Natural Treatment for Hidradenitis Suppurativa

Abstract

Hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) is a chronic skin condition which is characterized by the formation of small, painful lumps (lesions) under the skin, particularly in the hair roots close to the sweat glands. The lumps or lesions develop under the skin because of inflammation and infection of sweat glands. The condition can cause pain and discomfort, and can gradually affect the patient’s daily life and emotional well-being. Planet Ayurveda offers some beneficial herbal formulations for managing HS in a safe and natural manner.

Hidradenitis Suppurativa: Overview

Hidradenitis Suppurativa (HS) – also called Acne inversa – is a painful, inflammatory, recurrent, and long-term skin condition in which boil-like lesions or nodules develop under the skin. The condition typically affects the skin that features the apocrine sweat glands which are associated with hair follicles. The skin areas commonly affected by HS are the armpits, breasts, inner thighs, groin, anus, and buttocks.

HS can lead to abscesses and scarring because the boil-like lesions characterizing the condition can, over a period of time, lead to pus-like discharge and formation of open wounds (sinuses) which do not heal easily.

HS usually starts during the teenage years of an affected individual’s life, and has the maximum impact between 20-40 years of age. The condition worsens over a period of time. Females are at a higher risk of developing HS as compared to males.

Hidradenitis suppurativa: Causes

The exact cause of HS is not known clearly. Nonetheless, the condition is often linked to the following factors:

• Inherited genes (or family history of the condition)
• Hormonal problems
• Immune system problems
• Blocked hair follicles
• Acne
• Obesity
• Smoking
• Excessive hair growth (hirsutism)
• Abnormal development of sweat glands.

Hidradenitis suppurativa: Symptoms

The common signs and symptoms of HS are:

• Painful, peas-sized lumps under the skin
• Skin featuring small pitted areas with blackheads
• Itchy bumps with leaky pockets of pus
• Formation of cysts
• Skin infections
• Formation of narrow tunnels (sinus tracts) under the skin.

Hidradenitis suppurativa: Treatment

There is no specific cure for HS. However, the symptoms of HS can be managed with the help of oral/topical medications, pain relievers, antibiotics, and corticosteroid injections. In some cases, patients may even have to undergo a surgical procedure for the removal of lesions which grow deep in the skin.

Planet Ayurveda offers some beneficial herbal products for natural management of chronic skin conditions like HS. The herbal products can reduce the severity of breakouts on the skin, alleviate pain, and promote healing of the skin. The products are:

1. Kaishore Guggul

These tablets are prepared from standardized extracts of several potent herbs like Guggul (Commiphora mukul), Amalaki (Emblica officinalis), Haritaki (Terminalia chebula), Bibhitaki (Terminalia bellirica), Pippali (Piper longum), Maricha (Piper nigrum), Shunti (Zingiber officinale), Guduchi (Tinospora cordifolia), Vidanga (Embelia ribes), Indian jaap (Ipomoea turpethum), and Red physic nut (Baliospermum montanum).

These tablets are useful in managing the symptoms of HS because the herbal components can treat different types of skin disorders, reduce pain and inflammation, strengthen the immune system, maintain a healthy skin, and eliminate toxins from the blood.

Dosage: 2 tablets, twice daily after meals with plain water.

2. Gandhak Rasayan

These tablets are prepared from Shuddh Gandhak (Purified Sulphur), and a combination of some useful herbs which are known for their anti-viral, anti-bacterial, anti-microbial, and anti-inflammatory actions. The herbs include Guduchi (Tinospora cordifolia), Cinnamon (Cinnamomum zeylanicum), Ela (Elettaria cardamomum), Amalaki (Emblica officinalis), Haritaki (Terminalia chebula), Bibhitaki (Terminalia bellerica), Patra (Cinnamomum tamala), Nagakeshara (Mesua ferrea), Shunti (Zingiber officinale), and Bhringaraja (Eclipta alba).

The use of these tablets can benefit HS patients because of the combined effect of the natural components to manage skin disorders, treat infections, purify the blood, relieve burning sensation on skin, and manage various types of skin breakouts.

Dosage: 1-2 tablets, twice daily after meals with plain water.

3. Radiant Skin Hair Nail Formula

These capsules are prepared from a combination of herbs which can ensure special care of skin, hair and nails. The herbs include Manjistha (Rubia cordifolia), Chirata (Swertia chiretta), Pit papda (Fumaria officianalis), and Grit kumari (Aloe barbadensis).

Patients suffering from HS can benefit from these capsules because of the combined ability of the herbal ingredients to support healthy skin, manage inflammatory skin conditions, and treat skin problems like acne, pimples, lesions, and blackheads.

Dosage: 2 capsules, twice daily after meals with plain water.

4. Manjishtha capsules

These capsules are prepared from standardized extract of Manjistha herb (Rubia cordifolia) which is widely known for its anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial, anti-microbial, astringent, blood-purifier, and immunity-enhancer properties.

The use of these capsules is very beneficial for HS patients because of the ability of Manjistha herb to treat skin diseases, remove toxins from the body, manage blood disorders, alleviate pain and inflammation, and pacify Pitta dosha.

Dosage: 2 capsules, twice daily after meals with plain water.

5. Dermo Plan Syrup

The preparation of this syrup involves a blend of powerful herbal ingredients which can provide relief in a number of skin conditions. The ingredients include Manjishtha (Rubia cordifolia), Giloy (Tinospora cordifolia), Neem (Azadirachta indica), Haridra (Curcuma longa), Shobhanjan (Moringa oleifera), Chopchini (Smilax china), Sariva (Hemidesmus indicus), Khadir (Acacia catechu), Shahatara (Fumaria officinalis), and Gorakhmundi (Sphaeranthus indicus).

People affected by HS can benefit from these capsules because the herbal ingredients can synergistically heal skin eruptions like acne, pimples, blemishes, and lesions, as well as purify the blood, activate the sluggish liver, treat skin infections, and maintain a healthy skin.

Dosage: 1-2 teaspoon, twice daily after meals with plain water.

6. Jatyadi Oil

This Ayurvedic oil is prepared from a blend of some powerful herbs and other natural ingredients. The main ingredient is Jati of Jasmine (Myristica fragrans), which is combined with Neem (Azadirachta indica), Madhuka (Glycyrrhiza glabra), Haridra (Curcuma longa), Daruharidra (Berberis aristata), Manjistha (Rubia cordifolia), Padmaka (Prunus puddum), Lodhra (Symplocos racemosa), Katurohini (Picrorhiza kurroa), Naktamala beeja (seeds of Pongamia pinnata), Taila (Sesame oil), and Sikta (Honey bee wax).

The application of this oil is beneficial for managing HS because the natural ingredients can help in treating various skin disorders, treat bacterial and fungal infections, cure non-healing or open wounds (sinuses), manage lesions and blackheads, and treat skin conditions like psoriasis, eczema, etc,.

Usage: External application on affected skin.

7. Nirgundi Oil

Nirgundi oil is prepared from the multipurpose and versatileNirgundi herb (Vitex negundo). The oil can be topically applied on the skin for treating several skin conditions.

The application of Nirgundi oil can be useful in managing the HS because the oil has the ability to treat various skin ailments and infections like pimples/lesions, and alleviate inflammatory conditions.

Usage: External application on affected skin.

Conclusion

The herbal products available from Planet Ayurveda for managing Hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) are prepared from 100% pure and natural herbs. The products do not contain any chemicals, preservatives, starch, additives, artificial colors, yeast, binders, or fillers. However, it is advised that patients suffering from HS should use the products in consultation with an Ayurveda expert.