One of the things that’s empowered me to become a better dermatologist is my patients. Patients are the authority on how to live with their skin condition and have so many clinical pearls to share. Yes, I love patient education, but what is often underestimated and not celebrated enough is how patients educate us.
As providers, sometimes we stop at just recommending a medication and forget that treatment extends beyond the prescription pad. Patients look to us for answers on how to treat, but also how to live fully and that means extending our tool kit. While medications are essential to control many chronic skin diseases, having a list of products to help someone live better with their skin condition is often key to improving one’s quality of life.
Think about it…for acne you recommend what cleansers and moisturizers should be used to help complete a regimen or you might suggest acne patches, green concealer or a home red light device. For skin conditions like hidradenitis suppurativa (HS), sometimes we fall victim to prescription only mentality and neglect to give patients practical options to complement our prescription therapies.
As a chronic inflammatory skin condition, HS can be debilitating and socially isolating. It can interfere with activities like swimming, intimacy or basic functions like walking or using the restroom. We have come a long way with treatment and new therapies are on the horizon, but it’s not a condition where poof—everything just disappears. HS patients often live with scarring or disease activity that can flare or residual lesions that need to be addressed. My patients with HS have uniquely learned to get creative and find products to help with their condition. They made me realize that it is an essential part of treatment that needs to be shared so here are some of their tips.
One aspect of HS that creates a lot of shame is body odor and sweat. Over-the-counter antiperspirant products like Carpe, Certain-Dri or Sweat Block wipes can block sweat production. Cleansers are also a part of the odor-sweat connection. In addition to the traditional cleansers like benzoyl peroxide and chlorhexidine, gentle options like CeraVe, Cetaphil and Dove can be effective as well and they have antibacterial options too. CLn skincare also has multiple products designed for HS skin. In addition to cleansers, ant-chafing products, like Megababe or Body Glide can help reduce friction. Whole body deodorants (WBD) can also be effective to fight odor. Often the recommendation is to use products for sensitive skin that are fragrance-free but many of my HS patients prefer fragrance. As long as it doesn’t cause irritation, that’s one point I don’t die on the sword for. It speaks to the need for HS patients to enjoy scents and feel “normal.” If that is one thing I can give them without aggravating their disease, it can be a wonderful gift.
Clothing is another aspect of HS care that can help with comfort and confidence. One of my patients introduced me to Hidrawear, a product line designed to keep bandages in place and minimize adhesive exposure. Their clothing can also help reduce friction and provide a physical barrier. Ever thought about how swimming might be tough for a HS patient? Swimwear like HydroChic and Calypsa offer stylish options that provide coverage and stay put technology. Another product an HS patient told me about is Saalt underwear, touting its leak proof feature and overall comfort.
One challenge with HS that I would not have thought of until my patient told me is the struggle for female HS patients to sit down on the toilet to pee. She pointed out that just sitting can be extremely uncomfortable, especially with a flare. Her solution? A female urinary funnel, which allows women to pee standing up. Simple, yet brilliant to offer an effective solution to a challenge many women with HS face.
Trotter’s Take: Living with HS means addressing it head on, not only with medications that are at our disposal but with a comprehensive treatment plan that provides information on products and tools that can maximize quality of life.
Want to hear about hidradenitis suppurativa from a dermatologist’s perspective? Then check out my podcast with Dr. Harrison Nguyen as we answer patient questions about HS.
