I suffer from this as well
I must agree HS is a very invasive disease I am nearly 44 and this started at 11 when puberty started. I suffered in my groin area only for over a decade I had 3 surgeries preformed on my groin area either side from north all the way to the south. It kept it at bay for a period of time but then it returned but not as it was before.
It then spread to my arm pits, in the past 8 months it has started under my breasts and in my pubic hair area. I have been on countless antibiotics and when I went to skin doctor he put me on a medication called Ruaccutane, it is used to help with achne. I was on this medication for a period of 18 months which was long term as one would only be on it usually for 6 months.
It can cause long time issues with kidneys and liver, I had regular blood tests to ensure everything was ok. The medication worked I was clearing up areas that had never cleared up. There are quite a few other things that you need to be aware of as well you cannot be in the sun for more then 5 Mins or you would burnt like u went to sleep in the sun. It dries up the oil glands in your skin. See just about every cavity dried up. My lips and face was the worst. Certain foods to avoid like grapefruit (is yuck anyways.)
I ended up stopping the medication as I began to get worried of any long term effects. I am currently not taking any antibiotics hadn’t had any for a long time. I guess it won for ages I just got used to the flare up after flare up.
I use bapantham ( its used for nappy rash ) I apply it to the bump when it starts forming and it tends to keep it at bay. I have joined quite a few HS pages they have some really good ideas there.
I actually read today that Swisse has a Liver Detox ( herbal tabs) and that it cleans the liver well and has helped many with HS . So I brought two bottles from the chemist as they were in special. They say in the groups that in a few days they have notice the inflammation has gone down , one lady said she had stage 3 HS and now she would say she is a 1 from these tablets.
Others say Zote soap (used in the laundry ) works well on open or closed flares. With results being really good. I purchased these from the US as I could not find them in Australia. Still waiting for them to turn up in the mail a bit costly but oh well worth a try anyways.
I hope you ladies find what works for you, just be mindful what your taking and,find out any long term problems they may or not cause..Most of all know you are not alone. There are quite a few out there with HS.
Sorry it’s a bit long but I don’t vent very often but yeah today I am going to try and beat this disease in the ass.!