Summer can be an enjoyable time for a lot of people, but for those of us with Hidradenitis Suppurativa, it can come with a whole new set of problems. As many of us have experienced, HS can be incredibly debilitating. And hot weather can be a big trigger for us. It’s no secret that excessive heat can cause painful flare-ups, but luckily, there are ways we can lessen the burden that heat can have on our bodies.
Stay as cool as you can
This may already be difficult to do in the summer, especially if you’re like me and naturally sweat a lot. Like… a lot. It’s unnecessary. But that’s where AC units and oscillating fans come in handy. This is the time of the year where we have to take a few extra steps to nurture ourselves to protect our bodies. And if I’m being honest, some days are so hot that we need all the help we can get. So don’t feel bad for taking that tower fan and sitting it right in front of you to cool off.
Drink your water
This probably goes without saying, as we literally need water to survive. And it’s already been proven time and time again that there are a plethora of health benefits to drinking water. But in the summertime, it’s really important, especially to stay cool and hydrated. And I know – water can be pretty boring. But I’d recommend adding lemons, strawberries, or any of your favourite fruits to create a more pleasant experience. And depending on what you add, fruit-infused water can help with vitamin intake and digestive support. Personally, I love to buy vacuum-sealed reusable water bottles because they keep your drinks really cold for pretty much the entire day. My favourite one is from Hydro Flask, but you can get them pretty much anywhere.
Wear breathable clothing
I’d recommend wearing light material that lets your skin breathe and this can also help with excessive sweating. If you shop around a bit, you’re sure to find clothing that flatters your figure without compromising your HS.
Workout wisely
It seems contradictory at first, seeing as how excessive heat and sweating can cause flare-ups. But working out is still beneficial for your HS as it will aid in weight loss and promote better overall health for you. But PLEASE be careful if you are working out and only do what you can. Before I had the HS surgeries under my arms, working out anything above my waist was nearly impossible, as it was difficult to raise my arms. So be patient with yourself. And if you are working out, I’d suggest bringing a towel with you so you can easily wipe the sweat off of your body when you need to. It may also be beneficial to wear antiperspirant deodorant, but I’d HIGHLY suggest speaking with your doctor or health care professional first. It’s important to see what deodorant to use, as a lot of deodorants on the market aren’t really suited for our underarms. And afterward, drink that water and feel free to plop down in front of that fan.
At the end of the day, summer can be a great time to enjoy the outdoors, get some fresh air, and spend time with the ones you care about. And if you take care of your HS and stay cool when you can, it can be a great experience. Stay safe out there!
About the Author
Shatece Haynes is a HS Warrior based in the USA. She is a content creator and runs a YouTube channel featuring all things lifestyle, beauty and passion. Her goal is to motivate, inspire, learn, and have a ton of fun with you guys along the way!
