The 7 Best Soaps for Hidradenitis Suppurativa Reviews 2024

Did you know that soap is among the best products for hidradenitis suppurativa? That’s right, the way you wash your skin can help keep the condition under control.

Although there is no permanent cure for hidradenitis suppurativa yet, dermatologists recommend keeping clean with antibacterial soap and antiseptic wash. This prevents a secondary infection and promotes healing.

Check out the best soap for hidradenitis suppurativa below:

The best soap for hidradenitis suppurativa	Highlights
CLn SportWash	Diluted bleach body wash is highly recommended for managing HS Antimicrobial, protects against bacteria, fungi, and viruses No artificial fragrance or parabens, hypoallergenic Non-drying, leaves skin soft and supple Does not contribute to antibiotic resistance Won’t stain or bleach clothing, towels, skin, or hair
Dial White Antibacterial Deodorant Soap	Moisturizing bar soap with a pleasant scent that makes lots of lather Rinses clean, leaves a pleasant fragrance behind Kills microbes that cause infection and odor
Dove Beauty Bar, Antibacterial	Clears up skin irritation while moisturizing Mild enough for the face and body Can remove 99% of bacteria from the skin in twenty seconds
Secura Total Body Antimicrobial Foam Cleanser	Medical-grade foam wash with benzethonium chloride Fragrance-free, alcohol-free, doesn’t sting the skin Removes dirt, leaves the skin fresh and clean without the need for rinsing Won’t stain towels or clothing
Hibiclens Antiseptic & Antimicrobial Skin Cleanser	Wound cleanser for managing HS flares Antimicrobial action keeps working for up to six hours after washing
Vanicream Gentle Body Wash	The perfect moisturizing body wash for sensitive skin Free from pretty much every irritant found in other soaps and body washes No sulfates, alcohol, fragrance, masking fragrance, parabens, etc. Carries the Seal of Acceptance from the National Eczema Association Doesn’t leave a residue and doesn’t dry out the skin
Aveeno Restorative Skin Therapy Sulfate-Free Body Wash	90% of oncology patient participants in a trial said that it’s gentle and moisturizing No artificial fragrance, sulfates, parabens, or phthalates Creamy, soothes itching In a convenient pump top bottle

How to identify hidradenitis suppurativa

If you’re worried that you might have HS (hidradenitis suppurativa), here’s what to look for. At first, you might think that the bumps are caused by blackheads, ingrown hairs, acne, or boils. They are often found in places where the skin rubs, like armpits.

The condition is more common among women in their twenties and thirties, and Black Americans are more often affected, especially if there is a history of it in their family.

What happens is that the hair follicles get blocked, and the lumps that appear can be quite painful. Sometimes they rupture and leak pus and blood. Also, in advanced stages, tunnels linking the sores form under the skin (1).

If you’re concerned that you might have hidradenitis suppurativa, don’t hesitate to speak to your doctor or dermatologist. The sooner you get treatment, the faster the recovery, and the easier it is to maintain healthy skin.

How to take care of HS at home

At a doctor’s office, you might get a prescription for topical antibiotics, oral antibiotics, or even hormone therapy. You may receive a steroid injection to shrink the sores. Plus, the doctor might suggest taking over-the-counter pain medication.

If the case is severe, a doctor may debride the skin, perform laser therapy, or do surgical removal. But if the case is mild, or if you’re in the middle of a pandemic and can’t easily visit a doctor, there are still things you can do at home to control HS.

Self-care includes cleansing the skin with an antiseptic wash or antibacterial soap. However, don’t try to pop the sores, shave, or remove hair. The idea is to help the skin heal without irritating it. Don’t even use a washcloth or loofah to scrub the skin.

If HS isn’t flaring up, feel free to use a gentle bath soap or body wash. We recommend ones made for sensitive skin like the ones below (2).

Next, try soothing the affected spots with a warm, wet compress. Wear loose clothing that doesn’t rub the area – or use soft, tight-fitting clothing that’s breathable and protects against friction.

Remember to eat healthy, with less sugar and more water, to stimulate healing and reduce inflammation in the body.

Lastly, learn how to do a bleach bath, or use a product like the CLn body wash with sodium hypochlorite (see it below in the reviews).