BLOCKED SWEAT GLANDS (HIDRADENITIS SUPPURATIVA)

Written by Slawomir (“Swavak”) Gromadzki, MPH

Hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) is an inflammatory condition which leads to blocked sweat glands, usually in the armpits, and rarely, on the buttocks, groin or under the breasts.

Hair follicles and sweat glands on the underarms, groin, buttocks and under the breasts become clogged, unable to get rid of dead skin cells. As a result, the clogged follicle or sweat gland creates a good environment for pathogenic bacteria to develop causing inflammation. Since there is no way for the infectious material to escape the clogged hair follicle or sweat gland, a filled with puss cyst forms, similar to a large, thick pimple. When the cysts burst, the inflammatory material spreads to other hair follicles and sweat glands and the process begins again.

HS is most common among black females, overweight people and those who spend too much time in hot and moist environments.

CAUSES

It is not known what exactly causes HS but it is believed that overexposures to heat, excessive sweating, and incomplete sweat gland development may block sweat glands, forcing sweat and bacteria into the tissue around it, which then becomes infected.

– Hormonal imbalance, overweight and use of stimulants such as smoking increases the risk of HS. In rare cases, hidradenitis suppurativa may be linked to Crohn’s disease (autoimmune condition). An overactive immune system, underlying metabolic syndrome and certain pharmaceutical drugs are also mentioned as other possible contributors.

– Also deficiency of Vitamin D, Magnesium, Zinc, Selenium and Antioxidants, dehydration, high levels of toxins, water and food stored in plastic, unhealthy lifestyle, chronic stress, anxiety, irritability, bad diet, use of pro-inflammatory refined oils and margarines, refined sugar, use of stimulants (including coffee, chocolate, etc.), gluten,  and overconsumption of heated animal (especially dairy) protein may contribute to this problem.

SYMPTOMS

HS usually leads to multiple lumps that are firm, tender, sized from 1 cm to 3 cm (occasionally larger) that may open and drain pus.

The condition sometimes leads to depression and withdrawal from social activities.

TREATMENT

Fight infection and reduce inflammation using listed below remedies.

In case HS is resistant to treatment, if the infection is severe or recurs, surgery may be needed to remove the lumps and cure the infection.

REMEDIES

INTERNAL

– Take Black seed oil, Zinc, Vitamin D3 (10,000 IU after every breakfast, must be with 200mg of good magnesium twice daily), and Selenium to address inflammation and infection.

– Good Multivitamin such as Daly Essentials by Phoenix Nutrition.

– Organic Chlorella and Charcoal to detoxify the body.

– Drinking a mixture of Ginger, fresh Lemon, and Cayenne Pepper may helped dramatically.

– Other beneficial remedies: Colloidal Silver, Astragalus, Pau d’Arco, Cat’s claw, Omega 3, Ground Flaxseed, good Probiotics.

EXTERNAL

– Every day in the morning and evening take alternative hot and very cold showers or apply alternative hot and very cold compresses to the affected area. It will boost immune system, help detoxify, reduce inflammation, and help with pain and lumps caused by a blocked sweat gland.

– Take some neem oil or black seed oil (Nigella sativa) on a cotton swab and apply to the affected areas, leaving it on for about 30 minutes and rinse. Repeat this twice daily.

– You can also apply a hot chamomile teabag as a compress to the affected area for pain relief.

– Wash skin with only natural soaps.

– Take some raw coconut oil (for better results you can add 1-2 drops of tea tree essential oil or few drops of oregano oil) using a cotton swab and apply it to the affected area leaving it on till it dries. Rinse with warm water and dry. Repeat it 2 times a day.

– Mix a tablespoon of apple cider vinegar with mother with half a cup of warm water. Dip a cotton pad into it and apply the mixture to the affected area or leave the cotton pad on the skin for better results. Rinse after about 30 minutes. Repeat twice daily.

– Some women claim pure fresh Aloe vera gel works very well.

– You can soak your body in Epsom salt warm bath water for about 15-30 minutes.

– Apply magnesium oil on the lesions to reduce pain and flare-ups.

– Apply a cabbage leaf to the effected area.

– Make Clay poultice on effected areas.

LIFESTYLE

– Drink 2-3 glasses of distilled water (with pinch of sea salt) or herbal teas such as tulsi, chamomile, lemon balm, sage, etc. 3 times a day between meals.

– Quit smoking and avoid alcohol, caffeine, cola and chocolate.

– Avoid brewer’s yeast as it was found to trigger hidradenitis suppurativa in some individuals. Also avoid foods that contain brewer’s yeast like beer, etc.

– Avoid dairy, gluten, refined oils and margarines, sugar, artificial sweeteners, white flour products.

– Lose weight if you are overweight; Go on Hallelujah Diet for 3-6 months.

– Wear loose natural clothing (100% cotton, hemp, or linen).

– Avoid sunscreens and creams with synthetic ingredients (use only natural such as coconut oil, castor oil, etc.).

– Avoid antiperspirants, perfumes or deodorants (instead use magnesium chloride oil).

– Avoid synthetic and tight clothing (including bras). Clothing that presses or rubs against skin increases chances of developing blocked sweat glands. Keep intimate places such as groin area cool and clean.

– Avoid shaving affected skin.

 

To make the treatment more effective implement principles included in the ULTIMATE RECOVERY PLAN >

 

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