no deformities. Yet this Vicks vaporub remedy has given me the much wanted relief although future flare ups are not predictable. When I weigh the cost factor Of TNF blocker injections and for how long, and the constant check of your body’s internal working through MRI scans to see if you carry an infection( which would amplify with this treatment), if any, makes me wonder if I should go for it. Please reply if any of you are sailing in the same boat as me with this dilemma!And thanks to your site for the home remedy!
Sandra
Does anyone’s HS boils bleed when they rupture?
diane
Oh yes, and usually with that god awful smell
alexis w
Yes i had this a few times i just keep apply heat pad or hot compresses to help it drain fully
Suss
I tried it. It WORKED for me. I was in pain and within 2 days of applying vicks, it broke. I am so glad. Thanks for the info
Brigette
Thanku for sharing with this page Brooke! I just read what u explained & u said exactly what I was looking for! I suffer with HS also but wasn’t sure if that’s what is goin on with me currently bcuz it is literally the size of a egg & super painful!! However, it has shrunk a bit by using heating pads, but still isn’t coming to a head.. it feels so deep that I’m not sure if it will without getting my dermatologist involved. Ugh. Sounds very painful to have it landed & drained. I just saw online that u can use Vicks vapor rub for boils.. that’s why I’m looking for more info on it. Wasn’t sure if it actually worked or if it might be too late to try it on mine. I tried prid for a few days also, with no luck this time. I’m hoping that vicks might be the option that I need to try b4 calling my dr. I’m so desperate for relief at this point.. im willing to try anything!! Thanks again for posting!
Gg
I just want to thank everyone who posted about this. This literally saved my life. I had the worst flare up of boils ever. I couldn’t do anything for weeks. Couldn’t stand up, couldn’t sit down. Even turning when lying down was a hurdle and I would have to stay in one position all night when trying to get some sleep. It was the most painful, arduous period of my life. I was terribly depressed and I was already about to book a surgery.
I saw this page and ordered Vicks. One application of it and an hour later the boils were draining. It was absolutely miraculous. I couldn’t believe my eyes. This was something that had caused me immense pain for weeks, had grown to the size of a golf ball and until then had just refused to drain on it’s own. With continuous application of Vicks for a few days, the main boil, and the smaller ones around it were all gone.
Thanks guys, this has saved me.
PATRICIA L LAFONTAINE
I’m not sure if I’m in the right room if not please let me know. I have been getting a lot of small skin tags under my armpit that sometimes hurt and burn and looking up what to use it took me to this page. I had seen somewhere that Vicks rub works on them but not for sure if anyone knows please let me know thank you.
PATRICIA L LAFONTAINE
Does Vicks rub work for skin tags hun? If so have you tried it and did it work?
Diane
I have suffered with HS for over 35 years and it took anyone to diagnose me over 20 years. It’s impact has been devastating. I have recently had some relief using 10% Providone Iodine directly on any wounds. In fact, the use of iodine has caused any potential outbreaks to be either minimized or halted them and they diminished. Now after I take a shower I use it on the area, groin, to clean and protect that area. It has been the best treatment to date and I have use Accutane in the past. It does not cure it, but it is front line OTC method to help prevent and minimize. Iodine is an antibacterial, antifungal used for wound healing for quite a long time. Unless you have an allergy to iodine, I would recommend trying it. If I see one starting to develop, I will use after the shower and before bed after washing the area. As we all know these things can go from 0-100 in a VERY short time. I was having serious breakouts in the same area, and once I started using iodine, as a desperate attempt, not only did they diminish in a few days, I have not had a serious breakout for about a month. I am hoping that this continues to work as well as it has. I had to share this possible option, because I know the pain it creates, the scarring that is left, the helplessness in finding something to give relief, and the embarrassment in trying to get some real help. If anyone else can corroborate my “success” and get some relief, please post it so others can benefit.
Ryrip
Thanks alit for this information, I always had big boils in my pubic region and everytime I went to doctor they said these are just boils so no issues but I knew it’s not that as the pain is agonising. Finally I felt that these have a ne and I am not the only one who suffers with these. Vicks vaporub helped me a lot, the current one was tunneling, and so painful. Vicks reduces swelling and pain. It’s still not drained but reduced in size considerably. Any further tips.
Caroline
Hello to each of you here. What an interesting site and filled with interesting remedies.
I have now got my first ever boil on my forehead hairline. I assume it’s a boil!
I am going to try the Vicks healing method and hope it helps.
Warm wishes from England.
Lisa
Out of desperation for relief I Googled HS support and found this website.
I just applied Vicks to both underarms and groin area. Will report back my results.
I have had steroid shots (which helps temporarily, but lately the shots are very painful), I have also been on antibiotic for long stretches which I don’t think that is a good solution. Hoping the Vicks helps, I will also try Tumeric as suggested.
Terra
I am relived to have found this group! My son suffers from HS, he’s 14. He was diagnosed about 4 years ago, but went undiagnosed for at least 3 years before that. He has other health issues but this one is by far the most difficult. He has an extremely sever case of HS and has breakouts all over his bum, groin, legs, neck, and less on his stomach, arm and face. When you are talking about the Vicks, are you rubbing it directly on the sores? What if the are open and draining? The ones on his bum are in a constant state of drainage. Something is always draining… he has started Remicade and it is helping (slowly), but we notice a difference after a treatment. He has been thought several meds and biologics. Any help and advice is greatly appreciated 🙂
Kimberly
Omg thank you. I’m literally in so much pain right now. I’m so desperate I’m 34 and cry like a baby right now. Please. I’m in so much pain
T. Taylor
Thank you for this.
This ain’t my first rodeo with HS. I was diagnosed at 29 and approaching 50. In the past 5 years it has worsened.
I have an awesome dermatologist and about to undergo a clinical study for a drug that will hopefully help us all. I hear it is promising.
But, in the meantime I developed a goofball-sized boil under my left armpit in the past week.
OMG, this is the second time I have experienced this.
I read about other HS Warriors using Vick’s and I’ve used it occasionally as my flares are usually something I can handle.
But this thing under my arm!
I did Vick’s, hot compresses, tea tree oil/coconut the past couple of days.
I read several comments late last night about turmeric. I made a tea combo I sometimes take with it.
And I don’t know if it was reading this blog and comments, my multiple prayers this past week, the Vick’s or the turmeric, but while feeling like I was going to die in the grocery store an hour ago, I felt like that bad boy was coming to a head.
I had to cut my shopping short (it was getting crowded anyway) to get home and sure enough, it did!
I have never seen so much yuck before but I was so happy.
Thank you all for your tips.
I am praying this disease can be eradicated soon!
E
That instant relief of it rupturing is what I’m praying for right now. Usually hot compresses will save me from the pain but not this time. My mom is always telling me to put VVR on it (12 years) and I’ve never listened but she’s like the Windex dad from Big Fat Greek Wedding but with VVR. This flare up is so bad I can’t even get out of bed. Just applied some VVR and it’s soooo soothing don’t know why I didn’t listen to my mom earlier
Y Dawood
Vicks doesn’t help me. Whats help is a paste i make with turmeric, charcoal and fermented milk (maas). Put on cotton pad or gauze and keep on as long as I can. Put several times in a day. Helps with pain and swelling. It does stain. Drink geen tea, take olive leaf extract. Gave up bread, dried fruits as they contain yeast, potatoes, eggplant, dairy and sugar. Another thing one should not smoke. Also use glycerine soap and add turmeric and charcoal to it. Make sure area is dry. Use cupping to drain my cysts and use warm compresses. Going to try hemp tea.
Cece
I was just diagnosed with HS a few months ago although I’ve been dealing with it for the past 2 years it was not bad how it is now. 2 years go started with one in between my buttocks had to get an incision worst pain ever. Every time after that in my Groin area usually ruptured on its own until a few months ago I went to the doctor to get my 2nd incision. Those incisions are so painful especially the numbing part. Only appears if I shave or use something to remove my hair. I have a really bad one right now and refuse to go get it drained. I hope this vvr works for me because I’m tired of being in pain and walking funny. I hope they find something to help us out so we won’t have to continue to go through this pain and being cut
Sena
Because she is your Mom…….have the same issues with my daughter as well, she does eventually come around though. Maybe it’s a need to prove we are as wise as our Mothers or see her as treating us like a child. I was the same way with my own mother. I am so glad I came across this forum !!!! I had no idea that there are so many sufferers of this condition. I will try the Vicks as this last lump was horrendous and had to have it opened at ER, never again ! For years, I felt I wasn’t scrubbing my skin hard enough and felt so dirty because of the odour !
n
with help of elimination diet i was able to figure out that bakers/brewer’s yeast is usually the main trigger.. If anyone is up for trying it, just eliminate things that have yeast(and trust me i know its hard coz its in bread pizza etc) … for me the only timr i get a boil is if i cheat on this (usually pizza)
Ziggy
I’m going to woman up & get some Vicks in tomorrow after reading this! I get lumps in my groin & on my ass…currently growing a golf ball among other smaller peas …hurts so much! I’ve found salt baths help but only if I catch them early. Such a nasty disease, so very painful. Mine got much worse post menopause. I find avoiding nightshades helps but doesn’t eliminate. We’ll get there….it seems with the help of turmeric, salt baths & Vicks 🙂 fingers crossed!
Laura
My HS was awful for weeks nothing was helping not the doxycycline or or clyndamyacin nothing. I used baby Vicks vapor rub for the last two days and my HS is almost completely gone I believe one more day and it will be gone. You do the math.